Park Forest, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Park Forest, Illinois is 20,898 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 116th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $62,305, the median home value is $106,200, and the median age is 36.9.
The population has declined 4.5% since 2010 (21,997 → 21,016).
20,898
Population
4212
People / sq mi
$62,305
Median Income
$106,200
Median Home Value
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Park Forest covers 5.0 sq mi of land at 4212 people per square mile.
About Park Forest, IL
In Park Forest, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $106,200. With 20,898 residents, Park Forest is a city in Illinois.
The typical household earns $62,305, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $106,200, with typical rent around $1,341.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 25.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
Park Forest village Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Park Forest village had a population of 21,997 in 2010 and 21,016 in 2024, a -4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,128 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
21,016
Population (2024)
21,997
Population (2010)
22,128
Peak (2013)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,997 |
| 2011 | 22,074 |
| 2012 | 22,109 |
| 2013 | 22,128 |
| 2014 | 22,084 |
| 2015 | 21,954 |
| 2016 | 21,796 |
| 2017 | 21,604 |
| 2018 | 21,387 |
| 2019 | 21,210 |
| 2020 | 21,617 |
| 2021 | 21,261 |
| 2022 | 20,987 |
| 2023 | 20,912 |
| 2024 | 21,016 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 20.1% |
| Black or African American | 69.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$62,305
Median Household Income
$29,400
Per Capita Income
12.0%
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$106,200
Median Home Value
$1,341
Median Rent
64.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.2%
High School+
25.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
7.1%
Drive Alone
76.7%
Public Transit
6.5%
Work From Home
33.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.9%
Foreign Born
89.6%
Non-English at Home
4.3%
Veterans
14.8%
With Disability
92.9%
Health Insurance
95.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.0% |
| Retail Trade | 12.0% |
| Manufacturing | 9.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.0% |
| Information | 6.5% |
| Public Administration | 6.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 4.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Construction | 4.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
Largest cities in Illinois
Largest counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Park Forest, Illinois has a population of 20,898 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 116th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Park Forest, Illinois is $62,305, with 12.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Park Forest, Illinois is $106,200, with median monthly rent at $1,341 and a homeownership rate of 64.5%.
The median age in Park Forest, Illinois is 36.9 years. The population is 44.7% male and 55.3% female.
The population has declined 4.5% since 2010 (21,997 → 21,016).
Park Forest village, IL Climate
Park Forest village, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 964 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
964
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 40 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 36 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 70 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 103 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 101 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 109 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 94 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 92 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 71 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 82 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 66 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Park Forest village, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Park Forest village, IL are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Park Forest
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.