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
Park Forest covers 5.0 sq mi of land at 4212 people per square mile.
About Park Forest, IL
Park Forest is a city in Illinois with a population of 20,898. It ranks #116 among cities in Illinois by population. The median age is 36.9, younger than the national median. The population is 44.7% male and 55.3% female.
The median household income in Park Forest is $62,305, below the US median of $74,580. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,341. The homeownership rate of 64.5% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Park Forest reflects 25.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.7 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).
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.