Is Forest Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forest Park

Forest Park, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated just west of Chicago. This village provides a distinct community feel, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and proximity to a major metropolitan hub. Its location offers convenient access to employment centers, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities.

The village is characterized by its diverse population and a strong sense of community. Forest Park’s historical roots are evident in its well-preserved architecture and established neighborhoods. This blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Forest Park?

Forest Park’s overall crime rate presents a mixed picture, with specific areas experiencing higher rates than others. The village has a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, which is considered high when compared to national averages and even higher than most communities within Illinois (NeighborhoodScout). Residents’ chances of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime are approximately one in 32.

Violent crime in Forest Park occurs at a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants, with a chance of becoming a victim of 1 in 247 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, is also a concern, with a rate of 28 per one thousand population, translating to a chance of one in 36 (NeighborhoodScout). Notably, Forest Park has been identified as having one of the higher rates of motor vehicle theft nationally (NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs in Forest Park

The housing market in Forest Park presents a range of options, with varying price points and rental rates. The median listing price for a home in Forest Park is approximately $190,900 (realtor.com®). However, other reports indicate a median home value of around $272,765, which has seen a 4.8% increase over the past year (Zillow). Home prices have also seen fluctuations, with one report indicating a median sale price of $265,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 23.2% compared to the previous year (Redfin).

For renters, the median rental price in Forest Park is around $1,700 per month (Zumper), with specific listings showing rents for one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,325 and two-bedroom apartments at $2,395 (Zumper). The median gross rent is $1,367 per month (Point2Homes). Housing expenses in Forest Park are approximately 35% higher than the national average (Payscale).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Forest Park’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 7,492 residents, with an employment rate of 95.6% (Point2Homes). The majority of the workforce, around 86.8%, is employed in professional or administrative roles, while 13.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (Point2Homes). The primary employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services (Data USA).

The average annual household income in Forest Park was reported as $106,631 in 2024, though this figure has seen a slight decrease of -2.3% from the previous year. The median income stands at $77,221, reflecting a -5% shift over the same period (Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Forest Park is around 4.4%, which is considered typical for the area (Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Forest Park experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperatures in July reach around 89°F, while January sees average lows of 36°F (WorldWeatherOnline). The area receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, with an average of 51 inches annually, and December is typically the wettest month (BestTimeToGo). Sunshine is most abundant in May, with approximately 9.6 hours of sunshine per day (BestTimeToGo).

The weather offers a pleasant mix of wetter and drier periods, with a noticeable difference between the wettest month, December, and the driest month, September. Humidity tends to be higher during the summer months, contributing to muggy conditions (WorldWeatherOnline).

Demographics and Population

Forest Park is home to a population of approximately 13,900 residents (Data USA). The village is diverse, with White non-Hispanic residents forming the largest group, followed by Black or African American non-Hispanic residents and Asian non-Hispanic residents (Data USA). Approximately 12.1% of residents were born outside of the country (Data USA).

Citizenship rates in Forest Park are high, with 94.3% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (Data USA). The median age in Forest Park is 41.5 years, with a slightly larger proportion of residents aged 65 and older compared to those under 18 (Wikipedia).

Educational Opportunities

Forest Park School District No. 91 serves the educational needs of the village’s younger residents. The district includes several elementary schools, such as Field Stevenson Elementary, Garfield Elementary, and Betsy Ross Elementary (Niche). While specific school ratings for Forest Park are not detailed here, the presence of these institutions indicates a commitment to local education.

For higher education, residents are within reach of numerous institutions in the broader Chicago metropolitan area. These institutions offer a wide array of programs and degrees to support lifelong learning and professional development.

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

The employment landscape in Forest Park is shaped by a variety of industries and businesses. Key sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services (Data USA). These sectors provide a diverse range of job opportunities for the local workforce.

While specific major employers are not detailed, the village’s proximity to Chicago suggests access to a vast array of companies across numerous industries. This includes opportunities in finance, technology, manufacturing, and retail, among others, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

Cost of Living Considerations

The cost of living in Forest Park, Illinois, is approximately 16% higher than the national average (Payscale). This figure is influenced by various expense categories, with housing expenses being notably higher than the national average by about 35% (Payscale). Utility prices, however, are slightly lower than the national average by approximately 5% (Payscale).

Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are about 4% higher than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are also around 4% higher than the national average (Payscale). These factors contribute to the overall cost of living, making it important for potential residents to consider their budget carefully.