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Forest

Learn about the people, housing, costs and businesses in Forest, Illinois

Median Home$114,600
Median Rent$818/month
Population205
Leading IndustriesRetail · Construction · Public Administration22% retail
Home Value Growth⬇⬇-14.0% over 2 years
Retirees24% of residentsslightly above average
Homeowners81% of occupied units
NotableTransit83/100 · excellent transit access
NotableAffordable Market$115k median home · lower cost than 87% of the country
Forest City
IL

Frequently Asked Questions

What are today's mortgage rates in Forest?

As of today, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate for Forest is approximately 6.994% (7.003% APR). Rates vary based on your credit score, loan type, down payment, and other factors. Safe Rate updates rates daily using live investor pricing.

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What is the median home price in Forest?

The median home value in Forest is $115k. The median monthly rent is $818. Annual property taxes average $3k. Home values are based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates.

Are home values rising in Forest?

Home values in Forest have decreased 14.0% over the past two years. Buyers may find more negotiating room in this market. This data is sourced from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index.

How much income do you need to buy a home in Forest?

Based on a typical all-in ownership cost of $901/month (mortgage, taxes, insurance), you'd generally need a household income of approximately $39k/year to keep housing costs at or below 28% of gross income — a common lender guideline. The median household income in Forest is $71k/year.

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What industries drive the economy in Forest?

The largest employment sectors in Forest are public administration (26%) and retail (22%) of the local workforce. Industry data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.