Cost of Living in Forsyth, IL

Population 3,656 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

94
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Forsyth a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $290,000.

Forsyth is about 35 miles east of Springfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 87% higher than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 95
Rent 92

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Forsyth

The median home value in Forsyth is $289,800 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,207/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,456/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 62.8°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Forsyth has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$289,800
5% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$238,626
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,207/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 92.3%
Renter-occupied 7.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,207
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,821/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.7 min
31% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.7%
Carpooled
7.6%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
6.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$113,456
52% above avg
Per Capita Income
$61,549
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
Labor Force Participation
57.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.2%
Graduate degree 22.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.9
Male median age 41.2
Female median age 43.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.8°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
36.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 354052647483868479665140
Low °F 202332425362666355443425
Precip" 1.991.842.513.664.384.383.323.032.983.182.972.12

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
46.8%
Good air days/yr
287
Max AQI recorded
248
PM2.5 days
117
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Forsyth, IL?

Forsyth has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.

What is average rent in Forsyth, IL?

The median gross rent in Forsyth is $1,207 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Forsyth?

The median home value in Forsyth is $289,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Forsyth?

The median household income in Forsyth is $113,456 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Forsyth, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forsyth is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Forsyth, IL affordable?

Forsyth is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Forsyth?

Forsyth has average high temperatures of 62.8°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 36.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Forsyth at a Glance

Population
3,656
Median Income
$113,456
Home Value
$289,800
Median Rent
$1,207/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
62.8°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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