Cost of Living in Park Forest, IL
Population 20,898 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Park Forest is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 37 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($106,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 25 miles east of Joliet, Park Forest falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Park Forest
The median home value in Park Forest is $106,200 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,341/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,305/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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%. Overall, Park Forest has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Park Forest, IL?
Park Forest has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Park Forest, IL?
The median gross rent in Park Forest is $1,341 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Park Forest?
The median home value in Park Forest is $106,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Park Forest?
The median household income in Park Forest is $62,305 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Park Forest, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Park Forest is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Park Forest, IL affordable?
Yes, Park Forest is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
Park Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 20,898
- Median Income
- $62,305
- Home Value
- $106,200
- Median Rent
- $1,341/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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