Median Income
$42,286
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
615/100K
62% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,101
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Forest Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population19,619
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density2,128/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 18%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,286
Per Capita$21,689
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$26,282M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,000
Rent$1,101
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$163,111
Crime
F
Violent615/100K
Property5,526/100K
Murder5.3/100K
Assault270/100K
Burglary1,268/100K
Health
Obesity44.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain50.4 in/yr
Elevation996 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+76.0%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 15% / D 84%
Commute28 min
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Forest Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest Park receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forest Park has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest Park is $42,286, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest Park is $119,000, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,101 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 615 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,526 per 100,000, 182% above the national average.
Education
12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest Park enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Forest Park has a population of 19,619 with a density of 2,128 people per square mile. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (50.6%), with 18.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 72.8% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Spanish | 27.2% |
| 103% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Forest Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Park is $42,286, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income: Forest Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,286 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,689 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,481 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $40,293 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,233 |
| County GDP | $26,282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 466 |
| Healthcare | 471 |
| Retail | 756 |
| Manufacturing | 93 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Forest Park is $119,000, 58% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,101 (5% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,111.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,111 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $113 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.8% |
| Price Drops | 38.3% |
| Inventory | 47 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,101 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,249 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.88% |
In Forest Park, 44.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 17.4% report depression. 36.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Forest Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.9% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,266/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 471 |
Forest Park has a violent crime rate of 615 per 100,000 residents, 62% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,526 per 100,000 (182% above US avg). The murder rate is 5.3 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Forest Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 615.2/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
| Murder | 5.3/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rape | 42.4/100K |
| Robbery | 297.0/100K |
| Assault | 270.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,526.4/100K |
| 182% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,267.6/100K |
| Theft | 3,728.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 530.4/100K |
| Arson | 37.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 59 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest Park has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 50.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.6°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 50.4 inches |
| 33% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 2.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 996 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 9.2 sq mi (23.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,128/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.6205°N, 84.3582°W |
| County FIPS | 13063 |