Median Income
$68,042
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,500
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
219/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$783
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Forreston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,148
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density1,221/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,042
Per Capita$33,399
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$3,853M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,500
Rent$783
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$162,514
Housing Units560
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent219/100K
Property1,273/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.3%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation936 ft (285 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband89.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Forreston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forreston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Forreston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forreston is $68,042, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forreston is $116,500, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forreston is below the national average at 219 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,273 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Forreston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forreston has a population of 1,148 with a density of 1,221 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forreston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forreston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forreston is $68,042, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,399 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,119, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,030 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forreston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,042 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,399 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,066 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,030 |
| County GDP | $3,853M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Forreston is $116,500, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,514, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $783 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 560 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $5,958 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $83 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 560 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.11% |
In Forreston, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774. The dentist ratio is 1:2,334. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forreston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,774 |
| Dentists | 1:2,334 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,241/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Forreston has a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,273 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forreston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forreston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.5/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,273.1/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forreston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 936 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 936 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,221/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1273°N, 89.5784°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ogle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
93 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 48 fatalities, 996 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Forreston has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Forreston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $873 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $739 |
| Toddler | $672 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forreston
What is the population of Forreston?
Forreston has a population of 1,148 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,221 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Forreston expensive to live in?
Forreston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,042, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,500 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forreston safe?
Forreston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,273 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forreston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forreston?
Forreston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Forreston?
The job market in Forreston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,119. There are 1,030 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forreston?
The median home value in Forreston is $116,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,514. For renters, the median monthly rent is $783. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,958.
How are the schools in Forreston?
Schools in Forreston score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.7% of adults in Forreston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forreston?
The obesity rate in Forreston is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774.
What is transportation like in Forreston?
The average commute in Forreston is 26 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forreston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forreston is 91.3% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
