Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

River Forest, IL Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSAChicago-Naperville MSAChicago-Naperville-Elgin#22/303 Home Value

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

11,992

Median Agei

Race & Ethnicityi

White

77.8%9,331

Hispanic/Latino

6.9%825

Asian

5.5%659

Two or More

4.9%588

Black

4.9%586

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%3

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

1.6%124

High School Diploma

6.3%490

Some College (<1 yr)

2%157

Some College (1+ yr)

7.6%590

Associate's Degree

6.5%501

Bachelor's Degree

27.6%2,142

Master's Degree

24.6%1,909

Professional Degree

15.1%1,173

Doctorate

5.6%431

HS or Higher

96.9%

BA or Higher

72.9%

Graduate+

45.3%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$687,300

Median Renti

$1,554

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

87.7%3,911

Renter-Occupied

12.3%549

Total Units

4,680

Homeownership

87.7%

Vacancy Rate

4.7%

Home Values

Under $50K

1.4%54

$50K–$100K

3.4%133

$100K–$150K

1.1%44

$150K–$200K

3.1%120

$200K–$300K

14.8%579

$300K–$500K

11.7%459

$500K–$1M

41.7%1,632

$1M+

22.8%890

Rent Distribution

$500–$750

$1,000–$1,250

$1,250–$1,500

142

$1,500–$2,000

205

$2,000+

Year Built

2010–2019

1.2%55

2000–2009

7.7%360

1990–1999

0.7%31

1980–1989

2.2%103

1970–1979

10.8%507

1960–1969

8.6%402

1950–1959

14.1%662

1940–1949

12.5%583

1939 or earlier

42.2%1,977

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

80.7%3,598

Electricity

17.4%775

Other

1.2%55

No Fuel

0.7%32

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$146,786

Mean Household Incomei

$242,555

Per Capita Incomei

$91,438

Poverty Ratei

2.5%

Unemploymenti

8.1%

Labor Forcei

5,913

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

2%89

$10K–$15K

0.9%40

$15K–$20K

1.3%60

$20K–$25K

2.5%112

$25K–$30K

3.6%161

$30K–$35K

2.4%109

$35K–$40K

1.8%79

$40K–$45K

4.3%192

$45K–$50K

5.9%262

$50K–$60K

3.6%161

$60K–$75K

7.8%346

$75K–$100K

5.4%242

$100K–$125K

4.3%194

$125K–$150K

4.9%217

$150K–$200K

8.4%375

$200K+

40.8%1,821

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers4 homes

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

5,358

Avg. Commutei

32.5 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

5,436

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

282(3.1% of civilian adults)