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Oak Forest, IL


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Oak Forest, Illinois

Introduction to Oak Forest, Illinois

Oak Forest, Illinois, in Cook county, is 6 miles E of Orland Park, Illinois (center to center) and 18 miles S of Chicago, Illinois. The city is part of the Chicago metropolitan statistical area (MSA). About 28,051 people live in Oak Forest.

Oak Forest History

The area now known as Oak Forest was named “Cooper's Grove” in the 1800s. Mr. Cooper, who had settled in this area in the 1830s, was possibly the first resident of Bremen Township. In the 1840s, a large number of settlers arrived in this area. The post office was established in 1848. The name “Oak Forest” can be traced back to the 1983 version of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railway timetable. The place was probably named "Oak Forest" because of its proximity to forest preserves and oak trees. Oak Forest was originally incorporated as a village in 1947 and then reincorporated as a city in 1971.

Oak Forest and nearby Attractions

  • Matteson Historical Museum
  • Acorn Public Library
  • Hope Christian Reformed Church
  • Oak Forest Commons Shopping Center
  • Fieldcrest Park

Things To Do In Oak Forest

The city of Oak Forest is near several museums including Matteson Historical Museum, American Police Center & Museum, Midwest Carvers Museum, and Tinley Park Historical Society and Museum. While in the city, one can also visit the local public libraries and churches. There are a large number of parks that offer a range of recreational facilities. In addition, the Oak Forest Commons Shopping Center and the Oak Creek Shopping Center are popular tourist haunts. Oak Forest also hosts the annual Irish Fest.

Oak Forest Transportation

Air transportation facilities are provided by the Chicago Midway International Airport.

Oak Forest Higher Education

Institutes offering higher educational facilities to residents of Oak Forest are Moraine Valley Community College, City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J. Daley College, Governors State University, South Suburban College, and Chicago State University.

High Points

Oak Forest strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Public Transportation Use
(vs. Peers)
Top 11%Oak Forest Public Transportation Use
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. Peers)
Top 12%Oak Forest Low Rate of Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. Peers)
Top 14%Oak Forest People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
(vs. State)
Top 15%Oak Forest Median Family Income
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 15%Oak Forest Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 17%Oak Forest Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Oak Forest, IL

Comparing Oak Forest to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population99
Well-Paid Single Men89
Well-Paid Single Women79
Age of the Population64
Children Under 5 Years Old56
Racial Diversity49
Senior Citizens32
Female Share of the Population23

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married98
Average Household Size89

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Above Poverty99
People in Middle Class or Better99
Median Family Income89
College Educated Adults58

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use910
Working at Home55
Walking and Biking to Work26
Short Commute Times12

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built69
Affordability of Rents53
People Living Alone33
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals37
Affordability of Property Taxes22
Seasonal and Vacation Housing13

Detailed pages on related topics: Oak Forest collegesOak Forest travelOak Forest mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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Oak Forest colleges and trade schools.
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