| Statistic | River Forest | Illinois | National |
| Population | 10,883 | 12,671,821 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 4,389 | 228 | 91 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 65% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 51% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 86% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 5% | 13% | 13% |
The population of River Forest is 10,883, with a population density of 4,389 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 40.8 and 65% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 51% have children under 18. As far as income equality in River Forest goes, 13% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 50% report an income exceeding $150,000. The River Forest demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
The River Forest racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in River Forest is 83.2% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 6.5% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 86.2% reported speaking English only, while 4.8% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 10.5% of residents were considered foreign born.
In areas with high population density, residents enjoy a wealth of amenities and services conveniently located within walking distance or a short commute. Access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, cultural venues, dining options, retail stores and public transit enhances residents' quality of life and overall well-being. River Forest has a population density of 4,389 people per square mile, which far exceeds the national average of 91 and ranks among the most densely populated cities in the country.
A city that prioritizes the well-being and necessities of families, such as River Forest, fosters an environment where children prosper, parents receive robust support and families collectively relish a high standard of living. Family-friendly cities are renowned for nurturing tight-knit communities, where neighbors actively assist and look out for one another. Furthermore, these locales often offer exceptional educational opportunities, encompassing top-notch schools, well-stocked libraries, and a plethora of extracurricular activities. Quality education is paramount for the comprehensive development and future success of children. By placing a premium on the welfare of its populace, such cities emerge as vibrant and resilient communities where families can genuinely flourish. In River Forest, 51% of families have children under 18, and 65% of residents aged 15 and above are married. These demographic attributes position this area to harness the advantages of being a family-friendly locale.
Healthcare Planning: The examination of River Forest demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Education Allocation: Utilizing census data like River Forest demographics can be useful in guiding education planning, as it helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources and devising effective educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among various demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. In essence, River Forest demographic statistics can play an indispensable role in education by promoting equity, bolstering student success and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use River Forest demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using River Forest demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
| Race | River Forest | Illinois | National |
| White | 83.19% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 6.65% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 3.63% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 3.55% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 2.98% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
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