Lake Forest is one of the North Shore's most prestigious communities, offering a unique blend of historic elegance, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Home to approximately 20,000 residents, Lake Forest is located about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago and offers a convenient commute via the Metra Union Pacific North Line and nearby expressways. Known for its winding tree-lined roads, stately estates, preserved open spaces, and stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, the city provides a peaceful setting with an exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy beautiful beaches, miles of walking and biking trails, championship golf courses, and a vibrant downtown filled with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.
Families are drawn to Lake Forest for its highly regarded public and private schools, outstanding parks and recreation programs, and strong sense of community. The housing market features everything from charming historic cottages and classic Colonials to sprawling estates on expansive wooded lots and luxury lakefront homes. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, excellent schools, and timeless character, Lake Forest continues to be one of the most sought-after places to live on Chicago's North Shore.
20,957 people live in Lake Forest, where the median age is 46.1 and the average individual income is $108,356. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Lake Forest, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Hungry Monkey Baking Company, Lake Forest Farms Microgreens, and Saucier.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 0.26 miles | 45 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.26 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.34 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 0.91 miles | 5 reviews | 3.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.5 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 1.58 miles | 32 reviews | 1.9/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.59 miles | 4 reviews | 4/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.59 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.6 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.87 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.81 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.05 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.44 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.49 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.57 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.61 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.62 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.34 miles | 1 review | 1/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.05 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.07 miles | 42 reviews | 4.3/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.21 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.48 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.51 miles | 39 reviews | 4/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.75 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
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Lake Forest has 7,497 households, with an average household size of 2.64. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Lake Forest do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,957 people call Lake Forest home. The population density is 983 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
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