| ZIP Code | 61532 |
|---|---|
| City | Forest City |
| State | Illinois (IL) |
| County | Mason County |
| Area Code | 309/861 |
| Elevation | 502 ft |
| Latitude | 40.348498 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -89.806912 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 17125 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.3 yrs ↑ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.08 |
| Below Poverty | 31.7% ▲ 217% above avg |
| College Grads | 35.4% ▼ 9% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.5% ▲ 74% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 7 (2.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 87 (29.9%) |
| Some College | 44 (15.1%) |
| Associates | 50 (17.2%) |
| Bachelors | 46 (15.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 57 (19.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,857 ▼ 31% below avg ↑ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $110,300 ▼ 60% below avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $856/mo ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 203 |
| Vacant Units | 9 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 203 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 9 |
| Owner Occupied | 71.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 28.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
ZIP code 61532 is located in Forest City, Illinois, within Mason County. With a population of 404, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.3 years. Economically, 61532 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,857 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 61532 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $110,300 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $856 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 71.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 31% since 2019.
The population of 61532 is primarily White (94.06%). Residents are moderately educated — 35.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 31.7%. Household income has grown by 5% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 61532 stands at 8.5%, which is significantly above the national average. About 21% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 60%.
Overall, ZIP code 61532 in Forest City, IL is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 404 residents, a median household income of $52,857, and a median home value of $110,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Illinois.