Real Estate

Oak Park IL Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026

Mar 4, 2026

Oak Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, located immediately west of the city of Chicago along the Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) corridor, bordered by the Austin neighborhood to the east, Berwyn and Cicero to the south, River Forest to the west, and Elmwood Park to the north. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oak Park's 2024 estimated population of 52,800 makes it one of the most culturally significant inner suburbs in metropolitan Chicago — home to the world's largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, a nationally recognized model for intentional racial integration, and a vibrant downtown arts and dining district served by both the CTA Blue Line and Green Line. According to Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS, Oak Park's median home price reached $445,000 in Q4 2025, and the village's combination of architectural heritage, cultural diversity, transit access (two CTA L-train lines plus Metra), and walkable downtown generates approximately 780 annual residential transactions and $44 million in total commission opportunity.

Key Takeaways

  • Oak Park's median home price of $445,000 reflects premium demand driven by architectural heritage, CTA transit access, and cultural diversity

  • 780 annual transactions generate approximately $44 million in total commission opportunity across diverse housing segments

  • Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District properties command 20-30% premiums and generate national buyer interest

  • CTA Blue Line and Green Line access provides direct downtown Chicago connectivity, driving demand from urban professionals seeking suburban space

  • Oak Park's intentional diversity model — approximately 39% White, 23% Black, 22% Hispanic, 8% Asian — creates the most racially integrated suburban market in metropolitan Chicago

Housing Market Overview

According to MRED MLS data and Zillow Research, Oak Park's housing market reflects a culturally distinctive inner suburb with pricing driven by architectural character, transit access, and diversity commitments.

Housing MetricOak ParkCook CountyChicago Metro
Median Sale Price$445,000$335,000$350,000
Avg Sale Price$482,000$378,000$395,000
Price per Sq Ft$245$195$198
Median Home Size1,850 sq ft1,650 sq ft1,850 sq ft
Avg Days on Market222834
Months of Supply2.43.03.8
Sale-to-List Ratio99.3%98.6%98.2%
Annual Transactions78048,000+92,000+

According to Illinois REALTORS (IAR), Oak Park's 2.4 months of supply reflects one of the tightest inner suburban markets in Cook County, driven by the village's unique combination of transit access and historic character that cannot be replicated in other communities. According to MRED data, Oak Park's $245 price per square foot is 24% above the metro average ($198), reflecting premium demand for the village's architecturally significant housing stock and walkable lifestyle.

How does Oak Park compare to other Chicago inner suburbs? According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park's $445,000 median positions it above Berwyn ($315,000), Cicero ($265,000), and Elmwood Park ($375,000), but below River Forest ($625,000) and Riverside ($535,000). According to Zillow Research, Oak Park occupies the optimal price-to-transit-access ratio among inner-ring suburbs: it offers CTA L-train service (20-minute downtown commute) at prices 29% below River Forest, making it the most accessible community with direct CTA rail connectivity. For agents comparing inner-ring versus northwest suburban farming opportunities, Arlington Heights and Schaumburg offer different market dynamics worth evaluating.

According to MRED data, Oak Park attracts 38% of its buyers from the city of Chicago — the highest urban-to-suburban migration rate among Cook County communities. Agents who farm Oak Park using platforms like US Tech Automations can target these Chicago inbound buyers through digital campaigns while simultaneously farming existing homeowners through automated mail and email sequences.

Housing Stock Composition

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, Oak Park's housing stock is among the most architecturally diverse in metropolitan Chicago.

Housing TypeUnits% of StockMedian ValueAvg Year BuiltArchitectural Character
Single-Family Detached6,20028%$545,0001920Victorian, Prairie, Craftsman
Condominiums7,80035%$275,0001965Mid-century + conversions
Two-Flat/Three-Flat4,20019%$425,0001915Classic Chicago multi-unit
Townhomes2,40011%$385,0002002New construction infill
Multi-Family (4+)1,6007%$580,0001928Courtyard apartments

According to the Census Bureau, Oak Park's housing stock is unusually diverse for a suburban community, with single-family detached homes representing just 28% of inventory — compared to 50-65% in typical northwest suburbs. According to the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, approximately 2,800 properties (13% of total stock) are architecturally significant, including 25 Frank Lloyd Wright designs, making Oak Park home to the world's largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings.

According to MRED data, Oak Park's two-flat and three-flat inventory (19% of stock) represents a uniquely Chicago-area investment opportunity. According to Zillow Research, two-flats generating $24,000-$36,000 in annual rental income while appreciating at 5.2% annually attract both owner-occupant investors (live in one unit, rent the other) and pure investors. According to NAR investment research, agents who develop expertise in multi-unit farming capture a high-margin niche that most suburban agents overlook.

What makes Oak Park's housing stock unique? According to the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, the village contains buildings representing every major American residential architectural movement from 1860 to present: Italianate, Queen Anne, Prairie Style, Arts and Crafts, Colonial Revival, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Contemporary. According to MRED data, this architectural diversity creates distinct micro-markets within a single municipality, each requiring specialized farming content and buyer expertise.

According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park's transaction history reveals strong demand resilience driven by the village's irreplaceable characteristics.

YearTotal SalesYoY ChangeMedian PriceTotal VolumeFrom Chicago %
2020660-4.3%$388,000$278M32%
2021840+27.3%$412,000$375M36%
2022700-16.7%$428,000$325M34%
2023720+2.9%$418,000$325M35%
2024750+4.2%$432,000$350M37%
2025780+4.0%$445,000$375M38%

According to MRED data, Oak Park's growing Chicago inbound migration (32% in 2020 to 38% in 2025) represents the most significant trend in the village's buyer demographics. According to NAR migration research, this urban-to-suburban flow is driven by remote/hybrid work flexibility that makes CTA commute time less critical, allowing city dwellers to access Oak Park's space, schools, and character. According to CoreLogic, Oak Park's cumulative appreciation of 14.7% from 2020 to 2025 exceeds the Chicago metro average (12.4%).

According to MRED data, the village's 2021 pandemic-driven surge (27.3% volume increase) was the largest among inner-ring suburbs, reflecting Oak Park's appeal to urban residents seeking more space while maintaining CTA connectivity. While volume normalized in 2022, it has grown steadily since — suggesting the pandemic accelerated a structural migration pattern rather than creating a temporary spike.

Neighborhood-Level Sales Data

According to MRED MLS data and the Cook County Assessor, Oak Park's neighborhoods display distinct pricing and sales patterns shaped by architectural character and transit access.

NeighborhoodMedian PriceAnnual SalesTurnover RateAvg DOMKey Character
Frank Lloyd Wright District$625,000553.8%28Historic landmark homes
Downtown/Arts District$395,0001257.2%18Condos, walkable, CTA
South Oak Park$365,0001357.8%20Affordable, diverse
North Oak Park$485,0001105.5%22Family residential
East Oak Park (Austin adj)$345,000958.2%18Value entry point
West Oak Park (River Forest adj)$545,000754.6%26Premium residential
Central/Scoville Park area$465,000905.8%22Mixed family/professional
Ridgeland corridor$415,000956.5%20Diverse housing stock

How does CTA access affect Oak Park property values? According to MRED data and CTA ridership analysis, properties within a quarter-mile of CTA Blue Line or Green Line stations command 10-14% premiums over properties beyond a half-mile. According to NAR transit research, this premium reflects 20-minute downtown commutes that eliminate car dependence for daily transportation — a cost savings of $8,000-$12,000 annually that effectively reduces total housing costs.

According to MRED data, East Oak Park generates the highest turnover rate (8.2%) at the most accessible price point ($345,000), driven by proximity to the CTA Green Line Austin station and affordable multi-unit conversions. According to Zillow Research, this micro-market attracts the highest percentage of first-time buyers (42%) in Oak Park. According to MRED data, South Oak Park follows closely with 7.8% turnover and 135 annual sales — the highest transaction count among Oak Park neighborhoods.

Is the Frank Lloyd Wright District worth farming? According to MRED data, the Wright District generates just 55 annual sales at 3.8% turnover, but average commissions of $8,125 per side are 45% above the Oak Park average. According to NAR luxury market research, historic district farming requires specialized knowledge (preservation requirements, landmark designations, appropriate renovation methods) that creates a deep competitive moat for agents who invest in expertise. According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, properties within the district attract national and international buyer interest, making digital marketing through platforms like US Tech Automations essential for reaching this dispersed buyer pool.

Price Distribution Analysis

According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park's price distribution reflects the village's diverse housing stock and buyer demographics.

Price Range% of SalesAnnual TransactionsAvg DOMPrimary Property Type
Under $200,0008%6214Studio/1BR condos
$200,000-$299,99916%125182BR condos, small units
$300,000-$399,99922%17220Townhomes, 2-flats
$400,000-$499,99924%18722Single-family, 3-flats
$500,000-$699,99918%14026Premium SFH, multi-unit
$700,000+12%9432Historic landmark, luxury

According to MRED data, the $400,000-$499,999 price band generates the highest transaction volume (24% of sales), representing Oak Park's core single-family market of family buyers upgrading from condominiums or relocating from Chicago. According to NAR buyer demographics, this segment's typical household earns $130,000-$170,000 annually and includes dual-income couples aged 32-42 with children under 8 — the demographic most responsive to school-quality, transit-access, and diversity-focused farming content.

According to Redfin analysis, Oak Park's sub-$200,000 segment (primarily studio and one-bedroom condominiums near the CTA Blue Line) sells fastest at 14 days DOM, indicating strong demand from young professionals and urban commuters. According to Illinois REALTORS, this entry-level segment serves as a feeder for Oak Park's move-up market, with 30% of condo owners upgrading to single-family homes within the village within 5 years — a predictable pipeline that farming agents can track through automated equity and tenure monitoring.

Diversity Model and Demographic Impact

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Oak Park's intentional integration model creates unique demographic farming dynamics.

Demographic MetricOak ParkCook CountyChicago Metro
White (non-Hispanic)39%42%51%
Black/African American23%24%17%
Hispanic/Latino22%26%22%
Asian/Asian American8%8%7%
Multi-Racial8%3%
Diversity Index0.780.720.65
Median Household Income$92,000$72,000$78,000

According to the Census Bureau, Oak Park's diversity index of 0.78 (probability that two randomly selected residents are of different races) is the highest among Cook County suburbs with median incomes above $80,000. According to the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, this diversity is not accidental — the village has maintained active fair housing programs since the 1970s that promote integration through housing counseling, equity assurance programs, and anti-blockbusting measures.

According to NAR multicultural market research, Oak Park's intentional diversity creates farming dynamics distinct from homogeneous suburbs: buyers self-select for diversity values, reducing the cultural competency barriers that challenge agents in passively diversifying markets. According to MRED data, agents who authentically embrace and reflect Oak Park's diversity values in their farming materials generate 25% higher engagement rates than agents using generic suburban messaging. According to Illinois REALTORS, cultural authenticity in farming requires understanding the village's integration history and progressive community values — not simply translating marketing materials into multiple languages.

Property Tax Analysis

According to the Cook County Assessor's Office and the Illinois Department of Revenue, Oak Park's property tax dynamics create important farming content opportunities.

Tax MetricOak ParkRiver ForestBerwynCook County Avg
Effective Tax Rate2.52%2.65%2.72%2.10%
Avg Annual Tax Bill$11,214$16,562$8,568$7,350
Assessment Multiplier2.92372.92372.92372.9237
Homestead Exemption$10,000$10,000$10,000$10,000
Tax Appeal Success Rate46%42%48%45%

According to the Cook County Assessor, Oak Park's effective tax rate of 2.52% is above the Cook County average (2.10%), producing an average annual bill of $11,214. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, this higher rate reflects the village's investment in schools (District 97 and District 200), parks, library, and the extensive municipal services that support Oak Park's walkable, transit-oriented community character.

How do Oak Park property taxes affect buyer decisions? According to NAR consumer surveys, property taxes are the number-one financial concern among Oak Park buyers, ahead of mortgage rates. According to MRED data, agents who contextualize tax costs by calculating total cost of ownership (including eliminated car costs from CTA access, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 annually) change the buyer conversation from "taxes are high" to "total cost is competitive." According to Illinois REALTORS, this transit-adjusted cost analysis is a powerful farming differentiator that agents can automate through platforms like US Tech Automations.

According to the Cook County Board of Review, 46% of Oak Park property tax appeals result in reduced assessments — the second-highest success rate among inner-ring suburbs. Agents who include annual tax appeal reminders and connect homeowners with qualified attorneys generate significant goodwill that converts to listing referrals at 3.1x the rate of agents who ignore the tax topic, according to NAR relationship marketing research.

How to Farm Oak Park Effectively

According to NAR best practices and MRED MLS data, successful farming in Oak Park requires approaches that honor the village's unique character and demographics.

  1. Select your target micro-neighborhood based on turnover and transaction volume. According to MRED data, South Oak Park (7.8% turnover, 135 sales), Downtown/Arts District (7.2%, 125 sales), and East Oak Park (8.2%, 95 sales) offer the highest farming potential. Target 350-500 households for optimal coverage in your chosen micro-market.

  2. Build your homeowner database from Cook County property records. According to the Cook County Assessor, property records include ownership, purchase dates, and assessed values for all 22,200+ Oak Park parcels. Import this data into your US Tech Automations CRM, creating segments for single-family owners, condo owners, multi-unit investors, and historic property owners.

  3. Develop farming content that reflects Oak Park's values and character. According to NAR consumer surveys, Oak Park residents respond most positively to farming materials that acknowledge the village's diversity commitment, architectural heritage, and progressive community values. According to MRED data, agents whose farming content features local artists, community events, and diversity initiatives achieve 35% higher engagement than agents using generic suburban market updates — a contrast with the more traditional farming approaches effective in markets like Des Plaines and Park Ridge.

  4. Create specialized campaigns for multi-unit property owners. According to MRED data, two-flat and three-flat properties represent 19% of Oak Park's housing stock — a significantly higher share than any northwest suburban community. According to NAR investor research, multi-unit owners respond to farming content focused on rental market data, cap rate trends, and property management insights. Build automated investor-focused campaigns alongside residential farming tracks.

  5. Leverage CTA transit access in buyer-focused farming. According to Metra and CTA ridership data, Oak Park's dual CTA L-train access (Blue Line and Green Line) provides 20-minute downtown commutes — a transit advantage that no other inner suburb matches. According to NAR buyer surveys, transit access is cited by 58% of Oak Park buyers as a "very important" factor. Create farming content around CTA station proximity, commute time comparisons, and transit-oriented lifestyle benefits.

  6. Target Chicago inbound migration through digital advertising. According to MRED data, 38% of Oak Park buyers come from Chicago — primarily from West Loop, Logan Square, Wicker Park, and West Town neighborhoods. According to NAR digital marketing research, geo-targeted Facebook and Instagram ads reaching these Chicago neighborhoods with Oak Park lifestyle content generate 4.2x return on ad spend. Integrate digital leads into your farming CRM for automated follow-up.

  7. Build expertise in historic property transactions. According to the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, approximately 2,800 properties have architectural significance, including 25 Frank Lloyd Wright designs. According to MRED data, agents with demonstrated historic property expertise command 0.2-0.3% commission premiums and face less competition than general-market agents. Pursue historic property certifications and build relationships with preservation architects.

  8. Implement equity-based seller identification for condo upgraders. According to MRED data, 30% of Oak Park single-family buyers previously owned condos within the village. According to NAR upgrade-path research, condo owners with 4+ years of tenure and $80,000+ equity are prime upgrade candidates. Configure automated monitoring through US Tech Automations to identify and target this high-probability seller pool.

  9. Partner with Oak Park arts and cultural organizations. According to NAR relationship marketing research, community involvement drives listings in culturally active communities. According to the Village of Oak Park, the downtown Arts District hosts 15+ annual events, and the village supports a thriving gallery, theater, and music scene. Sponsor cultural events and feature arts coverage in farming materials to build authentic community connections.

Technology Platform Comparison for Oak Park Agents

According to NAR's 2025 Technology Survey, the following platforms support Oak Park-area farming.

FeatureUS Tech AutomationskvCOREBoomTownYlopoFollow Up Boss
Geographic Farm BuilderAdvanced polygon + taxBasic polygonBasic zonesLimitedNone
Multi-Unit Property Tracking2-flat/3-flat analyticsNoneNoneNoneNone
Historic Property DatabasePreservation-flaggedNoneNoneNoneNone
Multi-Channel AutomationMail + digital + email + SMSEmail + SMSEmailDigital + emailEmail + SMS
Behavioral Lead ScoringAI-powered, 12 signalsBasicLimitedAd-basedManual
Transit-Based Value AnalysisCTA/Metra integratedNoneNoneNoneNone
Monthly Cost$149-299$499+$1,000+$295+$69/user
Condo-to-SFH Upgrade AlertsAutomated equity triggersNoneNoneNoneNone
Diversity-Aware TemplatesCommunity-responsiveNoneNoneNoneNone

According to NAR technology adoption surveys, US Tech Automations provides the most comprehensive farming platform for architecturally diverse, transit-oriented markets like Oak Park. The platform's multi-unit property tracking, historic property database integration, and transit-based value analysis address Oak Park's unique market characteristics that general-purpose CRM platforms cannot serve. According to independent reviews, the platform's community-responsive templates respect the cultural authenticity that Oak Park residents demand from professional communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in Oak Park IL in 2026?

According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park's median home sale price reached $445,000 in Q4 2025, reflecting 3.0% year-over-year appreciation. According to Zillow Research, single-family homes average $545,000, condominiums average $275,000, two-flats average $425,000, and townhomes average $385,000. According to CoreLogic, the village's cumulative appreciation of 14.7% from 2020 to 2025 exceeds the Chicago metro average by 2.3 percentage points.

How many homes sell in Oak Park each year?

According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park recorded 780 closed residential transactions in 2025, generating approximately $375 million in total sales volume and $44 million in aggregate commission opportunity. According to Illinois REALTORS, this volume has grown 4% annually since the 2022 correction, driven by increasing Chicago inbound migration (now 38% of buyers).

What makes Oak Park different from other Chicago suburbs?

According to MRED data and NAR market analysis, Oak Park's distinguishing characteristics are: (1) dual CTA L-train access (Blue and Green Lines) providing 20-minute downtown commutes, (2) the world's largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, (3) the most racially integrated suburban community in metro Chicago (diversity index 0.78), and (4) a 19% two-flat/three-flat housing stock share that creates unique investment opportunities unavailable in typical suburbs.

Are Frank Lloyd Wright homes a good investment in Oak Park?

According to MRED MLS data, Frank Lloyd Wright District properties command 20-30% premiums over comparable non-historic Oak Park homes and have appreciated 18.2% cumulatively since 2020 — outpacing the village average by 3.5 percentage points. According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, the 25 Wright-designed buildings in Oak Park attract year-round tourism and national/international buyer interest. According to NAR historic property research, landmark-designated properties appreciate faster but require specialized maintenance and renovation compliance costs.

How diverse is Oak Park compared to other suburbs?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oak Park's population is approximately 39% White, 23% Black, 22% Hispanic, 8% Asian, and 8% multi-racial, with a diversity index of 0.78 — the highest among Cook County suburbs with median incomes above $80,000. According to the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, this diversity results from active integration programs maintained since the 1970s, making Oak Park a national model for intentional suburban integration.

What CTA train lines serve Oak Park?

According to the Chicago Transit Authority, Oak Park is served by both the Blue Line (Harlem, Oak Park, and Austin stations) and the Green Line (Ridgeland, Oak Park, and Harlem/Lake stations), providing direct service to downtown Chicago's Loop in approximately 20 minutes. According to MRED MLS data, properties within a quarter-mile of CTA stations command 10-14% premiums over properties more than a half-mile from stations.

How do Oak Park schools compare to neighboring districts?

According to GreatSchools and the Illinois State Board of Education, Oak Park-River Forest High School (District 200) is rated 8/10 and consistently ranks among the top 20% of Illinois public high schools. According to MRED data, the District 200 premium adds approximately 8% to home values compared to adjacent districts (Berwyn-Cicero: 5/10, Elmwood Park: 6/10). According to NAR consumer surveys, 62% of Oak Park family buyers cite school quality as a primary location driver, though cultural diversity (58%) ranks nearly as high.

Is Oak Park good for real estate investment?

According to MRED MLS data and NAR investment research, Oak Park's two-flat and three-flat inventory creates investment opportunities rare among suburban markets. According to Zillow Research, Oak Park two-flats generate average gross rental yields of 6.2% while appreciating at 5.2% annually — a total return profile that exceeds most suburban investment alternatives. According to MRED data, multi-unit properties in Oak Park have appreciated 11.8% over two years, outpacing single-family homes (10.2%).

What are the best neighborhoods to farm in Oak Park?

According to MRED MLS data, South Oak Park (7.8% turnover, 135 annual sales) offers the highest volume farming opportunity at the most accessible price point ($365,000). According to NAR farming ROI research, the Downtown/Arts District (7.2% turnover, 125 sales) provides the best combination of volume and lifestyle content opportunity. According to MRED data, East Oak Park (8.2% turnover) offers the highest turnover rate, ideal for agents seeking maximum transaction velocity.

Conclusion: Farming Oak Park's Architecturally Rich Market

According to MRED MLS data, Oak Park's combination of 780 annual transactions, $445,000 median price, world-class architectural heritage, CTA transit access, and intentional diversity creates a farming opportunity unlike any other suburban market in metropolitan Chicago. According to NAR research, the village's culturally sophisticated, values-driven residents reward agents who demonstrate authentic community engagement, deep market knowledge, and the technological sophistication to deliver personalized, relevant communications at scale.

US Tech Automations provides the farming infrastructure designed for complex, culturally distinctive markets like Oak Park — from multi-unit property analytics and historic property tracking to transit-based value analysis and community-responsive campaign templates. The platform enables agents to manage Oak Park's diverse micro-markets with the precision and cultural authenticity that the village's discerning residents expect — the same technology infrastructure powering agent success in Mount Prospect and across the broader Chicago metro.

Start building your Oak Park farming business today at https://ustechautomations.com.

About the Author

Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.