Median Income
$97,000
29% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
294/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Forbes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density96/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans19.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,000
Per Capita$50,765
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,155M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$165,201
Housing Units23
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent294/100K
Property808/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Smoking13.4%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,558 ft (475 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Forbes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forbes receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Forbes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forbes is $97,000, 29% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forbes is below the national average at 294 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 808 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Forbes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Forbes has a population of 23 with a density of 96 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.8% female and 65.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Forbes is $97,000, which is 29% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,765 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,000 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 23 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 23 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
In Forbes, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.3% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forbes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Forbes has a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 808 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forbes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forbes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 293.9/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 808.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forbes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,558 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,558 ft (475 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 96/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9425°N, 98.7820°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 57 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
69 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Forbes has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Forbes. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forbes
What is the population of Forbes?
Forbes has a population of 23 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 96 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.8% female and 65.2% male.
Is Forbes expensive to live in?
Forbes is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $97,000, 29% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Forbes safe?
Forbes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 808 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forbes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forbes?
Forbes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Forbes?
The job market in Forbes is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Forbes?
Schools in Forbes score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.8% of adults in Forbes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forbes?
The obesity rate in Forbes is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What are the demographics of Forbes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forbes is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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