Median Income
$84,337
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$364,900
29% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.9%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,706
47% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Forest City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,871
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density3,458/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,337
Per Capita$45,684
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$160,400M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$364,900
Rent$1,706
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity29.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression16.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Elevation118 ft
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.9%
High School+94.1%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 56%
Commute28 min
Libraries17
Is Forest City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest City receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Forest City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest City is $84,337, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest City is $364,900, 29% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,706 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest City has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Forest City has a population of 14,871 with a density of 3,458 people per square mile. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (61.8%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 9.3% Black.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 73.3% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Spanish | 26.7% |
| 99% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Forest City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest City is $84,337, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income: Forest City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,337 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,684 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,905 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 56,038 |
| County GDP | $160,400M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3,857 |
| Healthcare | 4,318 |
| Retail | 5,138 |
| Manufacturing | 874 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,880 |
| 125% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Forest City is $364,900, 29% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,706 (47% above US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $364,900 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Median List Price | $449,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $449,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $218 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 35.5% |
| Inventory | 31 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,706 |
| 47% above US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,880 |
| 125% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.16% |
In Forest City, 29.1% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 16.6% report depression. 20.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Forest City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 16.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,318 |
Crime Rates: Forest City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 200 |
Safety Score
Forest City has an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
62°F Jan (16°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 73.8°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 62°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 51.5 inches |
| 35% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 118 ft (36 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.6615°N, 81.4449°W |
| County FIPS | 12095 |