Median Income
$62,917
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,400
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Forest City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,280
Median Age32.0 yrs
Density932/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,917
Per Capita$34,494
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$690M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,400
Rent$719
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$184,961
Housing Units1,827
Rent Burden23.7%
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Elevation1,261 ft (384 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Forest City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest City receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest City is $136,400, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow.
Forest City has a population of 4,280 with a density of 932 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (87.8%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 2.1% Black, 7.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,280
Total Population
2023 Census
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
11.2%
16% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest City is $62,917, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,494 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,917 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,494 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Forest City is $136,400, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,961, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,827 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,053. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,400 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,961 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,827 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
In Forest City, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552. The dentist ratio is 1:1,517. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,552 |
| Dentists | 1:1,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Forest City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 44.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,261 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,261 ft (384 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 932/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2571°N, 93.6366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.51"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 986 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
100 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
69 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
51 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
61 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
39 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Forest City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $653 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest City
What is the population of Forest City?
Forest City has a population of 4,280 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 932 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Forest City expensive to live in?
Forest City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,400 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Forest City?
Forest City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Forest City?
The job market in Forest City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City is $136,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,961. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,053.
How are the schools in Forest City?
Schools in Forest City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Forest City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest City?
The obesity rate in Forest City is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552.
What is transportation like in Forest City?
The average commute in Forest City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest City is 87.8% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.