Forest City, IA
Full City Profile · Iowa · Winnebago County County
4.1
/5.0
A
Great
4,280
Population
932/sq mi density
$62,917
Median Income
$34,494 per capita
$136,400
Home Value
$184,961 Zillow
$719
Median Rent
23.7% income on rent
45°F
Avg Temperature
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Strong
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$62,917 median income, 2.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$136,400 home value, $719/mo rent
B
Education
3.1 / 5.0
26.0% bachelor's degree or higher
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.
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
Air Quality
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)
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").