Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,000
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.8%
172% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.3%
120% higher than US avg
How Forest City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population225
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density433/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans16.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$28,239
Unemployment9.8%
Poverty27.3%
County GDP$634M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,000
Rent$920
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$88,695
Housing Units88
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property881/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking16.7%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation492 ft (150 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute31 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Forest City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Forest City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest City is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest City is $70,000, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Forest City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 881 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forest City has a population of 225 with a density of 433 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 16.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest City is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,239 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $813, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 298 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $813 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,475 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.8% |
| 172% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.3% |
| 120% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $634M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Forest City is $70,000, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,695, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,889. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,000 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $88,695 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.56% |
In Forest City, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576. The dentist ratio is 1:2,550. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,576 |
| Dentists | 1:2,550 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,505 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Forest City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 881 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 881, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Forest City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 881.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 881.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Forest City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.3 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 492 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 492 ft (150 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 433/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3722°N, 89.8325°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
757 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 774 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.5").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest City
What is the population of Forest City?
Forest City has a population of 225 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 433 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Forest City expensive to live in?
Forest City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,000 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest City safe?
Forest City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 881 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forest City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest City?
Forest City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Forest City?
The job market in Forest City faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $813. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City is $70,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,695. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,889.
How are the schools in Forest City?
Schools in Forest City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Forest City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest City?
The obesity rate in Forest City is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576.
What is transportation like in Forest City?
The average commute in Forest City is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest City is 89.3% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 16.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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