Median Income
$45,750
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
425/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.5%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$392
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Forest City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population180
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density184/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,750
Per Capita$23,819
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty6.4%
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,300
Rent$392
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$386,905
Housing Units128
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
F
Violent425/100K
Property637/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking18.3%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days272/yr
Elevation965 ft (294 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.5%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute38 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations8
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 unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. 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 $45,750, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest City is $74,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $392 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 637 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
7.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 272 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Forest City has a population of 180 with a density of 184 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest City is $45,750, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,819 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,750 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,819 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Forest City is $74,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,905, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $392 (66% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $386,905 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $392 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 128 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Forest City, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Forest City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
Food & Exercise
Forest City has a violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 637 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. Overall, Forest City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 424.6/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 636.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 272 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 35.3 inches. The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 965 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 272 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 184/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9825°N, 95.1919°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 250 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 4 DELTA 21 (1,708 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
15 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
15 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
15 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
14 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
13 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest City
What is the population of Forest City?
Forest City has a population of 180 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 184 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Forest City expensive to live in?
Forest City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,750, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $392 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest City safe?
The violent crime rate in Forest City is 425 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 637 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forest City receives a safety grade of F 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 272 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Forest City?
The job market in Forest City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City is $74,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,905. For renters, the median monthly rent is $392. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%.
How are the schools in Forest City?
Schools in Forest City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.5% of adults in Forest City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest City?
The obesity rate in Forest City is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Forest City?
The average commute in Forest City is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest City is 97.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.7% of residents have a disability. 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
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