North Carolina
Forest City is a small city in North Carolina with a population of 7,368. Residents earn $35,897 per year, which is 52% below the national average.
Based on current data, Forest City receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forest City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Forest City is $35,897, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 29.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in Forest City is $142,100, 50% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Forest City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,067 per 100,000, 261% above the national average.
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Forest City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 92.9% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 7.1% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $35,897 |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $21,285 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,859 |
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 29.6% |
| 139% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,490M |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 136 |
| Retail | 205 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.35% |
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
| Census Median | $142,100 |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,519 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.5% |
| Price Drops | 42.3% |
| Inventory | 26 |
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.35% |
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 10.4% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.4% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,778/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
| Total Violent | 121.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 40.6/100K |
| Assault | 81.2/100K |
| Total Property | 7,067.4/100K |
| 261% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,313.3/100K |
| Theft | 5,442.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 311.4/100K |
| Arson | 13.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 52.1 inches |
| 37% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 999 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 8.6 sq mi (22.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3347°N, 81.8708°W |
| County FIPS | 37161 |
Winner: Republican by 47.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.2% |
| 49% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 85.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 4 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Retail Stores | 205 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Commute | 27.0 min |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |