Forest City, NC
Full City Profile · North Carolina · Rutherford County County
2.9
/5.0
C+
Fair
7,368
Population
858/sq mi density
$35,897
Median Income
$21,285 per capita
$142,100
Home Value
$190,259 Zillow
$815
Median Rent
33.8% income on rent
59°F
Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.8 / 5.0
$35,897 median income, 6.7% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$142,100 home value, $815/mo rent
C
Education
2.4 / 5.0
17.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Forest City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.7 inches. The area receives 4.5 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 999 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3347°N, 81.8708°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Rutherford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greenville Spartanburg International (GSP) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F (4°C) | 4.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 43°F (6°C) | 4.0 in | |
| March | 49°F (10°C) | 4.8 in | Wettest |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 4.5 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 74°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 78°F (25°C) | 4.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.8 in | Driest |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | |
| October | 59°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 49°F (9°C) | 4.0 in | |
| December | 42°F (6°C) | 4.8 in |
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 39°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and August the driest (3.8").