Median Income
$156,618
108% higher than US avg
Home Value
$474,800
68% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
27/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
71.5%
112% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,950
68% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Forest Hills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28,494
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density578/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$156,618
Per Capita$79,311
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$2,329M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$474,800
Rent$1,950
Ownership94.4%
Zillow$648,391
Housing Units10,321
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent27/100K
Property1,212/100K
Health
Obesity28.8%
Uninsured3.7%
Smoking7.8%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation628 ft (191 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+71.5%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+31.9%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute21 min
Broadband97.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Forest Hills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest Hills receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Forest Hills stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest Hills is $156,618, which is significantly higher than the national average / 108% above $75,149. This places Forest Hills among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest Hills is $474,800, making it a premium housing market at 68% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,950 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Forest Hills is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,212 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
Forest Hills is a highly educated community / 71.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Forest Hills has a population of 28,494 with a density of 578 people per square mile, spread across 50.8 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Hills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.9%
34% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest Hills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Hills is $156,618, which is 108% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $79,311 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,090 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 22.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest Hills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $156,618 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $79,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,090 |
| County GDP | $2,329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.2% |
The median home value in Forest Hills is $474,800, 68% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $648,391, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,950 (68% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 10,321 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $4,340 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $474,800 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $648,391 |
| Median List Price | $599,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $599,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $260 |
| Homes Sold | 20 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,950 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.6% |
| Housing Units | 10,321 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.91% |
In Forest Hills, 28.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.0% of residents, below the national average. 25.8% have high blood pressure. 7.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 13.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,386. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
1.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
2.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.9
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
158.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Forest Hills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 3.7% |
| Cancer | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 1.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 7.8% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 13.5% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 8.9% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 3.7% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 80.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Forest Hills has a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,212 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest Hills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest Hills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 26.5/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,211.8/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 628 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 628 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 50.8 sq mi (131.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 578/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9602°N, 85.4897°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ionia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
81 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
74 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
297 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 36 fatalities, 803 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
69 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
36 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
76 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
62 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Forest Hills has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Forest Hills. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $691 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Hills
What is the population of Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has a population of 28,494 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 578 people per square mile, spread across 50.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Forest Hills expensive to live in?
Forest Hills has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $156,618, 108% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $474,800 (68% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,950 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest Hills safe?
Forest Hills is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,212 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forest Hills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Forest Hills?
The job market in Forest Hills is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 1,090 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 22.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest Hills?
The median home value in Forest Hills is $474,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $648,391. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,950. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,340.
How are the schools in Forest Hills?
Schools in Forest Hills score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 71.5% of adults in Forest Hills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 31.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest Hills?
The obesity rate in Forest Hills is 28.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 7.8% of adults are smokers. 13.5% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 3.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953.
What is transportation like in Forest Hills?
The average commute in Forest Hills is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 22.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest Hills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Hills is 89.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.