Home Value
$68,300
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
123/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population281
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density1,222/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
Per Capita$19,174
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,022M
Housing
Home Value$68,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$200,683
Housing Units140
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property5,066/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation883 ft (269 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations14
Libraries7
Is Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Forest has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest is $68,300, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Forest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,066 per 100,000, 158% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Forest has a population of 281 with a density of 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.7% female and 63.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $19,174 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 634 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $19,174 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,630 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 634 |
| County GDP | $2,022M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,403 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Forest is $68,300, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,683, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 140 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,403 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $68,300 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,683 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 140 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,403 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.52% |
In Forest, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,613. The dentist ratio is 1:2,190. 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:6,613 |
| Dentists | 1:2,190 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,925 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,709/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Forest has a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,066 per 100,000, 158% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.4/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,066.3/100K |
| 158% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°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 44.4 inches. The area receives 34.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 883 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 883 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3739°N, 86.3323°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
77 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,956 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
54 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
18 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
5 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Forest. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest
What is the population of Forest?
Forest has a population of 281 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.7% female and 63.3% male.
Is Forest expensive to live in?
Forest is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $68,300 (76% below the U.S. median).
Is Forest safe?
Forest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,066 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest?
Forest has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Forest?
The job market in Forest is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,019. There are 634 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Forest?
The median home value in Forest is $68,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,683. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,403.
How are the schools in Forest?
Schools in Forest score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest?
The obesity rate in Forest is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,613.
What are the demographics of Forest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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