Forest, IN

Indiana

Forest is a small town in Indiana with a population of 281.

4.4 /5.0
A Great
281 Population 1,222/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $19,174 per capita
$68,300 Home Value $200,683 Zillow
N/A Median Rent
51°F Avg Temperature
A
Overall
4.4 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Education
4.4 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $68,300
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 11.7%
5% 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

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$19,174
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$2,022M
Commute29 min

Housing

Home Value$68,300
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$200,683

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

ObesityN/A
UninsuredN/A

Climate

Avg Temp51°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Elevation883 ft

Education

A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+85.2%
School Score6.01

Community

2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute29 min
Broadband99.0%
Libraries7

Is Forest a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Forest stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Forest is $68,300, 76% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership.

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 6/10.

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. 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. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (100%).

Population

281
Total Population
1,222
People / sq mi
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
0.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 63.3%
Female 36.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Forest vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Forest vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Forest is N/A. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.

Income: Forest vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$19,174
Avg Weekly Wage$1,019
IRS Avg AGI$58,630

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate11.7%
5% below US avg
Establishments (County)634
County GDP$2,022M

Business (County)

Restaurants54
Healthcare59
Retail100
Manufacturing34

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,403
31% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate3.52%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time29.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Forest is $68,300, 76% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,683.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

Owner-Occupied100.0%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,403
31% below US avg
Effective Rate3.52%

Health Metrics: Forest vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Premature Death9,709/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.6/10
Exercise Access68.8%
Healthcare Facilities59

Crime Rates: Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)5

Safety Score

Forest has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 44.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Temperature

25°F Jan (-4°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average50.6°F
6% below US avg
January Average25°F (-4°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall44.4 inches
17% above US avg
Snowfall34.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation883 ft (269 m)
Area0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²)
Population Density1,222/sq mi
Coordinates40.3739°N, 86.3323°W
County FIPS18023
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent. 0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (100% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 48-point margin. 99.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 73.2%
D 25.2%

Winner: Republican by 48 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+85.2%
School Test Score6.01
A Education Grade (4.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 6Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent
Population Density1,222/sq mi
Total Area0.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access99.0%
Public Libraries7
Healthcare Facilities59
Restaurants54
Retail Stores100

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)5

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute29.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

Compare Forest with another city: