Median Income
$45,625
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population336
Median Age25.7 yrs
Density201/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,625
Per Capita$18,600
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$237M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$775
Ownership65.3%
Zillow$79,692
Housing Units96
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.5%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain58.8 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation128 ft (39 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score4.56
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute22 min
Broadband98.0%
Libraries1
Is Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forest offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest is $45,625, 39% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Forest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Forest has a population of 336 with a density of 201 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 25.7 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 6.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.7yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Forest is $45,625, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,600 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 236 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,625 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,600 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 236 |
| County GDP | $237M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $875 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Forest is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,692, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 96 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $875 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $79,692 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.7% |
| Housing Units | 96 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $875 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.92% |
In Forest, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,919. The dentist ratio is 1:4,737. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,919 |
| Dentists | 1:4,737 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,554 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,774/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Forest has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Forest enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 58.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 128 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.6°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 201/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7924°N, 91.4126°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | West Carroll Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Monroe Regional (MLU)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.8"
55% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2020.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
64 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 2 |
251 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 3 |
181 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
283 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
214 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 199 fatalities, 2,604 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF5 |
46 km |
47 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
70 km |
38 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
39 km |
17 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
45 km |
10 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1983 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
82 km |
13 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
38 km |
58 |
| Dec 13, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
44 km |
3 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1995 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
MOLLICY WARREN |
2,175 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,042 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
LACEY |
1,439 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
SHALLOW LAKE ROAD WEST 2 H |
1,146 |
81 km |
| 2013 |
SINGLETON CREEK |
1,124 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
BOULDIN HOUSE N 3F |
1,061 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
SHALLOW LAKE WEST |
900 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
SHALLOW LAKE W |
892 |
80 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
80 km |
| 1989 |
SHALLOW LAKE |
820 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
RIDGE ROAD |
804 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
PINE ISLAND |
757 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
ARFSR-FY14-RX-JONES LAKE |
752 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
BOULDINHSE |
748 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
EAGLE LAKE |
742 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
741 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
56°F (14°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 45°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and September the driest (2.9").
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) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $560 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest
What is the population of Forest?
Forest has a population of 336 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 201 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Forest expensive to live in?
Forest is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,625, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest safe?
Forest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Forest?
Forest enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Forest?
The job market in Forest faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 236 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest?
The median home value in Forest is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,692. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.3%. The average annual property tax is $875.
How are the schools in Forest?
Schools in Forest have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.9% of adults in Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest?
The obesity rate in Forest is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,919.
What is transportation like in Forest?
The average commute in Forest is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest is 93.2% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
