Median Income
$92,956
24% higher than US avg
Home Value
$318,300
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
52.4%
55% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.2%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Forest Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,797
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density5,134/mi²
Male / Female36% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,956
Per Capita$41,348
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$318,300
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$444,921
Health
Obesity29.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Elevation816 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.4%
High School+74.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Libraries13
Is Forest Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Forest Lake 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 Lake is $92,956, 24% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest Lake is $318,300, 13% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Forest Lake is a highly educated community — 52.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 74.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forest Lake has a population of 1,797 with a density of 5,134 people per square mile. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (70.9%).
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 53.5% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Spanish | 46.5% |
| 247% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Lake is $92,956, which is 24% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income: Forest Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,956 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Forest Lake is $318,300, 13% above the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $444,921.
Home Values
| Census Median | $318,300 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $444,921 |
| Median List Price | $382,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $382,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $275 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.4% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Forest Lake, 29.2% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 19.5% report depression. 13.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Forest Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.2% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 13.5% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 13.6% |
| Physical Distress | 8.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Crime Rates: Forest Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
Safety Score
Forest Lake has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.5 inches |
| 1% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 43.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 816 ft (249 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,134/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2118°N, 88.0525°W |
| County FIPS | 17111 |