At a Glance
Median Income
$92,956
$41,348 per capita
Home Value
$318,300
Zillow: $477,441
Bachelor's Degree+
52.4%
74.3% high school+
Unemployment
5.3%
2.7% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
29.2%
8.0% smoking rate
How Forest Lake Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Forest Lake's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Forest Lake a Good Place to Live?
A+
4.7 / 5.0 - Excellent
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Forest Lake residents earn a median household income of $92,956 , which is 24% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $41,348. The unemployment rate stands at 5.3% (47% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Forest Lake is $318,300 , 13% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $477,441. The cost of living index is 100.0 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1993.
Education
52.4% of adults in Forest Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(55% above the national average).
74.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
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 totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Data Overview
People
Population1,797
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density5,134/mi²
Male / Female36% / 65%
Foreign Born41.2%
Veterans0.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$92,956
Per Capita$41,348
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$15,983M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,060
Housing
A+
Home Value$318,300
Rent
Ownership94.5%
Zillow$477,441
Housing Units631
Rent Burden30.3%
Health
Obesity29.2%
Diabetes7.3%
Smoking8.0%
Heart Disease4.0%
Premature Death5,730/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain38.4 in/yr
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation816 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.4%
High School+74.3%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score6.2/10
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband97.1%
Internet Speed124 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Did You Know?
Forest Lake was founded in 1935.
The median home in Forest Lake was built in 1993.
The nearest airport is Chicago O'Hare International (18 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.411 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
16.4% of the population has a disability.
41.2% of residents are foreign-born.
Average internet download speed is 124 Mbps.
There are 645 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 18 fatal vehicle crashes.