Minnesota · Metropolitan Area
Forest Lake is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 20,678. Residents earn $89,879 per year, which is 20% above the national average.
Based on current data, Forest Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a low poverty rate. Forest Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Forest Lake is $89,879, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
The median home value in Forest Lake is $375,900, 33% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,379 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Forest Lake is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,656 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Forest Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 92.0% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 8.0% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $89,879 |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $45,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,167 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $112,241 |
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 7,011 |
| County GDP | $17,078M |
| Restaurants | 458 |
| Healthcare | 845 |
| Retail | 692 |
| Manufacturing | 215 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,819 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
| Census Median | $375,900 |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $414,576 |
| Median List Price | $459,950 |
| Median List Price | $459,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $193 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.9% |
| Inventory | 43 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,379 |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,644 |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,819 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,820/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 845 |
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 41.4/100K |
| Robbery | 25.9/100K |
| Assault | 103.5/100K |
| Total Property | 2,655.8/100K |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 321.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,179.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 155.3/100K |
| Arson | 10.4/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 33.1 inches |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 51.6 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 954 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 30.6 sq mi (79.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 677/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2508°N, 92.9669°W |
| County FIPS | 27163 |
Winner: Democrat by 8.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 35.7% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.3% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 677/sq mi |
| Total Area | 30.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 7 |
| Public Libraries | 9 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 845 |
| Restaurants | 458 |
| Retail Stores | 692 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Commute | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |