Median Income
$89,879
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$375,900
33% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
147/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,379
19% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Forest Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population20,678
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density677/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$89,879
Per Capita$45,527
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$17,078M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$375,900
Rent$1,379
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$414,576
Housing Units8,445
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent147/100K
Property3,050/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault59/100K
Burglary337/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.6%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation954 ft (291 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score6.95
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute25 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Forest Lake a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine. Forest Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Forest Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,050 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
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 7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Forest Lake has a population of 20,678 with a density of 677 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Lake is $89,879, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,527 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,167, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,011 business establishments, including 458 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Forest Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $89,879 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,167 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $112,241 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,011 |
| County GDP | $17,078M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 458 |
| Healthcare | 845 |
| Retail | 692 |
| Manufacturing | 215 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,819 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Forest Lake is $375,900, 33% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,576, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,379 (19% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,445 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $5,819 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $375,900 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $414,576 |
| Median List Price | $459,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $459,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $193 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.9% |
| Inventory | 43 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,379 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,644 |
| Rent Burden | 30.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 8,445 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,819 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
In Forest Lake, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:959. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
1.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
129.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Forest Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 27.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:959 |
| Dentists | 1:1,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:296 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,820/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 845 |
Forest Lake has a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 58.7 per 100,000, robbery at 14.7, rape at 73.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,050 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,576, burglary at 337, vehicle theft at 137 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.7/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 73.3/100K |
| Robbery | 14.7/100K |
| Assault | 58.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,050.3/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
| Burglary | 337.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,576.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 136.9/100K |
| Arson | 4.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2,059 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.1 inches. The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 954 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 954 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 35.5 sq mi (92.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 677/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2508°N, 92.9669°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0445 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.62 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 59 fatalities, 1,004 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
63 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
32 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
55 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
61 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
67 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
11 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
67 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Forest Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Forest Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $888 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $801 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Lake
What is the population of Forest Lake?
Forest Lake has a population of 20,678 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 677 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Forest Lake expensive to live in?
Forest Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $89,879, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $375,900 (33% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,379 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest Lake safe?
Forest Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,050 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forest Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,167. There are 7,011 business establishments in the area, including 458 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest Lake?
The median home value in Forest Lake is $375,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,576. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,379. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,819.
How are the schools in Forest Lake?
Schools in Forest Lake perform well, with an average test score of 7 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 35.7% of adults in Forest Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest Lake?
The obesity rate in Forest Lake is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:959.
What is transportation like in Forest Lake?
The average commute in Forest Lake is 25 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Lake is 82.4% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.