Median Income
$161,111
114% higher than US avg
Home Value
$225,000
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
258/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.9%
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Forest Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population43
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans29.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$161,111
Per Capita$59,133
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,616M
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,000
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$245,664
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent258/100K
Property129/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,576 ft (480 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.9%
High School+100.0%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Broadband16.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Forest Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. 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 $161,111, which is significantly higher than the national average / 114% above $75,149. This places Forest Lake among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest Lake is $225,000, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forest Lake is below the national average at 258 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 129 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Forest Lake has a population of 43 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 9.3% Hispanic. 29.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
Social Characteristics
Forest Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Lake is $161,111, which is 114% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,133 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 990 business establishments, including 81 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $161,111 |
| 114% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $59,133 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,369 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 990 |
| County GDP | $2,616M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Forest Lake is $225,000, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,664. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). The average annual property tax is $5,074 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,664 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.26% |
In Forest Lake, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,742. The dentist ratio is 1:4,759. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,742 |
| Dentists | 1:4,759 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,504/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Forest Lake has a violent crime rate of 258 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 129 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 257.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 129.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 275 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 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 82.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,576 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,576 ft (480 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8882°N, 75.9594°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Susquehanna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
262 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
186 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 89 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Forest Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.6").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Lake
What is the population of Forest Lake?
Forest Lake has a population of 43 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% 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 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $161,111, 114% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,000 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest Lake safe?
Forest Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 258 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 129 per 100,000 (below 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 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 990 business establishments in the area, including 81 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Forest Lake?
The median home value in Forest Lake is $225,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,664. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,074.
How are the schools in Forest Lake?
Schools in Forest Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.9% of adults in Forest Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school.
How healthy is Forest Lake?
The obesity rate in Forest Lake is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,742.
What are the demographics of Forest Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Lake is 90.7% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino. 29.0% of the population are military veterans.
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