Mississippi · Metropolitan Area
Forest is a small city in Mississippi with a population of 5,365. Residents earn $51,082 per year, which is 32% below the national average.
Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forest offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Forest is $51,082, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Forest is $129,100, 54% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $695 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Forest enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 74.5% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 25.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $51,082 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,570 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $866 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,636 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.6% |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 527 |
| County GDP | $1,446M |
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,604 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.02% |
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
| Census Median | $129,100 |
| 54% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,653 |
| Census Median Rent | $695 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,604 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.02% |
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 17.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.0% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 79.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Premature Death | 14,974/100K |
| Food Environment | 5.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Annual Average | 63.3°F |
| 17% above US avg | |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 462 ft (141 m) |
| Area | 13.1 sq mi (33.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3598°N, 89.4759°W |
| County FIPS | 28123 |
Winner: Republican by 24 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.7% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 67.5% |
| School Test Score | 4.42 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Total Area | 13.1 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Retail Stores | 121 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Commute | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |