Median Income
$108,250
44% higher than US avg
Home Value
$294,400
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.7%
39% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,732
49% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Forest Oaks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,095
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density853/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$108,250
Per Capita$43,265
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$5,991M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$294,400
Rent$1,732
Ownership91.6%
Zillow$307,857
Housing Units1,576
Rent Burden43.6%
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured1.2%
Smoking9.7%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+17.2%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute22 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Forest Oaks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest Oaks receives an overall livability score of 4.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Forest Oaks stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest Oaks is $108,250, which is significantly higher than the national average / 44% above $75,149. This places Forest Oaks among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest Oaks is $294,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,732 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest Oaks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow.
Forest Oaks has a population of 4,095 with a density of 853 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (77.5%), with 15.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,095
Total Population
2023 Census
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest Oaks vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest Oaks vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest Oaks is $108,250, which is 44% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,265 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,042 business establishments, including 232 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest Oaks vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $108,250 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,265 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,662 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,042 |
| County GDP | $5,991M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 232 |
| Healthcare | 214 |
| Retail | 380 |
| Manufacturing | 282 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,417 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Forest Oaks is $294,400, 4% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $307,857. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $528,500 with homes selling in an average of 73 days. Homes sell for 95.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,732 (49% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,576 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,417. 43.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $294,400 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $307,857 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $528,500 |
| Median List Price | $412,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $528,500 |
| Median List Price | $412,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 73 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.1% |
| Price Drops | 6.7% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,732 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,576 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,417 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.16% |
In Forest Oaks, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 9.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 16.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 1.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,341. The dentist ratio is 1:2,608. 56.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest Oaks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.7% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.1% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 1.2% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,341 |
| Dentists | 1:2,608 |
| Mental Health | 1:797 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,479/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 214 |
Forest Oaks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 774 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 853/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.9885°N, 79.7080°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Randolph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.80"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
12 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 28, 2011 |
2 km S of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
16 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
251 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
197 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
253 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
254 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
127 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
220 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
256 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
266 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 467 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
54 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,090 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
748 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
665 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
PINE ROAD |
582 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
565 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Forest Oaks has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.8") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Forest Oaks. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $827 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $515 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $528 |
| Preschool | $487 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Oaks
What is the population of Forest Oaks?
Forest Oaks has a population of 4,095 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 853 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Forest Oaks expensive to live in?
Forest Oaks is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $108,250, 44% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $294,400 (4% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,732 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Forest Oaks?
Forest Oaks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Forest Oaks?
The job market in Forest Oaks is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $994. There are 3,042 business establishments in the area, including 232 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest Oaks?
The median home value in Forest Oaks is $294,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $307,857. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $528,500, with homes typically selling within 73 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,732. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,417.
How are the schools in Forest Oaks?
Schools in Forest Oaks score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.7% of adults in Forest Oaks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 17.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest Oaks?
The obesity rate in Forest Oaks is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.7% of adults are smokers. 16.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 1.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,341.
What is transportation like in Forest Oaks?
The average commute in Forest Oaks is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest Oaks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Oaks is 77.5% White, 15.5% Black or African American. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.