Median Income
$46,111
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,800
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
110/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$749
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.8%
11% higher than US avg
How Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,401
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density839/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,111
Per Capita$25,963
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty13.8%
County GDP$1,407M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,800
Rent$749
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$124,569
Housing Units652
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent110/100K
Property4,423/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.7%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation929 ft (283 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute24 min
Broadband92.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forest has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest is $46,111, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 13.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest is $106,800, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $749 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Forest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,423 per 100,000, 126% above the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 25.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forest has a population of 1,401 with a density of 839 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Forest is $46,111, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,963 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 589 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,111 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.8% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 589 |
| County GDP | $1,407M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,569 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Forest is $106,800, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,569, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $749 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 652 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,569 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,800 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,569 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $749 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 652 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,569 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.41% |
In Forest, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,618. The dentist ratio is 1:3,595. 35.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,618 |
| Dentists | 1:3,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,192 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,016/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Forest has a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,423 per 100,000, 126% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 110.0/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,423.3/100K |
| 126% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.6 inches. The area receives 25.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 929 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 839/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8044°N, 83.5146°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wyandot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD) 52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
68 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
98 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
97 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
34 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
83 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
123 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 84 fatalities, 1,416 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
7 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
13 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
56 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
3 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
62 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
44 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Forest. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest
What is the population of Forest?
Forest has a population of 1,401 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 839 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Forest expensive to live in?
Forest is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,111, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,800 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $749 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest safe?
Forest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,423 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest?
Forest has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 25.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Forest?
The job market in Forest is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 589 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest?
The median home value in Forest is $106,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,569. For renters, the median monthly rent is $749. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,569.
How are the schools in Forest?
Schools in Forest score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest?
The obesity rate in Forest is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 35.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,618.
What is transportation like in Forest?
The average commute in Forest is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest is 95.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.