Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Forest River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population139
Median Age48.2 yrs
Density278/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$34,119
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,027M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,900
Ownership96.7%
Zillow$161,388
Housing Units69
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,790/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking14.3%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation862 ft (263 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute27 min
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Forest River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest River receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Forest River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forest River is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forest River is $86,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forest River is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,790 per 100,000, 42% above the national average.
Education
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Forest River has a population of 139 with a density of 278 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forest River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forest River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forest River is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,119 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,100, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 519 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forest River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,119 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,100 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,292 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 519 |
| County GDP | $1,027M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,643 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Forest River is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,388, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $4,643 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,388 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,643 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.34% |
In Forest River, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 19.7% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,491. 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forest River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,491 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,435 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,772/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Forest River has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,790 per 100,000, 42% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forest River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forest River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.6/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,790.0/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forest River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 862 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.0°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 862 ft (263 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 278/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2166°N, 97.4703°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walsh County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (17,778 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,224 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,810 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
JUPITER FIRE |
2,389 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,181 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
BEACHES LAKE |
1,946 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
DEVILS PLAYGROUND |
1,879 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,764 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
FLUFFERS FIRE |
1,755 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
VIKING FIRE |
1,698 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,695 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
MCKINLEY 2 |
1,653 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
BEACHES LAKE FIRE |
1,379 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
LINCOLN |
1,369 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
CLOW |
1,358 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
DAHL |
1,312 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,312 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
WATER TOWER FIRE |
1,286 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Forest River has a seasonal temperature swing of 64°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Forest River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $881 |
| Toddler | $804 |
| Preschool | $746 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $615 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest River
What is the population of Forest River?
Forest River has a population of 139 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 278 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Forest River expensive to live in?
Forest River is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,900 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forest River safe?
Forest River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,790 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forest River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forest River?
Forest River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Forest River?
The job market in Forest River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,100. There are 519 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forest River?
The median home value in Forest River is $86,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,388. The homeownership rate is 96.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,643.
How are the schools in Forest River?
Schools in Forest River score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Forest River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forest River?
The obesity rate in Forest River is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,617.
What is transportation like in Forest River?
The average commute in Forest River is 27 minutes. 57.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forest River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest River is 96.4% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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