Median Income
$78,825
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$319,100
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.4%
44% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,112
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,476
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density917/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,825
Per Capita$45,287
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty3.6%
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$319,100
Rent$1,112
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$405,620
Health
Obesity35.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain43.6 in/yr
Elevation793 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.4%
High School+95.3%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute22 min
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forest receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Forest 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 is $78,825, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 3.6% 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 is $319,100, 13% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,112 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches, including 12.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Forest has a population of 12,476 with a density of 917 people per square mile. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 10.1% Black.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 95.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Spanish | 4.6% |
| 66% below US avg |
The median household income in Forest is $78,825, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,825 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,287 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,129 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,363 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,654 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 273 |
| Healthcare | 280 |
| Retail | 337 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,881 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Work from Home | 16.0% |
The median home value in Forest is $319,100, 13% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,112 (4% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,620.
Home Values
| Census Median | $319,100 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $405,620 |
| Median List Price | $419,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $419,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 20 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,112 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,644 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,881 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Forest, 35.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.5% report depression. 21.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 280 |
Crime Rates: Forest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Forest has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 43.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 43.6 inches |
| 15% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 12.4 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 793 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 13.6 sq mi (35.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 917/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3749°N, 79.2771°W |
| County FIPS | 51680 |