At a Glance
Median Income
$78,825
$45,287 per capita
Home Value
$319,100
Zillow: $414,857
Median Rent
$1,112/mo
29.6% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
48.4%
95.3% high school+
Unemployment
3.9%
3.6% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
35.0%
11.3% smoking rate
How Forest Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Forest's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Forest a Good Place to Live?
A+
4.5 / 5.0 - Excellent
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Forest residents earn a median household income of $78,825 , which is 5% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $45,287. The unemployment rate stands at 3.9% (8% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 2,654 business establishments, including 273 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Forest is $319,100 , 13% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $414,857. Median rent is $1,112/month, with 29.6% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 101.1 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1992.
Education
48.4% of adults in Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(44% above the national average).
95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.6/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Forest has an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C).
Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population12,476
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density917/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Foreign Born4.0%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,825
Per Capita$45,287
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty3.6%
Avg Weekly Wage$1,129
Housing
A
Home Value$319,100
Rent$1,112
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$414,857
Housing Units4,964
Rent Burden29.6%
Health
Obesity35.0%
Diabetes9.4%
Smoking11.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Premature Death11,251/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F
Rain42.8 in/yr
Elevation793 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.4%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+21.7%
School Score5.6/10
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.5%
Internet Speed42 Mbps
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Did You Know?
The median home in Forest was built in 1992.
16.0% work from home.
The nearest airport is Lynchburg Regional/Preston Glenn Field (5 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.448 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
8.7% of the population has a disability.
There are 273 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 2 fatal vehicle crashes.