Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
436/100K
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.3%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Forestburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population40
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density75/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans32.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$30,885
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$158M
Housing
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$245,185
Housing Units20
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent436/100K
Property3,699/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,225 ft (373 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Broadband18.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Forestburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forestburg receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Forestburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forestburg is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
6.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Forestburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches, including 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Forestburg has a population of 40 with a density of 75 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35% female and 65% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 32.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forestburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Forestburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forestburg is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $800, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 90 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 38.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Forestburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $800 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 90 |
| County GDP | $158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 4 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 61.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 38.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,185. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 20 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 20 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Forestburg, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forestburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.0% |
| |
| Mental Health | 1:1,200 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,200/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Forestburg has a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 residents, 15% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. Overall, Forestburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forestburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 435.9/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,698.7/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forestburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,225 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,225 ft (373 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 75/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0212°N, 98.1032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sanborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.6"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
39 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
37 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
487 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Forestburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Forestburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forestburg
What is the population of Forestburg?
Forestburg has a population of 40 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 75 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35% female and 65% male.
Is Forestburg expensive to live in?
Forestburg is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Forestburg safe?
The violent crime rate in Forestburg is 436 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,699 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forestburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forestburg?
Forestburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.6 inches, with 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Forestburg?
The job market in Forestburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $800. There are 90 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Forestburg?
Schools in Forestburg score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.3% of adults in Forestburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forestburg?
The obesity rate in Forestburg is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Forestburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forestburg is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 32.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 81.0% have health insurance coverage.
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