Median Income
$46,389
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$193,900
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$878
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
56% higher than US avg
How Forks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,413
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density824/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,389
Per Capita$30,573
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty19.4%
County GDP$3,825M
Commute20 min
Housing
A
Home Value$193,900
Rent$878
Ownership50.9%
Zillow$333,872
Housing Units1,451
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,665/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault256/100K
Burglary282/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain119.9 in/yr
Sunny Days226/yr
Elevation304 ft (93 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 53%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations9
Libraries4
Is Forks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forks receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Forks has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forks is $46,389, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forks is $193,900, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $878 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forks is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,665 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Forks experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 119.9 inches, including 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Forks has a population of 3,413 with a density of 824 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (63.5%), with 14.6% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.6% of residents, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.6%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.4%
45% above US avg
The median household income in Forks is $46,389, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,573 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,286 business establishments, including 232 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,389 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,573 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,286 |
| County GDP | $3,825M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 232 |
| Healthcare | 218 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,769 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Forks is $193,900, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,872, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $878 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,769 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $193,900 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $333,872 |
| Median List Price | $487,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $487,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $305 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $878 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,451 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,769 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Forks, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043. The dentist ratio is 1:1,066. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,043 |
| Dentists | 1:1,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:204 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.9% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 218 |
Forks has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 256.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 25.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,665 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,307, burglary at 282, vehicle theft at 77 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Forks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 281.8/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 25.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 256.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,665.4/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Burglary | 281.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,306.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 76.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 80 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forks experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 119.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 304 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
62°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 226 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 304 ft (93 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 824/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.9528°N, 124.3903°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Clallam County County |
| Nearest Airport | William R Fairchild International (CLM)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
119.9"
216% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
17.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0343 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.03 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.10 ppm |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
364 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.7 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 3, 1999 |
8 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.8 |
120 km |
| Jun 10, 2001 |
18 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.0 |
110 km |
| Jun 23, 1997 |
2 km NE of Enetai, Washington |
M4.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
26 km W of Brinnon, Washington |
M4.8 |
91 km |
| Jan 30, 2009 |
6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington |
M4.7 |
136 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 |
2025 Orcas Island, Washington |
M4.5 |
138 km |
| Jan 24, 2020 |
46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington |
M4.5 |
89 km |
| Jan 23, 2001 |
9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 |
9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington |
M4.1 |
111 km |
| Feb 23, 2017 |
11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Jun 15, 1994 |
1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 |
12 km E of North Saanich, Canada |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 |
12 km E of Saanichton, Canada |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
3 km SW of Bainbridge Island, Washington |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Apr 7, 2001 |
36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Mar 6, 2025 |
14 km SW of Blyn, Washington |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Jul 24, 2011 |
21 km W of Brinnon, Washington |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Sep 5, 2017 |
9 km NNE of Ucluelet, Canada |
M3.8 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 2020 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.4 m (8 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1891 |
WASHINGTON |
Eruption + Earthquake |
2.4 m |
— |
67 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DELABARRE (4,176 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
DELABARRE |
4,176 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
PARADISE |
2,818 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
HAYES TWO |
2,679 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
BIG HUMP |
1,400 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
BEAVER |
1,107 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR GULCH II |
1,037 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
15.9 in |
|
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
14.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
12.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
8.7 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
62°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
10.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
16.7 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
17.6 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Forks has a seasonal temperature swing of 22°F / from 39°F in December to 62°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 116.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (17.6") and July the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Forks. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,547 |
| Toddler | $1,078 |
| Preschool | $1,078 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,066 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $889 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forks
What is the population of Forks?
Forks has a population of 3,413 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 824 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Forks expensive to live in?
Forks is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,389, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $193,900 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $878 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forks safe?
Forks is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,665 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forks?
Forks has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 226 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 119.9 inches, with 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Forks?
Forks has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 2,286 business establishments in the area, including 232 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forks?
The median home value in Forks is $193,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,872. For renters, the median monthly rent is $878. Fair market rent is $1,180 for a 1-bedroom and $1,472 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,769.
How are the schools in Forks?
Schools in Forks score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Forks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forks?
The obesity rate in Forks is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043.
What is transportation like in Forks?
The average commute in Forks is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forks is 63.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 14.6% Hispanic or Latino. 80.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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