Arkansas
Forrest City is a small city in Arkansas with a population of 12,826. Residents earn $33,522 per year, which is 55% below the national average.
Based on current data, Forrest City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Forrest City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Forrest City is $33,522, 55% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 31.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Forrest City is $87,800, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Forrest City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 93.1% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.9% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $33,522 |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $17,056 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $934 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,263 |
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 31.5% |
| 154% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 585 |
| County GDP | $943M |
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,516 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.73% |
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
| Census Median | $87,800 |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $68,743 |
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,516 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
| Obesity | 51.6% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 19.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 51.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Stroke | 6.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.0% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Premature Death | 15,430/100K |
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Annual Average | 62.2°F |
| 15% above US avg | |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 50.6 inches |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 2.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 248 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 20.3 sq mi (52.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 633/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0136°N, 90.7932°W |
| County FIPS | 05123 |
Winner: Democrat by 0.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 11.7% |
| 65% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.4% |
| School Test Score | 4.91 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 633/sq mi |
| Total Area | 20.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 8 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 8 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Retail Stores | 84 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Commute | 15.4 min |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |