Median Income
$70,417
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,000
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
378/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$663
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Forrest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,008
Median Age32.6 yrs
Density1,551/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,417
Per Capita$33,871
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$2,895M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,000
Rent$663
Ownership79.8%
Zillow$164,172
Housing Units482
Rent Burden20.3%
Crime
F
Violent378/100K
Property2,810/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation687 ft (209 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute30 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Forrest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forrest receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Forrest offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forrest is $70,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forrest is $104,000, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Forrest is below the national average at 378 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,810 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Forrest experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forrest has a population of 1,008 with a density of 1,551 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Forrest is $70,417, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,871 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,086, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 865 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,417 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,871 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,086 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,423 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 865 |
| County GDP | $2,895M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Forrest is $104,000, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,172, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $663 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 482 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,158 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,000 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,172 |
| Median List Price | $177,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $177,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $100 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.3% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $663 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.2% |
| Housing Units | 482 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.96% |
In Forrest, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,098. The dentist ratio is 1:2,220. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forrest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,098 |
| Dentists | 1:2,220 |
| Mental Health | 1:447 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,425/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Forrest has a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,810 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forrest receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forrest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 378.2/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,810.5/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forrest experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 687 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 687 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,551/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7511°N, 88.4097°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Livingston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
746 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 657 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
8 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Forrest has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Forrest. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $768 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forrest
What is the population of Forrest?
Forrest has a population of 1,008 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,551 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Forrest expensive to live in?
Forrest has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,417, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,000 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forrest safe?
Forrest is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,810 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forrest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forrest?
Forrest has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Forrest?
The job market in Forrest is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,086. There are 865 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forrest?
The median home value in Forrest is $104,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,172. For renters, the median monthly rent is $663. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,158.
How are the schools in Forrest?
Schools in Forrest score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Forrest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forrest?
The obesity rate in Forrest is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,098.
What is transportation like in Forrest?
The average commute in Forrest is 30 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forrest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forrest is 92.9% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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