Median Income
$68,042
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,500
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$783
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Forreston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,148
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density1,221/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,042
Per Capita$33,399
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$3,853M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,500
Rent$783
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$162,514
Health
Obesity41.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Elevation936 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+91.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Libraries9
Is Forreston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forreston receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Forreston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forreston is $68,042, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forreston is $116,500, 59% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Forreston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forreston has a population of 1,148 with a density of 1,221 people per square mile. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 2.7% Black.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Forreston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Forreston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Forreston is $68,042, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: Forreston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,042 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,399 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,066 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,030 |
| County GDP | $3,853M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Forreston is $116,500, 59% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $783 (33% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,514.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $83 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.11% |
In Forreston, 41.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.4% report depression. 23.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Forreston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,241/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Crime Rates: Forreston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
Safety Score
Forreston has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.0 inches |
| 5% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 936 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,221/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1273°N, 89.5784°W |
| County FIPS | 17141 |