Median Income
$113,456
51% higher than US avg
Home Value
$289,800
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
477/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
58.7%
74% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,207
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Forsyth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,656
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density1,179/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$113,456
Per Capita$61,549
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$9,054M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$289,800
Rent$1,207
Ownership92.3%
Zillow$301,205
Housing Units1,466
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent477/100K
Property2,992/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking9.4%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation659 ft (201 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+58.7%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+21.8%
School Score4.73
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations16
Libraries9
Is Forsyth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forsyth receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Forsyth stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forsyth is $113,456, which is significantly higher than the national average / 51% above $75,149. This places Forsyth among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forsyth is $289,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,207 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,992 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
Forsyth is a highly educated community / 58.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Forsyth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Forsyth has a population of 3,656 with a density of 1,179 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Forsyth is $113,456, which is 51% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $61,549 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,304. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,981 business establishments, including 244 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $113,456 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $61,549 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,981 |
| County GDP | $9,054M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 244 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 334 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Forsyth is $289,800, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,205. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,207 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,466 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $6,684 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $289,800 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,205 |
| Median List Price | $146,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $146,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,207 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,466 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Forsyth, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 9.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 16.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.8% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126. The dentist ratio is 1:1,611. 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.7% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,126 |
| Dentists | 1:1,611 |
| Mental Health | 1:538 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,949/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Forsyth has a violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,992 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 477.3/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,991.7/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forsyth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.4 inches. The area receives 13.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 659 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 659 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9261°N, 88.9641°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0498 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.66 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
805 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 830 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
61 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Forsyth has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Forsyth. 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 | $1,000 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $637 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forsyth
What is the population of Forsyth?
Forsyth has a population of 3,656 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,179 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Forsyth expensive to live in?
Forsyth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $113,456, 51% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $289,800 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,207 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forsyth safe?
The violent crime rate in Forsyth is 477 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 2,992 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forsyth?
Forsyth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Forsyth?
The job market in Forsyth is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,304. There are 1,981 business establishments in the area, including 244 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forsyth?
The median home value in Forsyth is $289,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,205. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,207. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,684.
How are the schools in Forsyth?
Schools in Forsyth have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 58.7% of adults in Forsyth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 21.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forsyth?
The obesity rate in Forsyth is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.4% of adults are smokers. 16.7% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126.
What is transportation like in Forsyth?
The average commute in Forsyth is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forsyth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forsyth is 88.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
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