Median Income
$44,352
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$185,900
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$659
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Forsyth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,749
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density813/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans14.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,352
Per Capita$28,831
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty7.9%
Commute29 min
Housing
A
Home Value$185,900
Rent$659
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$208,827
Housing Units1,528
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property1,429/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured4.5%
Smoking19.5%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain45.7 in/yr
Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+15.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute29 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations22
Is Forsyth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forsyth receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Forsyth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Forsyth is $44,352, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,900, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $659 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 Forsyth is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,429 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Forsyth enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches, including 6.8 inches of snow.
Forsyth has a population of 2,749 with a density of 813 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 14.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,749
Total Population
2023 Census
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Forsyth is $44,352, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,831 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,352 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,831 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,900, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,827, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $255,000 with homes selling in an average of 158 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $659 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,528 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,900 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,827 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $255,000 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $255,000 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $123 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 158 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 35.7% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $659 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,528 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
In Forsyth, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 4.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
Food & Exercise
Forsyth has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,429 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 250.1/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,429.1/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Forsyth enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches. The area receives 6.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 813/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6853°N, 93.1193°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Marion County Regional (FLP)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.7"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.28"
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
36 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
36 km |
| Apr 3, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Sep 16, 1990 |
6 km S of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 28, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Dover, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Jan 7, 2009 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jan 27, 2014 |
Arkansas |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Jul 22, 2017 |
14 km SW of Mountain View, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 43 fatalities, 662 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
3 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
7 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEAD HORSE (10,389 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
26 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
27 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
28 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
CAVE CREEK |
4,263 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
26 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,807 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,542 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
11 GENE RUSH #2 |
3,524 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
RX - SLUSHER BLACKLINE |
3,101 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BP BEAR CAT |
3,013 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
SPRING CREEK SOUTH RX |
2,986 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,886 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Forsyth has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 36°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Forsyth
What is the population of Forsyth?
Forsyth has a population of 2,749 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 813 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Forsyth expensive to live in?
Forsyth is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $44,352, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,900 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $659 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 Forsyth safe?
Forsyth is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,429 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forsyth?
Forsyth enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.7 inches, with 6.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Forsyth?
The job market in Forsyth is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forsyth?
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,827. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $255,000, with homes typically selling within 158 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $659. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%.
How are the schools in Forsyth?
Schools in Forsyth score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.2% of adults in Forsyth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 15.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forsyth?
The obesity rate in Forsyth is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 4.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Forsyth?
The average commute in Forsyth is 29 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forsyth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forsyth is 92.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 14.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.8% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.