Median Income
$58,375
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$185,100
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Forsyth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,682
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density1,463/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans16.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,375
Per Capita$25,177
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$1,078M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,100
Rent$743
Ownership68.7%
Zillow$208,690
Housing Units780
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property385/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking17.8%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.0 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,522 ft (769 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score4.14
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband79.1%
Libraries2
Is Forsyth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Forsyth receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $58,375, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,100, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Forsyth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Forsyth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.0 inches, including 34.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Forsyth has a population of 1,682 with a density of 1,463 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (80.7%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 16.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Forsyth is $58,375, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,227, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 263 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,375 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,227 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,339 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 263 |
| County GDP | $1,078M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,813 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,100, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,690, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 780 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $1,813 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,100 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,690 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 780 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,813 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.98% |
In Forsyth, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,031. The dentist ratio is 1:1,618. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,031 |
| Dentists | 1:1,618 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 24,380/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Forsyth has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 385 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Forsyth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 385.1/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 327 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Forsyth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 273 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 16.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,522 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,522 ft (769 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,463/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2679°N, 106.6726°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rosebud County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
95 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.0"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.99 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 15, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
127 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
84 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| May 25, 2018 |
45 km W of Biddle, Montana |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
30 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
0 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1996 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1993 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1993 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ASH CREEK (253,413 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
ASH CREEK |
253,413 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
62 km |
| 2012 |
CHALKY |
132,680 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
SARTIN DRAW |
91,570 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
SNIDER |
33,246 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
ROSEBUD CREEK |
25,174 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
HORTON |
25,108 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
EARLYBIRD |
21,730 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
BLACK SPRINGS COMPLEX |
19,473 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
WATT DRAW |
17,594 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
RICE |
15,883 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
SCHILLER |
15,533 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Forsyth has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$237 ($142-$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189-$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95-$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757-$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142-$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378-$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95-$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57-$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142-$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784-$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378-$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203-$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473-$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730-$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892-$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757-$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189-$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946-$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71-$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84-$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37-$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37-$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84-$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78-$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76-$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135-$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28-$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568-$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473-$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189-$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378-$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730-$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95-$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $982 |
| Preschool | $847 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $745 |
| Toddler | $759 |
| Preschool | $759 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forsyth
What is the population of Forsyth?
Forsyth has a population of 1,682 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,463 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Forsyth expensive to live in?
Forsyth is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,375, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,100 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Forsyth safe?
Forsyth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Forsyth receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Forsyth?
Forsyth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.0 inches, with 34.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Forsyth?
The job market in Forsyth is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,227. There are 263 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Forsyth?
The median home value in Forsyth is $185,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,690. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,813.
How are the schools in Forsyth?
Schools in Forsyth have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.8% of adults in Forsyth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Forsyth?
The obesity rate in Forsyth is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,031.
What is transportation like in Forsyth?
The average commute in Forsyth is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Forsyth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Forsyth is 80.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 16.8% of the population are military veterans. 27.2% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
