Median Income
$120,625
61% higher than US avg
Home Value
$297,900
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.8%
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.7%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How High Forest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population132
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density400/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,625
Per Capita$38,242
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,729M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$297,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$328,242
Housing Units53
Rent Burden29.2%
Health
Obesity28.7%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking9.6%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Elevation1,239 ft (378 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.8%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute24 min
Broadband95.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is High Forest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, High Forest receives an overall livability score of 4.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. High Forest stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in High Forest is $120,625, which is significantly higher than the national average / 61% above $75,149. This places High Forest among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in High Forest is $297,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
31.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
High Forest has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 53.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
High Forest has a population of 132 with a density of 400 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
132
Total Population
2023 Census
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
High Forest vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
High Forest vs U.S. Average
The median household income in High Forest is $120,625, which is 61% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,242. The average weekly wage is $1,530. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,061 business establishments, including 383 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 26.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: High Forest vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,625 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,242 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,530 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,061 |
| County GDP | $15,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 383 |
| Healthcare | 540 |
| Retail | 520 |
| Manufacturing | 88 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 26.4% |
The median home value in High Forest is $297,900, 6% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,242, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $396,500 with homes selling in an average of 54 days. Homes sell for 103% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $5,612 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $297,900 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,242 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $396,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $396,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $242 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 54 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In High Forest, 28.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 23.9% have high blood pressure. 9.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 16.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.5% report depression. 11.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:432. The dentist ratio is 1:752. 87.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: High Forest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.7% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.9% |
| Asthma | 7.7% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.3% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 11.2% |
| Physical Distress | 8.4% |
| Short Sleep | 23.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:432 |
| Dentists | 1:752 |
| Mental Health | 1:181 |
| Checkup Rate | 58.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,665/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 540 |
High Forest has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. The area receives 53.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 64% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,239 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,239 ft (378 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 400/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8462°N, 92.5480°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Olmsted County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 63.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
535 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 267 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
High Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in High Forest. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About High Forest
What is the population of High Forest?
High Forest has a population of 132 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 400 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is High Forest expensive to live in?
High Forest has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $120,625, 61% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $297,900 (6% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in High Forest?
High Forest has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 53.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in High Forest?
The job market in High Forest is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,530. There are 4,061 business establishments in the area, including 383 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 26.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in High Forest?
The median home value in High Forest is $297,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,242. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $396,500, with homes typically selling within 54 days. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,612.
How are the schools in High Forest?
Schools in High Forest score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.8% of adults in High Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is High Forest?
The obesity rate in High Forest is 28.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.6% of adults are smokers. 16.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:432.
What is transportation like in High Forest?
The average commute in High Forest is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 26.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of High Forest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of High Forest is 98.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 5.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.