Forest City Profile

Forest City

Whatever your reason for traveling to Forest City, business or pleasure, recreation or research, Forest City offers a wide variety of activities to help you have a good time. There are regular events hosted by the city, including a Newcomers Open House to welcome new residents and help them to plug into the community.

Visit the Forest City Website

Visit the Chamber Website

Download the Community Guide

Population Demographics

As of 2024 the population of Forest City is 4,256. The population is expected to shrink to 4,236 by 2029 - a growth rate of -0.09%.

The median age of Forest City residents is 38.

The diversity index of Forest City is 36.3, meaning that there is a 36% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.

Housing and Income

The average household income in Forest City is $82,121 and projected to be $92,541 in 2029. Per capita income is $33,081, projected to be $37,512 in 2029. 2.16% of households – 92 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $736,672 and the average disposable income is $64,251.

There are 1,906 housing units in Forest City; 1,190 are owner-occupied, 521 are rented, and 195 are vacant. The average home value is $189,769, with 64 homes built in 2010 or later, and 377 built in 1939 or earlier.

Business and Workforce

There are 276 businesses in Forest City, employing 2,476 workers and pulling from a labor force of 2,241 age 16 and above. 788 workers commute into Forest City from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:

1,447 residents both live and work in/around Forest City. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 29.51% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.42% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 1,708 drive alone, 242 carpool, and 18 take public transportation. 130 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 119 residents work from home.

772 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 554 have associates degrees, 523 have bachelor’s degrees, and 290 hold a graduate or professional degree.