Forestdale, AL
Population 9,149 · Alabama
About Forestdale, AL
Forestdale is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 9,149 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,145 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forestdale features a median home value of $150,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Forestdale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,094, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,378 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (2,727 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (1,108 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forestdale shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forestdale have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.5% of Forestdale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forestdale, AL
Compared to national averages, Forestdale has a median household income of $57,145 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,700, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,094 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Forestdale's income is 1% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 5% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Forestdale, AL?
Forestdale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,094/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,145) that falls below the national average. However, Forestdale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forestdale has a population of 9,149 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Forestdale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Forestdale
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscumbia | 9,084 | $47,342 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Tuskegee | 9,070 | $38,160 | $98,500 | Compare |
| Sheffield | 9,334 | $42,097 | $127,100 | Compare |
| Meadowbrook | 8,939 | $145,464 | $390,100 | Compare |
| Southside | 9,407 | $73,695 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Clanton | 8,862 | $49,952 | $158,200 | Compare |
| Andalusia | 8,841 | $47,500 | $156,000 | Compare |
| Pleasant Grove | 9,502 | $68,344 | $189,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forestdale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forestdale
What is the population of Forestdale, AL?
The population of Forestdale, AL is 9,149 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Forestdale?
The median household income in Forestdale, AL is $57,145 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forestdale?
The median home value in Forestdale, AL is $150,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forestdale?
The median monthly rent in Forestdale, AL is $1,094, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forestdale?
The unemployment rate in Forestdale, AL is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forestdale, AL a good place to live?
Forestdale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,149 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forestdale, AL?
27.5% of residents in Forestdale aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Forestdale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forestdale, AL: median home value is $150,700 (38% below national), median rent is $1,094/month, and median household income is $57,145. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forestdale?
The poverty rate in Forestdale, AL is 18.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Forestdale, AL?
Forestdale's population is 0.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 78.3% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.