Forrest City, AR
Population 12,826 · Arkansas
About Forrest City, AR
Forrest City is a mid-sized city in Arkansas with a population of 12,826 residents. The median household income is $33,522 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Forrest City is 36.2 years.
Housing in Forrest City has a median home value of $87,800 and median monthly rent of $795. Of the 4,584 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 1,477 owner-occupied and 2,405 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Forrest City is 10.6% and the poverty rate is 36.1%. 11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.4 minutes.
How Forrest City Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Forrest City, AR
Compared to national averages, Forrest City has a median household income of $33,522 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,800, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $795 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Forrest City's income is 36% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 30% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Forrest City, AR?
Forrest City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $795/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,522) that falls below the national average. However, Forrest City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forrest City has a population of 12,826 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Forrest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Forrest City
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home | 13,021 | $42,103 | $160,200 | Compare |
| Blytheville | 13,026 | $49,928 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Harrison | 13,217 | $40,568 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Marion | 13,641 | $80,637 | $206,300 | Compare |
| Batesville | 11,385 | $54,424 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Magnolia | 10,973 | $42,188 | $166,500 | Compare |
| Malvern | 10,938 | $40,602 | $95,500 | Compare |
| Lowell | 10,438 | $92,986 | $260,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forrest City
What is the population of Forrest City, AR?
The population of Forrest City, AR is 12,826 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Forrest City?
The median household income in Forrest City, AR is $33,522 per year.
What is the median home value in Forrest City?
The median home value in Forrest City, AR is $87,800.
What is the average rent in Forrest City?
The median monthly rent in Forrest City, AR is $795.
What is the unemployment rate in Forrest City?
The unemployment rate in Forrest City, AR is 10.6%.