Forrest City, AR
Population 12,826 · Arkansas
About Forrest City, AR
Forrest City is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 12,826 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,522 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forrest City features a median home value of $87,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forrest City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $795, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,584 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (1,477 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (2,405 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forrest City shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forrest City have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Forrest City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Forrest City experiences an annual average temperature of 64.5°F with 48.61" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 40°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Forrest City
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 61 | 63 | 71 | 84 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 87 | 74 | 63 | 56 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 46 | 52 | 63 | 70 | 74 | 74 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.2 | 4.2 | 7.1 | 6.0 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 2.0 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forrest City With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Forrest City?
The median household income in Forrest City, AR is $33,522 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forrest City?
The median home value in Forrest City, AR is $87,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Forrest City?
The median monthly rent in Forrest City, AR is $795, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forrest City?
The unemployment rate in Forrest City, AR is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forrest City, AR a good place to live?
Forrest City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,826 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forrest City, AR?
11.7% of residents in Forrest City 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 Forrest City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forrest City, AR: median home value is $87,800 (64% below national), median rent is $795/month, and median household income is $33,522. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forrest City?
The poverty rate in Forrest City, AR is 36.1%, 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 Forrest City, AR?
Forrest City's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 73.7% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.