Forest Ranch, CA
Population 1,974 · California
About Forest Ranch, CA
Forest Ranch is a small town located in California with a population of 1,974 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $154,212 per year, which is 105% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Forest Ranch features a median home value of $491,300, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. This places Forest Ranch in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 733 total housing units, 99% are owner-occupied (726 units) and 1% are renter-occupied (7 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest Ranch shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest Ranch have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.9% of Forest Ranch 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 3.0% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.9% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest Ranch, CA
Compared to national averages, Forest Ranch has a median household income of $154,212 (105% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $491,300, which is 101% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Forest Ranch's income is 58% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 25% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Forest Ranch, CA?
Forest Ranch offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $154,212, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 1.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $491,300. However, Forest Ranch’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest Ranch has a population of 1,974 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Forest Ranch with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Forest Ranch
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camino | 1,968 | $82,098 | $472,000 | Compare |
| Hartley | 1,966 | $120,354 | $864,100 | Compare |
| Sonoma State University | 1,957 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley | 1,999 | $154,591 | $980,800 | Compare |
| Woodlands | 2,005 | $160,694 | $1,070,000 | Compare |
| Cabazon | 2,010 | $69,704 | $248,800 | Compare |
| San Pasqual | 2,014 | $138,542 | $1,209,200 | Compare |
| Knightsen | 2,018 | $173,564 | $861,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest Ranch With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Ranch
What is the population of Forest Ranch, CA?
The population of Forest Ranch, CA is 1,974 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Forest Ranch?
The median household income in Forest Ranch, CA is $154,212 per year, which is 105% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest Ranch?
The median home value in Forest Ranch, CA is $491,300, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest Ranch?
The median monthly rent in Forest Ranch, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest Ranch?
The unemployment rate in Forest Ranch, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest Ranch, CA a good place to live?
Forest Ranch offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,974 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest Ranch, CA?
32.9% of residents in Forest Ranch 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 Forest Ranch?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest Ranch, CA: median home value is $491,300 (101% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $154,212. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest Ranch?
The poverty rate in Forest Ranch, CA is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Forest Ranch, CA?
Forest Ranch's population is 3.0% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.