Forest City, FL
Population 14,871 · Florida
About Forest City, FL
Forest City is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 14,871 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,337 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest City features a median home value of $364,900, which is 49% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Forest City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,706, 47% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,835 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (3,548 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,951 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest City shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest City have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.9% of Forest City 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 1.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, and 11.1% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest City, FL
Compared to national averages, Forest City has a median household income of $84,337 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $364,900, which is 49% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,706 is 47% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Forest City's income is 11% above the state average of $75,893, and home values are 3% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Forest City, FL?
Forest City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,337, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 41.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Forest City has a population of 14,871 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Forest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Forest City
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oldsmar | 14,872 | $76,100 | $346,900 | Compare |
| St. Augustine | 14,979 | $80,473 | $409,200 | Compare |
| Lockhart | 14,753 | $70,051 | $247,400 | Compare |
| West Park | 15,076 | $58,825 | $324,000 | Compare |
| Thonotosassa | 14,660 | $67,447 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Gladeview | 14,657 | $44,560 | $295,000 | Compare |
| Naranja | 14,610 | $55,563 | $310,700 | Compare |
| Key Biscayne | 14,560 | $172,604 | $1,238,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest City
What is the population of Forest City, FL?
The population of Forest City, FL is 14,871 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, FL is $84,337 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, FL is $364,900, which is 49% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest City?
The median monthly rent in Forest City, FL is $1,706, which is 47% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, FL is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest City, FL a good place to live?
Forest City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,871 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest City, FL?
41.9% of residents in Forest City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Forest City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest City, FL: median home value is $364,900 (49% above national), median rent is $1,706/month, and median household income is $84,337. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forest City?
The poverty rate in Forest City, FL is 9.4%, 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 City, FL?
Forest City's population is 1.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, 11.1% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.