Forest, IN
Population 281 · Indiana
About Forest, IN
Forest is a small community located in Indiana with a population of 281 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest features a median home value of $68,300, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forest one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 119 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (99 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Forest 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Forest Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Forest, IN
Compared to national averages, Forest has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $68,300, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Forest's income is 100% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 58% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Forest, IN?
Forest offers affordable housing with a median home value of $68,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Forest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest has a population of 281 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Forest
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsville | 281 | $66,875 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Switz City | 281 | $44,375 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Cloverland | 279 | $73,229 | $0 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 283 | $65,625 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Newport | 283 | $46,667 | $58,800 | Compare |
| Adams Lake | 284 | $91,591 | $0 | Compare |
| Leroy | 278 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Oswego | 284 | $0 | $244,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest
What is the population of Forest, IN?
The population of Forest, IN is 281 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Forest?
The median household income in Forest, IN is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest?
The median home value in Forest, IN is $68,300, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest?
The median monthly rent in Forest, IN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest?
The unemployment rate in Forest, IN is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Forest, IN a good place to live?
Forest offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 281 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Forest, IN?
0.0% of residents in Forest 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?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest, IN: median home value is $68,300 (72% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Forest?
The poverty rate in Forest, IN is 11.7%, 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, IN?
Forest's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.