Forest City, IA
Population 4,280 · Iowa
About Forest City, IA
Forest City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,280 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,917 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32 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 City features a median home value of $136,400, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forest City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,780 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,131 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (433 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest City shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. 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 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.0% 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 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest City, IA
Compared to national averages, Forest City has a median household income of $62,917 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,400, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Forest City's income is 7% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 3% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Forest City, IA?
Forest City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,917) that falls below the national average. However, Forest City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest City has a population of 4,280 with a median age of 32 years. Compare Forest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Forest City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 4,311 | $48,922 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Chariton | 4,235 | $52,109 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Dyersville | 4,357 | $72,768 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Carlisle | 4,187 | $98,333 | $208,100 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 4,164 | $54,286 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Huxley | 4,440 | $122,716 | $296,100 | Compare |
| Rock Valley | 4,061 | $67,012 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Monticello | 4,055 | $67,788 | $160,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
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, IA?
The population of Forest City, IA is 4,280 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, IA is $62,917 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, IA is $136,400, which is 44% below 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, IA is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, IA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Forest City, IA a good place to live?
Forest City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,280 and a median age of 32, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Forest City, IA?
26.0% of residents in Forest 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 Forest City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest City, IA: median home value is $136,400 (44% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $62,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest City?
The poverty rate in Forest City, IA 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, IA?
Forest City's population is 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.