Forest Hills, MI
Population 28,494 · Michigan
About Forest Hills, MI
Forest Hills is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 28,494 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $156,618 per year, which is 108% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Hills features a median home value of $474,800, which is 94% above the national median of $244,900. This places Forest Hills in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,950, 68% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,339 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (9,514 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (566 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest Hills shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest Hills have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
71.5% of Forest Hills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Forest Hills Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Forest Hills, MI
Compared to national averages, Forest Hills has a median household income of $156,618 (108% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $474,800, which is 94% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,950 is 68% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Forest Hills's income is 137% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 159% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Forest Hills, MI?
Forest Hills offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $156,618, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and a well-educated community where 71.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $474,800. However, Forest Hills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest Hills has a population of 28,494 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Forest Hills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Forest Hills
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Heights | 28,411 | $66,726 | $190,300 | Compare |
| Port Huron | 28,724 | $49,377 | $136,000 | Compare |
| Allen Park | 28,128 | $80,045 | $174,500 | Compare |
| Hamtramck | 27,830 | $40,103 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 29,370 | $65,882 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Burton | 29,529 | $57,767 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Southgate | 29,551 | $64,635 | $165,400 | Compare |
| Garden City | 26,910 | $64,396 | $162,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest Hills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Hills
What is the population of Forest Hills, MI?
The population of Forest Hills, MI is 28,494 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Forest Hills?
The median household income in Forest Hills, MI is $156,618 per year, which is 108% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest Hills?
The median home value in Forest Hills, MI is $474,800, which is 94% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest Hills?
The median monthly rent in Forest Hills, MI is $1,950, which is 68% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest Hills?
The unemployment rate in Forest Hills, MI is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Forest Hills, MI a good place to live?
Forest Hills offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 28,494 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest Hills, MI?
71.5% of residents in Forest Hills 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 Hills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest Hills, MI: median home value is $474,800 (94% above national), median rent is $1,950/month, and median household income is $156,618. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest Hills?
The poverty rate in Forest Hills, MI is 2.6%, 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 Hills, MI?
Forest Hills's population is 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.