Forest, MS
Population 5,365 · Mississippi
About Forest, MS
Forest is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 5,365 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,082 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest features a median home value of $129,100, which is 47% 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 $695, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,169 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (947 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (926 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forest have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.7% 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 5.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 22.3% Asian residents, with 16.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest, MS
Compared to national averages, Forest has a median household income of $51,082 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,100, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $695 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Forest's income is 2% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 3% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Forest, MS?
Forest offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $695/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,082) 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 5,365 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Forest
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripley | 5,415 | $56,641 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Vancleave | 5,196 | $71,000 | $218,900 | Compare |
| Leakesville | 5,564 | $65,745 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Pontotoc | 5,717 | $50,230 | $144,300 | Compare |
| Saltillo | 4,962 | $84,063 | $200,800 | Compare |
| Columbia | 5,804 | $34,328 | $112,100 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 4,909 | $40,732 | $84,100 | Compare |
| University | 4,899 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
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, MS?
The population of Forest, MS is 5,365 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Forest?
The median household income in Forest, MS is $51,082 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest?
The median home value in Forest, MS is $129,100, which is 47% 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, MS is $695, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest?
The unemployment rate in Forest, MS is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest, MS a good place to live?
Forest offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,365 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest, MS?
14.7% 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, MS: median home value is $129,100 (47% below national), median rent is $695/month, and median household income is $51,082. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest?
The poverty rate in Forest, MS is 23.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Forest, MS?
Forest's population is 5.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 22.3% Asian, and 42.3% two or more races. 16.6% of residents are foreign-born.