Forest City, MO
Population 180 · Missouri
About Forest City, MO
Forest City is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 180 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,750 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.4 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 City features a median home value of $74,300, which is 70% 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 $392, 66% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 120 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (46 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (38 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 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forest City have an average one-way commute time of 37.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of Forest City 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, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Forest City Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Forest City, MO
Compared to national averages, Forest City has a median household income of $45,750 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $74,300, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $392 is 66% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Forest City's income is 25% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 51% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Forest City, MO?
Forest City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $74,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $392/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,750) 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 180 with a median age of 56.4 years. Compare Forest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forest City
What is the population of Forest City, MO?
The population of Forest City, MO is 180 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, MO is $45,750 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, MO is $74,300, which is 70% 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, MO is $392, which is 66% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, MO is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Forest City, MO a good place to live?
Forest City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 180 and a median age of 56.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Forest City, MO?
7.5% 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, MO: median home value is $74,300 (70% below national), median rent is $392/month, and median household income is $45,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest City?
The poverty rate in Forest City, MO is 15.0%, 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 City, MO?
Forest City's population is 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.