Forest City, NC
Population 7,368 · North Carolina
About Forest City, NC
Forest City is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 7,368 residents. The median household income is $35,897 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Forest City is 34.8 years.
Housing in Forest City has a median home value of $142,100 and median monthly rent of $815. Of the 3,244 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 1,087 owner-occupied and 1,558 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Forest City is 6.7% and the poverty rate is 33.6%. 17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 27 minutes.
Cost of Living in Forest City, NC
Compared to national averages, Forest City has a median household income of $35,897 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $142,100, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Forest City's income is 44% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 38% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Forest City, NC?
Forest City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $142,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,897) 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 7,368 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Forest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Forest City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King | 7,345 | $60,451 | $227,500 | Compare |
| Cullowhee | 7,300 | $35,076 | $0 | Compare |
| Mills River | 7,214 | $88,359 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Marion | 7,594 | $44,472 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Porters Neck | 7,102 | $115,417 | $525,100 | Compare |
| Oak Ridge | 7,660 | $140,583 | $523,500 | Compare |
| Trinity | 7,066 | $80,349 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,727 | $85,747 | $401,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Forest City, NC is 7,368 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, NC is $35,897 per year.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, NC is $142,100.
What is the average rent in Forest City?
The median monthly rent in Forest City, NC is $815.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, NC is 6.7%.