Forest City, NC
Population 7,368 · North Carolina
About Forest City, NC
Forest City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 7,368 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,897 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 $142,100, which is 42% 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 $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,244 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (1,087 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (1,558 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest City shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forest City have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.2% 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 6.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Forest City With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, NC is $35,897 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, NC is $142,100, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Forest City?
The median monthly rent in Forest City, NC is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, NC is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest City, NC a good place to live?
Forest City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,368 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Forest City, NC?
17.2% 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, NC: median home value is $142,100 (42% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $35,897. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forest City?
The poverty rate in Forest City, NC is 33.6%, 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, NC?
Forest City's population is 6.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 25.0% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.