Forest Oaks, NC
Population 4,095 · North Carolina
About Forest Oaks, NC
Forest Oaks is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,095 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $108,250 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.9 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 Oaks features a median home value of $294,400, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Forest Oaks in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,732, 49% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,581 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (1,392 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (127 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest Oaks shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest Oaks have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.7% of Forest Oaks 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 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest Oaks, NC
Compared to national averages, Forest Oaks has a median household income of $108,250 (44% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $294,400, which is 20% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,732 is 49% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Forest Oaks's income is 68% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 29% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Forest Oaks, NC?
Forest Oaks offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $108,250, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Forest Oaks has a population of 4,095 with a median age of 48.9 years. Compare Forest Oaks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Forest Oaks
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Woods | 4,086 | $109,097 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Southport | 4,143 | $82,792 | $394,900 | Compare |
| Benson | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Surf City | 4,160 | $84,833 | $478,600 | Compare |
| Elkin | 4,025 | $60,434 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Wingate | 4,169 | $65,208 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Stanley | 4,014 | $71,333 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 4,204 | $45,869 | $117,200 | 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 Oaks With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Oaks
What is the population of Forest Oaks, NC?
The population of Forest Oaks, NC is 4,095 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 Oaks?
The median household income in Forest Oaks, NC is $108,250 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest Oaks?
The median home value in Forest Oaks, NC is $294,400, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest Oaks?
The median monthly rent in Forest Oaks, NC is $1,732, which is 49% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest Oaks?
The unemployment rate in Forest Oaks, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Forest Oaks, NC a good place to live?
Forest Oaks offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,095 and a median age of 48.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Forest Oaks, NC?
46.7% of residents in Forest Oaks 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 Oaks?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest Oaks, NC: median home value is $294,400 (20% above national), median rent is $1,732/month, and median household income is $108,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest Oaks?
The poverty rate in Forest Oaks, NC is 6.3%, 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 Oaks, NC?
Forest Oaks's population is 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 15.5% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.