Forest River, ND
Population 139 · North Dakota
About Forest River, ND
Forest River is a small community located in North Dakota with a population of 139 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.2 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 River features a median home value of $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forest River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 85 total housing units, 97% are owner-occupied (59 units) and 3% are renter-occupied (2 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest River 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 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest River have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Forest River 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 4.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest River, ND
Compared to national averages, Forest River has a median household income of $65,625 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Forest River's income is 10% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 38% below the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Forest River, ND?
Forest River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,625) that falls below the national average. However, Forest River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest River has a population of 139 with a median age of 48.2 years. Compare Forest River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forest River
What is the population of Forest River, ND?
The population of Forest River, ND is 139 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Forest River?
The median household income in Forest River, ND is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest River?
The median home value in Forest River, ND is $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest River?
The median monthly rent in Forest River, ND is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest River?
The unemployment rate in Forest River, ND 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 River, ND a good place to live?
Forest River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 139 and a median age of 48.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Forest River, ND?
21.6% of residents in Forest River 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 River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest River, ND: median home value is $86,900 (65% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $65,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest River?
The poverty rate in Forest River, ND is 5.0%, 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 River, ND?
Forest River's population is 4.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.