Forest, VA
Population 12,476 · Virginia
About Forest, VA
Forest is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 12,476 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,825 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 features a median home value of $319,100, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Forest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,112, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,193 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (3,815 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (1,275 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.4% of Forest 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 2.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest, VA
Compared to national averages, Forest has a median household income of $78,825 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $319,100, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,112 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Forest's income is 10% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 3% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Forest, VA?
Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,825, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,112/month, and a well-educated community where 48.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Forest has a population of 12,476 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Forest
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascades | 12,489 | $166,023 | $617,100 | Compare |
| Newington Forest | 12,434 | $147,650 | $586,400 | Compare |
| Poquoson | 12,556 | $120,919 | $403,000 | Compare |
| Lansdowne | 12,603 | $180,379 | $753,600 | Compare |
| Manchester | 12,347 | $72,465 | $286,900 | Compare |
| Fairfax Station | 12,298 | $212,128 | $863,400 | Compare |
| Timberlake | 12,833 | $68,833 | $228,200 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 12,845 | $69,695 | $271,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest
What is the population of Forest, VA?
The population of Forest, VA is 12,476 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Forest?
The median household income in Forest, VA is $78,825 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest?
The median home value in Forest, VA is $319,100, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest?
The median monthly rent in Forest, VA is $1,112, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest?
The unemployment rate in Forest, VA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest, VA a good place to live?
Forest offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,476 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest, VA?
48.4% of residents in Forest 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?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest, VA: median home value is $319,100 (30% above national), median rent is $1,112/month, and median household income is $78,825. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forest?
The poverty rate in Forest, VA is 7.5%, 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, VA?
Forest's population is 2.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 9.9% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.