Forrest City, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,646
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$35,689/yr
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,608
0.5% year-over-year change

Forrest City population

How many people live in Forrest City

Forrest City is home to 12,646 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.6% of Forrest City locals are male, and 41.4% are female.

Total population
12,646
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.6%
7,412
Female
41.4%
5,234
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,412 58.6% -1.5%
Female 5,234 41.4% -1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Forrest City is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.9% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
33.9%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,295 18.2% -5.3%
15 to 24 1,520 12% -2.8%
25 to 44 4,286 33.9% -1.4%
45 to 64 3,077 24.3% 2.6%
Over 65 1,468 11.6% -1.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Forrest City, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.4% of locals are Caucasian, 73.4% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,177 96.3% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 56 0.4% 36.6%
Non-citizens 413 3.3% 18.3%
Racial breakdown
White
23.4%
Black or African American
73.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,955 23.4%
Black or African American 9,276 73.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 68 0.5%
Asian 23 0.2%
Two or more races 292 2.3%
Other 32 0.2%

Households in Forrest City

A peek inside Forrest City households

Forrest City has 3,831 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 56.7% are families, while the remaining 43.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,831
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,659
Family households
2,172
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,659 43.3% -3.0%
Family households 2,172 56.7% 0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Forrest City

The housing landscape of Forrest City

Forrest City's housing consists of 4,608 units, with 63.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,608
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,917 63.3%
1 unit, attached 88 1.9%
2 units 418 9.1%
3 or 4 units 563 12.2%
5 to 9 units 383 8.3%
10 to 19 units 32 0.7%
50 or more units 26 0.6%
Mobile home 181 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
30
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forrest City

In Forrest City, the median construction year is 1978. About 5.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 233 5.1% -0.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 107 2.3% -43.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 433 9.4% -10.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 926 20.1% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 805 17.5% 6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,242 27% 24.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 520 11.3% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 279 6% -15.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 33 0.7% -71.8%
Built in 2020 or later 30 0.6% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Forrest City occupancy rates

Out of the 3,831 occupied housing units in Forrest City, 39.2% are owner-occupied, while 60.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,831
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,328
Owner occupied
1,503
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,328 60.8% -3.2%
Owner occupied 1,503 39.2% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Forrest City housing costs

Housing costs in Forrest City come to a median of $814 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $805.

Median housing costs per month
$814/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Forrest City
$805/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Forrest City

Forrest City education at a glance

About 53.9% of the population in Forrest City went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 592 6% 10.9%
High school diploma 5,367 53.9% -3.9%
College diploma 2,141 21.5% -3.6%
Associate degree 517 5.2% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 870 8.7% 22.2%
Graduate degree 469 4.7% 16.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Forrest City

How much people earn in Forrest City

The average annual household income in Forrest City was $48,025 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $35,689, reflecting a +6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forrest City
$48,025/year
-6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forrest City
$35,689/year
6.5% year-over-year change

Forrest City income by age

In Forrest City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $37,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $38,633 overall. Overall, 62.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $37,143 -2.1%
45 - 64 $38,633 29.4%
Over 65 $27,889 5.5%
Above poverty level
5,987
Below poverty level
3,542
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,987 62.8% -3.6%
Below poverty level 3,542 37.2% 2.8%

Employment in Forrest City

Workforce and job types in Forrest City

The job market in Forrest City is powered by 3,484 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 27.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,484
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,247
Blue collar
1,237
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,247 64.5% -6.3%
Blue collar 1,237 35.5% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
27.1%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 247 7.1% 11.8%
Private companies 2,153 61.8% -5.2%
Governmental workers 943 27.1% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 141 4% -8.4%
Unemployment rate
13.5%
27.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forrest City stands at 13.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Forrest City

How people get around in Forrest City

In Forrest City, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,086 92.3% -5.5%
Walk 86 2.6% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Forrest City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72335 16,372 5,427 $40,400 $54,531

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FAQs about Forrest City demographics 

What is the total population of Forrest City?

Forrest City has a total population of 12,646 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forrest City?

The gender ratio in Forrest City is as follows:
  • 58.6% males (7,412 residents)
  • 41.4% females (5,234 residents)

What is the median age in Forrest City?

The median age in Forrest City is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forrest City?

The age distribution in Forrest City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (2,295 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (1,520 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.9% (4,286 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (3,077 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (1,468 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forrest City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forrest City is as follows:
  • White: 23.4% (2,955 residents)
  • Black or African American: 73.4% (9,276 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (68 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (23 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (292 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (32 residents)

What percentage of the population in Forrest City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Forrest City.

How many housing units are there in Forrest City?

There are 4,608 housing units in Forrest City, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Forrest City and what is the average household size?

Forrest City has a total of 3,831 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forrest City?

Forrest City has a median household income of $35,689, representing a +6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Forrest City?

The employment rate is 86.5% in Forrest City, with a workforce of 3,484 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.5% (2,247 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.5% (1,237 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (247 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (2,153 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.1% (943 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (141 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025