Forest Hills, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,116
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$125,212/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,593
-0.1% year-over-year change

Forest Hills population

How many people live in Forest Hills

Forest Hills is home to 9,116 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of Forest Hills locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
9,116
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
4,012
Female
56%
5,104
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,012 44% 3.8%
Female 5,104 56% 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 Forest Hills is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.4% are children under 15, then 7.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 39.8% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.4%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 44
39.8%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,130 12.4% 13.3%
15 to 24 663 7.3% -5.7%
25 to 44 3,632 39.8% 3.1%
45 to 64 2,033 22.3% 3.4%
Over 65 1,658 18.2% -3.3%
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 Forest Hills, 77.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.7% of locals are Caucasian, 9.2% are African American and 7.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,033 77.2% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,152 12.6% 0.3%
Non-citizens 931 10.2% 30.2%
Racial breakdown
White
68.7%
Black or African American
9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 6,263 68.7%
Black or African American 843 9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 0.6%
Asian 723 7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 966 10.6%
Other 261 2.9%

Households in Forest Hills

A peek inside Forest Hills households

Forest Hills has 5,209 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.7% are families, while the remaining 65.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,209
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,401
Family households
1,808
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,401 65.3% 0.1%
Family households 1,808 34.7% 1.9%
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 Forest Hills

The housing landscape of Forest Hills

Forest Hills's housing consists of 5,593 units, with 11.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,593
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 650 11.6%
1 unit, attached 446 8%
2 units 65 1.2%
3 or 4 units 27 0.5%
5 to 9 units 214 3.8%
10 to 19 units 129 2.3%
20 to 49 units 502 9%
50 or more units 3,559 63.6%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest Hills

In Forest Hills, the median construction year is 1953. About 34.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,920 34.3% 1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 586 10.5% -8.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 837 15% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 772 13.8% -1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 457 8.2% 10.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 405 7.2% -4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 180 3.2% 15.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 205 3.7% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 224 4% 19.1%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.1% 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.

Forest Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 5,209 occupied housing units in Forest Hills, 36.4% are owner-occupied, while 63.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,209
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,311
Owner occupied
1,898
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,311 63.6% -0.6%
Owner occupied 1,898 36.4% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
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.

Forest Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Forest Hills come to a median of $2,326 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,206.

Median housing costs per month
$2,326/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 Forest Hills
$2,206/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 Forest Hills

Forest Hills education at a glance

About 3.7% of the population in Forest Hills went to high school, while 6.4% pursued college studies. Another 1.5% earned an associate degree and 32.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 55.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 39 0.5% -15.2%
High school diploma 290 3.7% -4.6%
College diploma 498 6.4% -16.9%
Associate degree 117 1.5% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,552 32.5% 1.8%
Graduate degree 4,348 55.4% 3.5%
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 Forest Hills

How much people earn in Forest Hills

The average annual household income in Forest Hills was $195,507 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $125,212, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest Hills
$195,507/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest Hills
$125,212/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Forest Hills income by age

In Forest Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,935. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $202,703 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $128,162 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,250 2.3%
25 - 44 $107,935 4.8%
45 - 64 $202,703 7.5%
Over 65 $128,162 -0.3%
Above poverty level
8,240
Below poverty level
727
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,240 91.9% 2.3%
Below poverty level 727 8.1% 4.5%

Employment in Forest Hills

Workforce and job types in Forest Hills

97.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 36.2% are employed by private companies, and 28.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,529
Blue collar
132
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,529 97.7% 2.5%
Blue collar 132 2.3% 9.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
36.2%
Governmental workers
28.1%
Not for profit companies
25.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 562 9.9% 23.8%
Private companies 2,051 36.2% -2.8%
Governmental workers 1,590 28.1% 6.4%
Not for profit companies 1,459 25.8% 0.3%

Transportation in Forest Hills

How people get around in Forest Hills

In Forest Hills, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 69.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,450 69.6% 0.3%
Taxicab 29 1.4% 20.8%
Bus or trolleybus 159 7.6% -34.0%
Railroad 12 0.6% -40.0%
Motorcycle 19 0.9% 35.7%
Bicycle 97 4.7% -12.6%
Walk 316 15.2% 5.3%
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 Forest Hills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20008 29,434 16,818 $125,212 $197,561

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FAQs about Forest Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Forest Hills?

Forest Hills has a total population of 9,116 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest Hills?

The gender ratio in Forest Hills is as follows:
  • 44% males (4,012 residents)
  • 56% females (5,104 residents)

What is the median age in Forest Hills?

The median age in Forest Hills is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forest Hills?

The age distribution in Forest Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.4% (1,130 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.3% (663 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 39.8% (3,632 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (2,033 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (1,658 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Hills is as follows:
  • White: 68.7% (6,263 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.2% (843 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (723 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (966 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (261 residents)

What percentage of the population in Forest Hills are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.2% of the population in Forest Hills.

How many housing units are there in Forest Hills?

There are 5,593 housing units in Forest Hills, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Forest Hills and what is the average household size?

Forest Hills has a total of 5,209 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest Hills?

Forest Hills has a median household income of $125,212, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Forest Hills?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.7% (5,529 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.3% (132 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (562 residents)
  • Private companies: 36.2% (2,051 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.1% (1,590 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 25.8% (1,459 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