Forest City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,290
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,205/yr
10.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,775
-0.3% year-over-year change

Forest City population

How many people live in Forest City

Forest City is home to 4,290 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.7% of Forest City locals are male, and 46.3% are female.

Total population
4,290
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.7%
2,304
Female
46.3%
1,986
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,304 53.7% 6.0%
Female 1,986 46.3% -5.7%
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 City is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 20.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 17.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
20.8%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
17.4%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 778 18.1% -3.1%
15 to 24 891 20.8% -9.4%
25 to 44 1,117 26% -4.2%
45 to 64 748 17.4% 9.7%
Over 65 756 17.6% 17.2%
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 City, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.2% are African American and 3.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,976 92.7% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 94 2.2% -52.3%
Non-citizens 220 5.1% 98.2%
Racial breakdown
White
87.6%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 3,756 87.6%
Black or African American 225 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Asian 137 3.2%
Two or more races 101 2.4%
Other 66 1.5%

Households in Forest City

A peek inside Forest City households

Forest City has 1,653 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,653
5.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
709
Family households
944
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 709 42.9% 27.8%
Family households 944 57.1% -6.4%
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 City

The housing landscape of Forest City

Forest City's housing consists of 1,775 units, with 67.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 5.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,775
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,200 67.6%
1 unit, attached 50 2.8%
2 units 46 2.6%
3 or 4 units 111 6.2%
5 to 9 units 193 10.9%
10 to 19 units 29 1.6%
20 to 49 units 28 1.6%
50 or more units 14 0.8%
Mobile home 104 5.9%
Homes built since 2020
22
-18.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest City

In Forest City, the median construction year is 1971. About 20.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 369 20.8% -13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 58 3.3% 23.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 203 11.4% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 215 12.1% -17.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 546 30.8% 35.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 144 8.1% 32.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 89 5% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 121 6.8% -4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 0.4% -88.4%
Built in 2020 or later 22 1.2% -18.5%
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 City occupancy rates

Out of the 1,653 occupied housing units in Forest City, 66.7% are owner-occupied, while 33.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,653
5.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
551
Owner occupied
1,102
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 551 33.3% 27.2%
Owner occupied 1,102 66.7% -2.6%
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 City housing costs

Housing costs in Forest City come to a median of $765 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $720.

Median housing costs per month
$765/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 City
$720/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 City

Forest City education at a glance

About 28.1% of the population in Forest City went to high school, while 28.9% pursued college studies. Another 16.8% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 30 0.9% -30.2%
High school diploma 933 28.1% -7.4%
College diploma 959 28.9% 9.5%
Associate degree 557 16.8% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 475 14.3% 6.7%
Graduate degree 362 10.9% 22.7%
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 City

How much people earn in Forest City

The average annual household income in Forest City was $91,886 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,205, reflecting a +10% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest City
$91,886/year
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest City
$69,205/year
10.0% year-over-year change

Forest City income by age

In Forest City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,969. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,542 overall. Overall, 87.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $62,969 -16.4%
45 - 64 $118,542 26.0%
Over 65 $35,170 -8.1%
Above poverty level
3,260
Below poverty level
472
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,260 87.4% -2.6%
Below poverty level 472 12.6% 33.3%

Employment in Forest City

Workforce and job types in Forest City

The job market in Forest City is powered by 2,178 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 62.1% are employed by private companies, and 17.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,178
-3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,484
Blue collar
694
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,484 68.1% -0.1%
Blue collar 694 31.9% -8.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
62.1%
Governmental workers
17.9%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 215 9.9% 1.9%
Private companies 1,352 62.1% -7.4%
Governmental workers 389 17.9% 28.0%
Not for profit companies 222 10.2% -17.8%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
5.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forest City stands at 2.7%, 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 Forest City

How people get around in Forest City

Commuting methods vary: 82.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,762 82.3% -8.5%
Taxicab 3 0.1% -82.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.2% 66.7%
Motorcycle 9 0.4% 0.0%
Bicycle 26 1.2% N/A
Walk 183 8.5% 128.8%
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 City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50436 5,771 2,335 $74,940 $100,971

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FAQs about Forest City demographics 

What is the total population of Forest City?

Forest City has a total population of 4,290 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest City?

The gender ratio in Forest City is as follows:
  • 53.7% males (2,304 residents)
  • 46.3% females (1,986 residents)

What is the median age in Forest City?

The median age in Forest City is 34.4.

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

The age distribution in Forest City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (778 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.8% (891 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (1,117 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.4% (748 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (756 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest City is as follows:
  • White: 87.6% (3,756 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (225 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 3.2% (137 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (101 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (66 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Forest City.

How many housing units are there in Forest City?

There are 1,775 housing units in Forest City, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forest City has a total of 1,653 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest City?

Forest City has a median household income of $69,205, representing a +10.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.3% in Forest City, with a workforce of 2,178 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.1% (1,484 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.9% (694 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (215 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.1% (1,352 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.9% (389 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (222 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