Forest Lake, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,729
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,944/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,723
1.6% year-over-year change

Forest Lake population

How many people live in Forest Lake

Forest Lake is home to 20,729 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Forest Lake locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
20,729
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
10,161
Female
51%
10,568
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,161 49% 0.5%
Female 10,568 51% 0.0%
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 Lake is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,585 17.3% -2.6%
15 to 24 3,054 14.7% 8.7%
25 to 44 5,393 26% -1.7%
45 to 64 5,196 25.1% -0.6%
Over 65 3,501 16.9% 0.8%
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 Forest Lake, 94.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,591 94.5% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 585 2.8% 9.1%
Non-citizens 553 2.7% -32.6%
Racial breakdown
White
86.4%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 17,911 86.4%
Black or African American 615 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 49 0.2%
Asian 741 3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0%
Two or more races 1,150 5.6%
Other 254 1.2%

Households in Forest Lake

A peek inside Forest Lake households

Forest Lake has 8,286 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,286
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,717
Family households
5,569
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,717 32.8% 7.8%
Family households 5,569 67.2% -1.1%
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 Forest Lake

The housing landscape of Forest Lake

Forest Lake's housing consists of 8,723 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.2% 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 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,723
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,339 61.2%
1 unit, attached 1,067 12.2%
2 units 32 0.4%
3 or 4 units 115 1.3%
5 to 9 units 136 1.6%
10 to 19 units 220 2.5%
20 to 49 units 971 11.1%
50 or more units 669 7.7%
Mobile home 174 2%
Homes built since 2020
196
90.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest Lake

In Forest Lake, the median construction year is 1988. About 7.2% 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, 20.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 624 7.2% 6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 197 2.3% 20.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 580 6.6% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 639 7.3% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,504 17.2% 13.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 985 11.3% -6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,127 12.9% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,794 20.6% -5.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,077 12.4% -1.7%
Built in 2020 or later 196 2.2% 90.3%
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 Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 8,286 occupied housing units in Forest Lake, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,286
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,244
Owner occupied
6,042
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,244 27.1% -2.2%
Owner occupied 6,042 72.9% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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 Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Forest Lake come to a median of $1,570 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,421.

Median housing costs per month
$1,570/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 Lake
$1,421/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 Lake

Forest Lake education at a glance

About 31.4% of the population in Forest Lake went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 22.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 158 1% -32.5%
High school diploma 4,989 31.4% 2.2%
College diploma 3,706 23.3% -2.0%
Associate degree 1,829 11.5% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,586 22.5% -4.5%
Graduate degree 1,647 10.4% 7.9%
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 Lake

How much people earn in Forest Lake

The average annual household income in Forest Lake was $115,588 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,944, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest Lake
$115,588/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest Lake
$92,944/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Forest Lake income by age

In Forest Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,074. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,934 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $98,475, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,032 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $98,475 13.7%
25 - 44 $107,074 12.8%
45 - 64 $119,934 -7.2%
Over 65 $63,032 4.6%
Above poverty level
19,084
Below poverty level
1,446
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,084 93% 0.3%
Below poverty level 1,446 7% 4.6%

Average renter income in Forest Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Forest Lake, their median household income was $55,545 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,545
Rent-to-income ratio
30.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Forest Lake

Workforce and job types in Forest Lake

The job market in Forest Lake is powered by 11,322 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 9.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,322
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
9,173
Blue collar
2,149
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,173 81% 2.1%
Blue collar 2,149 19% -3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
9.8%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,286 11.4% -9.0%
Private companies 7,997 70.6% 3.7%
Governmental workers 1,112 9.8% -8.9%
Not for profit companies 927 8.2% 6.2%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-6.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forest Lake stands at 4.3%, 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 Lake

How people get around in Forest Lake

In Forest Lake, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,741 78.8% -0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 24 0.2% 1,100.0%
Motorcycle 36 0.3% -14.3%
Bicycle 34 0.3% -2.9%
Walk 282 2.5% 0.4%
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 Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55025 25,891 10,211 $98,382 $116,932

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FAQs about Forest Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Forest Lake?

Forest Lake has a total population of 20,729 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 Lake?

The gender ratio in Forest Lake is as follows:
  • 49% males (10,161 residents)
  • 51% females (10,568 residents)

What is the median age in Forest Lake?

The median age in Forest Lake is 39.6.

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

The age distribution in Forest Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (3,585 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (3,054 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (5,393 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (5,196 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (3,501 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest Lake is as follows:
  • White: 86.4% (17,911 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (615 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (49 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (741 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (1,150 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (254 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.5% of the population in Forest Lake.

How many housing units are there in Forest Lake?

There are 8,723 housing units in Forest Lake, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forest Lake has a total of 8,286 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest Lake?

Forest Lake has a median household income of $92,944, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Forest Lake, with a workforce of 11,322 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81% (9,173 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19% (2,149 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (1,286 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (7,997 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.8% (1,112 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (927 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