Forest County, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,715
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,191/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,937
-0.5% year-over-year change

Forest County population

How many people live in Forest County

Forest County is home to 6,715 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 71.4% of Forest County locals are male, and 28.6% are female.

Total population
6,715
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
71.4%
4,793
Female
28.6%
1,922
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,793 71.4% -0.5%
Female 1,922 28.6% -2.4%
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 County is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 2.1% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.4% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.1%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
33.4%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 141 2.1% -7.8%
15 to 24 684 10.2% 0.0%
25 to 44 2,245 33.4% -1.1%
45 to 64 1,969 29.3% -4.0%
Over 65 1,676 25% 3.0%
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 County, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.8% of locals are Caucasian, 14.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,528 97.2% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 96 1.4% 3.2%
Non-citizens 91 1.4% 1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
78.8%
Black or African American
14.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 5,290 78.8%
Black or African American 961 14.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 24 0.4%
Asian 31 0.5%
Two or more races 245 3.6%
Other 164 2.4%

Households in Forest County

A peek inside Forest County households

Forest County has 1,920 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.8% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,920
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
868
Family households
1,052
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 868 45.2% -1.5%
Family households 1,052 54.8% -1.0%
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 County

The housing landscape of Forest County

Forest County's housing consists of 6,937 units, with 83.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.1% 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 14.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,937
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,784 83.4%
1 unit, attached 6 0.1%
2 units 9 0.1%
3 or 4 units 31 0.4%
5 to 9 units 3 0%
10 to 19 units 83 1.2%
20 to 49 units 35 0.5%
50 or more units 6 0.1%
Mobile home 978 14.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
12
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest County

In Forest County, the median construction year is 1970. About 12.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 867 12.5% -6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 408 5.9% -9.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 965 13.9% -2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,159 16.7% 18.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,453 21% -2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 751 10.8% 5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 533 7.7% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 507 7.3% -7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 282 4.1% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.2% 33.3%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,920 occupied housing units in Forest County, 78.3% are owner-occupied, while 21.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 72.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,920
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
416
Owner occupied
1,504
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 416 21.7% -7.3%
Owner occupied 1,504 78.3% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
72.3%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Forest County come to a median of $584 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $817.

Median housing costs per month
$584/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 County
$817/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 County

Forest County education at a glance

About 61.2% of the population in Forest County went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 292 4.5% 7.8%
High school diploma 3,955 61.2% -2.5%
College diploma 1,132 17.5% -1.7%
Associate degree 293 4.5% 1.4%
Bachelor's degree 583 9% 2.5%
Graduate degree 212 3.3% 6.5%
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 County

How much people earn in Forest County

The average annual household income in Forest County was $64,867 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,191, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest County
$64,867/year
5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest County
$52,191/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Forest County income by age

In Forest County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,300. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,891 overall. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $60,300 3.6%
45 - 64 $62,891 8.9%
Over 65 $44,750 14.1%
Above poverty level
3,778
Below poverty level
509
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,778 88.1% 0.8%
Below poverty level 509 11.9% -21.0%

Employment in Forest County

Workforce and job types in Forest County

The job market in Forest County is powered by 1,866 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 54.7% are employed by private companies, and 24% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,866
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,198
Blue collar
668
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,198 64.2% 1.5%
Blue collar 668 35.8% -0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
54.7%
Governmental workers
24%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 258 13.8% 0.0%
Private companies 1,020 54.7% 0.2%
Governmental workers 448 24% 5.4%
Not for profit companies 140 7.5% -6.0%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-21.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forest County stands at 2.5%, 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 Forest County

How people get around in Forest County

In Forest County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-3.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,516 82.8% 3.7%
Walk 28 1.5% -31.7%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15828 285 142 $36,250 $51,221
16322 159 61 $23,854 $52,685
16341 1,761 794 $61,818 $78,972
16370 215 72 $35,833 $54,342
16347 1,596 643 $58,125 $57,604
16353 2,473 1,051 $56,034 $65,411
16217 77 42 $56,250 $55,088
16239 3,951 726 $52,121 $68,113
16321 11 11 $0 $44,991

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FAQs about Forest County demographics 

What is the total population of Forest County?

Forest County has a total population of 6,715 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 -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest County?

The gender ratio in Forest County is as follows:
  • 71.4% males (4,793 residents)
  • 28.6% females (1,922 residents)

What is the median age in Forest County?

The median age in Forest County is 48.7.

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

The age distribution in Forest County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.1% (141 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (684 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.4% (2,245 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (1,969 residents)
  • Over 65: 25% (1,676 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest County is as follows:
  • White: 78.8% (5,290 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.3% (961 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (24 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (245 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (164 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Forest County.

How many housing units are there in Forest County?

There are 6,937 housing units in Forest County, 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 Forest County and what is the average household size?

Forest County has a total of 1,920 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest County?

Forest County has a median household income of $52,191, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.5% in Forest County, with a workforce of 1,866 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.2% (1,198 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.8% (668 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (258 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.7% (1,020 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24% (448 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (140 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