Forest, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,430
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,552/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,460
5.1% year-over-year change

Forest population

How many people live in Forest

Forest is home to 13,430 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.8% of Forest locals are male, and 55.2% are female.

Total population
13,430
7.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.8%
6,020
Female
55.2%
7,410
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,020 44.8% 11.2%
Female 7,410 55.2% 4.9%
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 is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 15.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,174 16.2% 14.1%
15 to 24 2,136 15.9% 16.9%
25 to 44 3,012 22.4% 6.6%
45 to 64 3,344 24.9% 1.7%
Over 65 2,764 20.6% 5.1%
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, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.4% of locals are Caucasian, 12.7% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,792 95.2% 9.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 429 3.2% -19.8%
Non-citizens 209 1.6% -4.6%
Racial breakdown
White
76.4%
Black or African American
12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 10,267 76.4%
Black or African American 1,707 12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.1%
Asian 244 1.8%
Two or more races 912 6.8%
Other 286 2.1%

Households in Forest

A peek inside Forest households

Forest has 5,358 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.6% are families, while the remaining 35.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,358
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,894
Family households
3,464
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,894 35.4% 7.4%
Family households 3,464 64.6% 4.1%
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

The housing landscape of Forest

Forest's housing consists of 5,460 units, with 56.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.7% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,460
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,099 56.8%
1 unit, attached 964 17.7%
2 units 16 0.3%
3 or 4 units 258 4.7%
5 to 9 units 286 5.2%
10 to 19 units 407 7.4%
20 to 49 units 249 4.6%
50 or more units 105 1.9%
Mobile home 76 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
189
472.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest

In Forest, the median construction year is 1992. About 0.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10 0.2% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 0.2% -8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 85 1.6% 44.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 0.8% -26.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 913 16.7% 7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,502 27.5% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 910 16.7% -5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 694 12.7% -5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,104 20.2% 13.6%
Built in 2020 or later 189 3.5% 472.7%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 5,358 occupied housing units in Forest, 75.9% are owner-occupied, while 24.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,358
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,292
Owner occupied
4,066
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,292 24.1% 1.3%
Owner occupied 4,066 75.9% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
1.9%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Forest come to a median of $1,215 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,315.

Median housing costs per month
$1,215/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
$1,315/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

Forest education at a glance

About 23.3% of the population in Forest went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 25.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 159 1.5% -18.0%
High school diploma 2,498 23.3% 9.8%
College diploma 2,266 21.1% 8.1%
Associate degree 993 9.2% 21.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,692 25.1% 0.3%
Graduate degree 2,133 19.9% 7.8%
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

How much people earn in Forest

The average annual household income in Forest was $103,831 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,552, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest
$103,831/year
-4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest
$81,552/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Forest income by age

In Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,712 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,386 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,750 9.2%
25 - 44 $85,000 -7.5%
45 - 64 $93,712 2.1%
Over 65 $72,386 1.5%
Above poverty level
12,040
Below poverty level
1,282
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,040 90.4% 5.3%
Below poverty level 1,282 9.6% 38.3%

Average renter income in Forest

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Forest, their median household income was $50,938 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,938
Rent-to-income ratio
31%
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

Workforce and job types in Forest

The job market in Forest is powered by 6,380 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 58.8% are employed by private companies, and 16% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,380
7.6% year-over-year change
White collar
5,310
Blue collar
1,070
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,310 83.2% 7.3%
Blue collar 1,070 16.8% 9.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
58.8%
Governmental workers
16%
Not for profit companies
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 634 9.9% 23.6%
Private companies 3,748 58.8% 4.3%
Governmental workers 1,024 16% 6.3%
Not for profit companies 974 15.3% 13.1%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
-3.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forest stands at 3.5%, 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

How people get around in Forest

Commuting methods vary: 83.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 5,279 83.5% 8.7%
Walk 7 0.1% -85.4%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24551 28,554 10,969 $91,067 $116,134

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FAQs about Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Forest?

Forest has a total population of 13,430 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 +7.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest?

The gender ratio in Forest is as follows:
  • 44.8% males (6,020 residents)
  • 55.2% females (7,410 residents)

What is the median age in Forest?

The median age in Forest is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forest?

The age distribution in Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (2,174 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.9% (2,136 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (3,012 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (3,344 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (2,764 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest is as follows:
  • White: 76.4% (10,267 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.7% (1,707 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (244 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (912 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (286 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Forest.

How many housing units are there in Forest?

There are 5,460 housing units in Forest, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forest has a total of 5,358 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest?

Forest has a median household income of $81,552, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Forest, with a workforce of 6,380 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (5,310 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (1,070 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (634 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.8% (3,748 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16% (1,024 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.3% (974 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