What Should I Know Before Moving to Forest City?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Forest City. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Forest City climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Forest City?

Moving within Forest City usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Forest City?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Forest City. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Forest City Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Forest City offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Forest City, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Forest City at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest City, IA

Considering a move to Forest City, IA? With a population of 4,285, this welcoming town offers affordable living—median home prices are just $151,000 and average rents about $720. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short average commutes of 15 minutes, and access to quality local schools and Waldorf University. With 60% sunny days each year, a close-knit community, and a reasonable cost of living, Forest City is a great place to settle down and enjoy small-town Iowa life.

Demographics - Forest City, IA

Forest City, IA is a small community of 4,285 residents with a median age of 41.2 years, reflecting a balanced and mature population. The city is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities and around 7% non-English speakers, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

Population:

4,285

Density:

1,020 per sq mi

Median Age:

41.2

Gender Ratio:

97 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White:

92.8%

Black:

1.2%

Asian:

1.7%

Others:

4.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Forest City, IA?

Forest City offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $151,000 and average rent at $720. The overall cost of living index is 82.5, well below the national average, making it economical for families and individuals alike.

Median House Value:

$151,000

Gross Rent:

$720

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$115

Auto Insurance:

$1,110

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$1,180

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$410

State Taxes:

Low:

0.33%

High:

8.53%

Cost Of Living Index:

82.5

Grocery:

94.3

Housing:

59.1

Utilities:

93.2

Transportation:

87.6

Health Care:

101.7

Miscellaneous:

91.4

Crime

Is Forest City, IA a safe place to live?

Forest City experiences low crime rates, with a 1 in 549 chance of violent crime and 1 in 89 for property crime, making it a safe community for residents. The overall crime index suggests a peaceful environment compared to larger cities.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

182

Property Crimes Per 100k:

1,120

Crime Index:

1,302

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 549

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 89

Weather

What is the weather like in Forest City, IA year-round?

Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers with highs around 82°F and cold winters reaching lows of 8°F. With approximately 60% sunny days and about 33 inches of annual rainfall, the climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter

Min:

8°F

Max:

28°F

Spring

Min:

36°F

Max:

62°F

Summer

Min:

59°F

Max:

82°F

Fall

Min:

37°F

Max:

66°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

33.4 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

60%

Neighbors

Households in Forest City enjoy a median income of $63,200 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute time is a short 15 minutes, contributing to a convenient small-town lifestyle.

Median Income:

$39,600

Household Income:

$63,200

Family Income:

$76,500

Per Capita Income:

$30,200

Income Male:

$42,000

Income Female:

$35,000

Poverty Rate:

8.4%

Non English Speakers:

6.8%

Rent:

$720

Unemployment Rate:

2.7%

Public Transport Usage:

0.5%

Commute Time:

14.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

92.3%

Bachelors or More:

28.1%

Education

How are the schools in Forest City, IA?

Forest City boasts quality public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and is home to Waldorf University, providing higher education opportunities locally. Access to nearby colleges further enhances the educational landscape for residents.

Public Schools

Name:

Forest City Elementary School

Street:

1405 W I St

Phone:

641-585-2670

Students:

600

Student Teacher Ratio:

14.5

Name:

Forest City High School

Street:

206 W School St

Phone:

641-585-2324

Students:

370

Student Teacher Ratio:

13.2

Private Schools

Name:

St. James Catholic School

Street:

108 W 5th St

Phone:

641-585-3113

Students:

110

Colleges

Name:

Waldorf University

City:

Forest City

State:

Distance:

0 miles

Students:

2,400

Name:

North Iowa Area Community College

City:

Mason City

State:

Distance:

26 miles

Students:

3,800

Healthcare

Healthcare in Forest City is accessible, with local clinics for primary care and a major hospital with emergency services nearby in Mason City. Most residents have health insurance coverage (over 91%), and there is a strong physician-to-population ratio, supporting community wellness.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Waldorf Family Practice

Address:

138 N Clark St, Forest City, IA 50436

Phone:

(641) 585-2904

Type:

Family Medicine

Emergency Services:

Name:

MercyOne Forest City Clinic

Address:

635 Hwy 9, Forest City, IA 50436

Phone:

(641) 585-2904

Type:

General Practice

Emergency Services:

Name:

MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center

Address:

1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401

Phone:

(641) 428-7000

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.1

Health Insurance Coverage:

91.8%

Health Care Index:

78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Forest City, IA?

The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $151,000 and owner occupancy at nearly 75%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $720, and a low foreclosure rate of 0.7% indicates a healthy market.

Median Home Price:

$151,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$720

Owner Occupied Rate:

74.6%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

6.2%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

2.8%

New Construction Rate:

1.2%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.7%

DMV Information

Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division, with resources available online and at the main office in Ankeny. The process is streamlined thanks to the state’s comprehensive DMV website.

State:

Iowa

Department:

Iowa Motor Vehicle Division

Address:

6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021

Phone:

515-244-8725

Website:

https://iowadot.gov/mvd

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.