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Moving to Forest City, IA

Thinking of making a move to Forest City, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest City, IA

Considering a move to Forest City, IA? This welcoming community of 4,285 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $151,000 and average rents near $720. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Forest City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Forest City, IA

Forest City has a population of 4,285 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 93% White, 1% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Forest City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $151,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $720. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 182 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 89. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

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?

Forest City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
8°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
37°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,200 and a low poverty rate of 8.4%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Forest City Elementary School and Forest City High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Waldorf University and North Iowa Area Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,400
Name
North Iowa Area Community College
City
Mason City
State
IA
Distance
26 miles
Students
3,800

Healthcare

Forest City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Waldorf Family Practice, MercyOne Forest City Clinic, and MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Waldorf Family Practice
Address
138 N Clark St, Forest City, IA 50436
Phone
(641) 585-2904
Type
Family Medicine
Emergency Services
No
Name
MercyOne Forest City Clinic
Address
635 Hwy 9, Forest City, IA 50436
Phone
(641) 585-2904
Type
General Practice
Emergency Services
No
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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $151,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 2.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.2%. Forest City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Forest City handle vehicle services through the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Forest City, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Forest City, review the core fields on this page: population 4,285, median home value $151,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $720, commute time 14.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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