Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest City, NC
Considering a move to Forest City, NC? This friendly town of around 7,200 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $140,000 and average rents near $830. Residents enjoy a mild climate, 60% sunny days, and short 21-minute commutes. While the property crime rate is higher than average, the area boasts a close-knit community, local schools with small class sizes, and easy access to nature and nearby healthcare facilities. Forest City is a great pick for those seeking a slower pace and budget-friendly lifestyle in western North Carolina.
Demographics - Forest City, NC
Demographics - Forest City, NC
Forest City is home to about 7,200 residents, with a median age of 42.1 years, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The community is predominantly White (68.5%), with a significant Black population (22.4%), creating a diverse yet close-knit atmosphere. A small portion of residents speak languages other than English, adding to the town’s cultural fabric.
Population:
7,224
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
22.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest City, NC?
Forest City offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $140,000 and an average rent of $830 per month. The overall cost of living index is 78.2, notably below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Daily expenses such as groceries and utilities also remain reasonable, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$140,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.2
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
60.3
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Forest City, NC a safe place to live?
While Forest City maintains a sense of community, it experiences a higher rate of property crime, with a chance of 1 in 36 annually, and a violent crime rate of 359 per 100,000 residents. Prospective residents should be mindful of safety precautions but will find that the town’s active neighborhoods often foster a supportive environment. Local law enforcement works to maintain safety and address community concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
359
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,750
Crime Index:
3,109
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 279
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest City, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 89°F and cool winters where temperatures typically drop to 29°F. The area receives around 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% of days with sunshine, making it pleasant for outdoor activities most of the year. Seasonal changes bring beautiful scenery and a comfortable environment.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Forest City have a median income of $36,200, with a family income averaging $46,100, supporting a modest but steady lifestyle. The poverty rate is higher than average at 23.5%, yet the town is characterized by a strong sense of community and short commute times of about 21 minutes. Most residents rely on personal vehicles, with only a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$36,200
Family Income:
$46,100
Per Capita Income:
$20,700
Income Male:
$32,800
Income Female:
$25,300
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.6%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Forest City, NC?
Families in Forest City benefit from local public schools with small class sizes, such as Forrest W. Hunt Elementary and East Rutherford Middle School, supporting close teacher-student relationships. Private school options and proximity to Isothermal Community College, just three miles away, provide additional educational opportunities. The town’s schools and colleges offer a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary
Street:
100 Forrest W Hunt Dr
Phone:
828-245-2161
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
East Rutherford Middle School
Street:
259 E Church St
Phone:
828-245-3750
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Christian School
Street:
299 Deter St
Phone:
828-286-3901
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Isothermal Community College
City:
Spindale
State:
NC
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Forest City residents have access to healthcare services at facilities like Rutherford Regional Health System, offering general and emergency care. The area has about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 86% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare costs are slightly above the national average but remain accessible for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rutherford Regional Health System
Address:
288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone:
(828) 286-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest City, NC?
The local housing market is notably affordable, with median home prices at $140,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $830. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a healthy 8.2% home appreciation rate over the past year, indicating growing value. Rental options are available, and the vacancy rate allows for some flexibility when searching for housing.
Median Home Price:
$140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Forest City’s DMV services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on East Main Street. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services locally. For more information, the DMV website offers resources and appointment scheduling.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
221 E. Main St, Forest City, NC 28043
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
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.