Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Lake, MN
Thinking about moving to Forest Lake, MN? This scenic city of 20,683 offers a suburban feel, affordable median home prices around $357,000, and average rents near $1,315. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 110 per 100K, a quick 29.7-minute average commute, and reputable schools. With 56% sunny days and four true seasons, Forest Lake is a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality of life near the Twin Cities.
Demographics - Forest Lake, MN
Demographics - Forest Lake, MN
Forest Lake is a welcoming city of 20,683 residents, with a median age of 39.2 and a population density that offers a comfortable suburban atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (92.1%) and maintains a balanced gender ratio, while nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
20,683
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Lake, MN?
Living in Forest Lake is moderately affordable, with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 104.3. The median home value is $357,000, and monthly rent for a typical apartment averages $1,315, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$357,000
Gross Rent:
$1,315
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,825
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$635
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.3
Grocery:
101.2
Housing:
104.7
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
105.1
Miscellaneous:
102.8
Crime
Is Forest Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Forest Lake boasts a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing a sense of security for families. Property crime is more common, but overall, the crime index suggests a relatively safe environment compared to national figures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,430
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Lake, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 6°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. The city enjoys about 56% sunny days each year and receives around 30.7 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The median household income in Forest Lake is $95,300, reflecting a comfortable standard of living and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. Most residents commute around 30 minutes to work, and the area is well-educated, with 95.1% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$42,300
Household Income:
$95,300
Family Income:
$108,400
Per Capita Income:
$42,400
Income Male:
$54,600
Income Female:
$44,300
Poverty Rate:
5.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,315
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
29.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
33.4%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Lake, MN?
Forest Lake is served by reputable public and private schools, including Forest Lake Area High School, and is close to higher education options like Century College just 13 miles away. The area’s student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, and families benefit from a strong educational infrastructure.
Public Schools
Name:
Forest Lake Area High School
Street:
6101 Scandia Trail N
Phone:
651-982-8400
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Century Junior High School
Street:
21395 Goodview Ave N
Phone:
651-982-3100
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Peter's Catholic School
Street:
1250 S Shore Dr
Phone:
651-982-2215
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
Century College
City:
White Bear Lake
State:
MN
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
20,000
Name:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
City:
Coon Rapids
State:
MN
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Forest Lake offers access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 95% of the population has health insurance, contributing to the community’s strong focus on well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairview Lakes Medical Center
Address:
5200 Fairview Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092
Phone:
(651) 982-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Regions Hospital
Address:
640 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
(651) 254-3456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Lake, MN?
Forest Lake's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $357,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.4%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, and rental options are available with a modest vacancy rate of 4.9%.
Median Home Price:
$357,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,315
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Forest Lake residents are provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in Saint Paul. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online through the state's official website.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
(651) 297-3298
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.