Minnesota / County

Moving to Forest Lake, MN

Thinking of making a move to Forest Lake, MN? 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 Lake, MN

Considering a move to Forest Lake, MN? This welcoming community of 20,683 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $357,000 and average rents near $1,315. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Forest Lake's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Forest Lake, MN

Forest Lake has a population of 20,683 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 1% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Forest Lake is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.3. Median home values are around $357,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,315. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 76. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Minnesota.

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?

Forest Lake experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 6°F. The area receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
6°F
Max
25°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
34°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
36°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
30.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $95,300 and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Forest Lake Area High School and Century Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Century College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Fairview Lakes Medical Center and Regions Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $357,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Forest Lake offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Forest Lake handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in Saint Paul. 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
Minnesota
Department
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
445 Minnesota St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(651) 297-3298

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 Lake, MN

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

Before moving to Forest Lake, review the core fields on this page: population 20,683, median home value $357,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,315, commute time 29.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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