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 20,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $360,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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 20,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,000
Density
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.5%
Black
2.2%
Asian
3.1%
Others
6.2%

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 108.7. Median home values are around $360,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$360,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,680
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$690
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
108.7
Grocery
104.8
Housing
116.5
Utilities
103.9
Transportation
106.2
Health Care
100.8
Miscellaneous
101.5

Crime

Is Forest Lake, MN a safe place to live?

Forest Lake is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 145 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 80. 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
145
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,250
Crime Index
1,395
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 80

Weather

What is the weather like in Forest Lake, MN year-round?

Forest Lake experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
7°F
Max
25°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
30.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $89,500 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$89,500
Family Income
$102,000
Per Capita Income
$38,500
Income Male
$49,500
Income Female
$38,800
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
9.2%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.8%
Bachelors or More
31.5%

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
6100 202nd St N
Phone
651-982-8100
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Century Junior High School
Street
7667 199th St N
Phone
651-982-8800
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
18.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Peter Catholic School
Street
1250 S Shore Dr
Phone
651-464-3235
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Century College
City
White Bear Lake
State
MN
Distance
13 miles
Students
18,000
Name
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
City
Coon Rapids
State
MN
Distance
24 miles
Students
10,500

Healthcare

Forest Lake residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center and Lakeview Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 95.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center
Address
5200 Fairview Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092
Phone
(651) 982-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lakeview Hospital
Address
927 W Churchill St, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone
(651) 430-1144
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
77.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Forest Lake, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $360,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. Forest Lake offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$360,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
78.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Forest Lake handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in St. 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 Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(651) 201-7000

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 20,000, median home value $360,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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