Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest, MS
Considering a move to Forest, MS? This welcoming city of 5,430 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $101,000 and average rents at $720. Commute times are short at about 23 minutes, and you’ll enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days annually. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, Forest offers a friendly, diverse community, local schools, and easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Check out detailed housing, cost of living, and education info below to see if Forest is your next home.
Demographics - Forest, MS
Demographics - Forest, MS
Forest, MS is home to approximately 5,430 residents, offering a diverse community where nearly half identify as Black and about 20% as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 35.2, and a notable 15.4% of the population speaks a language other than English, reflecting the city’s multicultural character.
Population:
5,430
Density:
450 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
35.5%
Black:
47.8%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest, MS?
Forest provides an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $101,000 and an average rent of $720, making it budget-friendly compared to national averages. The overall cost of living index is 78.4, indicating lower expenses for housing and daily essentials, while state income taxes range from 3% to 5%.
Median House Value:
$101,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
80.3
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Forest, MS a safe place to live?
Forest experiences a moderate rate of violent crime, with about 348 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a higher rate of property crime, giving residents a 1 in 47 chance of being affected. While crime rates are above national averages, awareness and community engagement help promote neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
348
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,468
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 287
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest, MS year-round?
Residents of Forest enjoy a mild climate featuring warm summers with average highs reaching 92°F and cool winters with lows around 36°F. The city receives ample rainfall at 59 inches annually and experiences sunshine 62% of the year, making for pleasant outdoor living.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
59 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Forest typically earn a median income of $38,200, with a poverty rate of 27.4% and an unemployment rate of 6.7%. Most residents have a high school diploma, and commute times average about 23 minutes, highlighting the city’s accessible and close-knit atmosphere.
Median Income:
$31,700
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$44,600
Per Capita Income:
$17,900
Income Male:
$29,200
Income Female:
$22,800
Poverty Rate:
27.4%
Non English Speakers:
15.4%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.6%
Bachelors or More:
10.1%
Education
How are the schools in Forest, MS?
Forest offers a selection of public and private schools, including Forest High School and Scott Central Attendance Center, serving a combined student population of over 1,700. For higher education, East Central Community College is conveniently located just 26 miles away, supporting local academic and career opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Forest High School
Street:
1010 E. Parkway Street
Phone:
601-469-3250
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Name:
Forest Elementary School
Street:
450 E. 1st Street
Phone:
601-469-2072
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Scott Central Attendance Center
Street:
2535 Hwy 21
Phone:
601-469-4883
Students:
620

Colleges
Name:
East Central Community College
City:
Decatur
State:
MS
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Forest is served by Lackey Memorial Hospital, offering general and emergency services, with 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Around 82% of the population has health insurance, providing solid access to essential healthcare in the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lackey Memorial Hospital
Address:
330 North Broad Street, Forest, MS 39074
Phone:
(601) 469-4151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.2%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest, MS?
The housing market in Forest is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $101,000 and a rental vacancy rate of 9.8%. Over half of residents own their homes, and property values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$101,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
For driver services in Forest, residents can visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau located at 2212 Hwy 35 S. The local office provides licensing, registration, and other essential vehicle services to the community.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau
Address:
2212 Hwy 35 S, Forest, MS 39074
Phone:
(601) 469-1944
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.