Mississippi / Scott County

Moving to Forest, MS

Thinking of making a move to Forest, MS? 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, MS

Considering a move to Forest, MS? This welcoming community of 5,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $135,000 and average rents near $810. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Forest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Forest, MS

Forest has a population of 5,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 47% White, 49% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,600
Density
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
47.0%
Black
49.0%
Asian
0.5%
Others
3.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Forest, MS?

The cost of living in Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.7. Median home values are around $135,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $810. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$135,000
Gross Rent
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$360
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
84.7
Grocery
92.0
Housing
63.5
Utilities
96.8
Transportation
87.5
Health Care
88.4
Miscellaneous
90.1

Crime

Is Forest, MS a safe place to live?

Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 620 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Mississippi.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
620
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,980
Crime Index
3,600
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

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

Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
56°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches
58.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $42,500 and a low poverty rate of 22.5%. Over 82% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 16% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$24,500
Household Income
$42,500
Family Income
$51,000
Per Capita Income
$22,800
Income Male
$34,000
Income Female
$28,500
Poverty Rate
22.5%
Non English Speakers
4.1%
Rent
$810
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
82.4%
Bachelors or More
15.8%

Education

How are the schools in Forest, MS?

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

Public Schools

Name
Forest High School
Street
100 Old Pocahontas Rd
Phone
601-469-2843
Students
550
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Forest Elementary School
Street
735 E. Main St
Phone
601-469-2825
Students
480
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
Central MS Christian School
Street
1015 E. 3rd St
Phone
601-469-3633
Students
180

Colleges

Name
East Central Community College
City
Decatur
State
MS
Distance
22 miles
Students
2,000
Name
Meridian Community College
City
Meridian
State
MS
Distance
42 miles
Students
3,500

Healthcare

Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Forest General Hospital and Scott Regional Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.4 per 1,000 people and 81.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Forest General Hospital
Address
1200 E. 3rd St, Forest, MS 39074
Phone
(601) 469-4151
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Scott Regional Hospital
Address
317 High St, Morton, MS 39117
Phone
(601) 732-6300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage
81.5%
Health Care Index
61.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Forest, MS?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $135,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.2%. Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$135,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$810
Owner Occupied Rate
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate
1.1%

DMV Information

Residents of Forest handle vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Jackson. 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
Mississippi
Department
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS 39216
Phone
1-601-987-1224

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, MS

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

Before moving to Forest, review the core fields on this page: population 5,600, median home value $135,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $810, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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