Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forestville, CA
Considering a move to Forestville, CA? This friendly Sonoma County town of about 3,350 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle with a mild Mediterranean climate—69% sunny days and warm, dry summers. Home prices average $670,000 and rent for a two-bedroom is around $2,000, reflecting the area's desirability. Crime rates are moderate, and average commute times are just under 30 minutes. With reputable local schools, easy access to major hospitals, and beautiful wine country surroundings, Forestville is a great choice for those seeking a small-town feel with Sonoma County amenities.
Demographics - Forestville, CA
Demographics - Forestville, CA
Forestville is a small, close-knit community of roughly 3,350 residents, with a median age of 47.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, but there is some ethnic diversity, and about 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The town's moderate population density gives it a suburban feel with plenty of space.
Population:
3,350
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
17.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forestville, CA?
Living in Forestville is relatively expensive, with a cost of living index of 156 and the typical home priced around $670,000. Renters can expect to pay approximately $2,000 per month for a two-bedroom, and other expenses like groceries and utilities are also above the national average. State taxes are progressive, ranging from 1% to 13.3%, which is important to consider for budgeting.
Median House Value:
$670,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$770
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.0
Grocery:
117.3
Housing:
210.2
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
131.4
Health Care:
109.8
Miscellaneous:
106.9
Crime
Is Forestville, CA a safe place to live?
Forestville experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 241 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 47. While not considered high-crime, residents should still take standard safety precautions. Overall, the community maintains a reputation for being a safe and welcoming place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
241
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,110
Crime Index:
2,351
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 415
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Forestville, CA year-round?
Forestville enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers with highs around 86°F and mild, wet winters with lows near 37°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rain annually and boasts 69% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. This climate is a big draw for those seeking comfortable weather in Sonoma County.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
57°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
The Forestville area has a median household income of about $75,900 and a poverty rate of 10.8%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commute times average just under 30 minutes, and unemployment remains relatively low at 4.5%. The community is primarily English-speaking with a small but present multilingual population.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$75,900
Family Income:
$93,400
Per Capita Income:
$39,300
Income Male:
$54,500
Income Female:
$42,100
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
18.1%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
37.8%
Education
How are the schools in Forestville, CA?
Forestville offers quality educational options, including Forestville Elementary and El Molino High School, both with manageable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to Santa Rosa Junior College, just 10 miles away, providing higher education opportunities. A private school, Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm, adds further variety for local families.

Public Schools
Name:
Forestville Elementary School
Street:
6321 Highway 116
Phone:
707-887-2279
Students:
265
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
El Molino High School
Street:
7050 Covey Rd, Forestville
Phone:
707-824-6550
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.6

Private Schools
Name:
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm
Street:
655 Willowside Rd, Santa Rosa
Phone:
707-575-7194
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Santa Rosa Junior College
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Residents of Forestville have convenient access to major hospitals like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional and Providence Santa Rosa Memorial, both offering emergency services. With over 90% of residents insured and a physician rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people, healthcare is both accessible and reliable. The area’s healthcare index indicates overall favorable conditions for medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
Address:
30 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone:
(707) 576-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Address:
1165 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone:
(707) 546-3210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forestville, CA?
The housing market in Forestville is competitive, with a median home price of $670,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with the average two-bedroom rent at $2,000 and a vacancy rate of 4.5%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making the area attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$670,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Forestville residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Santa Rosa, which offers comprehensive licensing and registration services. Appointments and information can be accessed via the state DMV website or by phone. The Santa Rosa location ensures quick access for all vehicle and licensing needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2570 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
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.