Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forks, WA
Thinking about moving to Forks, WA? With a close-knit population of 3,890, Forks offers affordable living—median home prices are around $263,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom is just $980. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 18 minutes), low housing costs, and the area’s stunning natural beauty, though the rainy climate means lots of greenery! Local schools offer small class sizes, and crime rates are on par with national averages, making Forks a peaceful place for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Forks, WA
Forks is a small, close-knit community of 3,890 residents, with a median age of 35.4 and a slightly higher ratio of males to females. The city is predominantly White (70.2%), with a significant Hispanic or Latino population (21.6%), and about 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
3,890
Density:
1,040 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.4
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forks, WA?
Living in Forks is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $263,000. Rent is budget-friendly at about $980 per month, and utility and transportation expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$263,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
79.2
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Forks, WA a safe place to live?
Forks experiences moderate crime, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,450 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 331, reflecting rates similar to many small towns in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
302
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,752
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 331
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Forks, WA year-round?
Forks has a cool, wet climate with mild temperatures year-round, ranging from winter lows of 34°F to summer highs of 70°F. The city receives abundant rainfall—about 119 inches annually—and enjoys sunshine on roughly a third of the days, supporting lush green landscapes.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
119 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
34%
Neighbors
Households in Forks typically earn a median income of $52,000, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 20.5%. Most residents enjoy short commutes of around 18 minutes, and the community values diversity, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
20.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.6%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Forks, WA?
Forks offers public K–12 schools with small class sizes, fostering personalized attention for students. For higher education, Peninsula College is located about 57 miles away in Port Angeles, providing additional learning opportunities for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Forks Elementary School
Street:
301 S Elderberry Ave
Phone:
360-374-6262
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Forks Middle School
Street:
121 Spartan Ave
Phone:
360-374-6262
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
Forks High School
Street:
261 Spartan Ave
Phone:
360-374-6262
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Colleges
Name:
Peninsula College
City:
Port Angeles
State:
WA
Distance:
57 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Forks is served by Forks Community Hospital, offering general and emergency care, and the city has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, making healthcare accessible for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Forks Community Hospital
Address:
530 Bogachiel Way, Forks, WA 98331
Phone:
(360) 374-6271
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forks, WA?
The housing market in Forks is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $263,000 and a home appreciation rate of 6.4% over the past year. Over 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies remain relatively low, offering a mix of options for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$263,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Port Angeles, ensuring convenient vehicle registration and licensing. The office can be reached at (360) 417-2293 or online at the state’s licensing website.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1102 E 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone:
(360) 417-2293
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.