Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forrest City, AR
Considering a move to Forrest City, AR? Home to about 13,000 residents, Forrest City offers affordable living with a median home price of just $86,000 and average rents around $760. Commute times are short at about 18 minutes, and the climate is warm and sunny with 62% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are higher than average, so it's wise to explore neighborhoods carefully. Local schools, a community college, and reasonable healthcare options make Forrest City an accessible choice for budget-minded movers.
Demographics - Forrest City, AR
Demographics - Forrest City, AR
Forrest City has a population of about 13,000, with a majority Black community making up nearly three-quarters of residents. The city features a median age of 36.7 and a moderate population density, offering a blend of family-friendly and working-age demographics. Non-English speakers represent a small portion of the community, contributing to a largely English-speaking environment.
Population:
13,015
Density:
1,090 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
20.7%
Black:
73.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forrest City, AR?
Living in Forrest City is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $86,000 and average rent at $760 per month. The overall cost of living index is notably low at 75.2, making everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities particularly affordable compared to national averages. State income tax rates are moderate, further supporting cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$86,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.2
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
45.1
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
90.4
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Forrest City, AR a safe place to live?
Forrest City experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 1,022 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 3,420 per 100,000 residents. The chance of being affected by property crime is about 1 in 29, which means new residents should take care in choosing neighborhoods and securing their homes. Despite this, many residents find safe and supportive areas within the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,022
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,420
Crime Index:
4,442
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 98
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Forrest City, AR year-round?
The city enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 32°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. Forrest City receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. The seasonal changes are gentle, making the weather comfortable for most people.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $31,800, and about a third of residents live below the poverty line. The community is marked by a strong sense of local identity, with most people commuting less than 20 minutes to work and only a small percentage using public transportation. Educational attainment is moderate, with over three-quarters of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,700
Household Income:
$31,800
Family Income:
$35,200
Per Capita Income:
$15,900
Income Male:
$29,300
Income Female:
$22,400
Poverty Rate:
32.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.1%
Education
How are the schools in Forrest City, AR?
Forrest City offers a mix of public and private schools, with small class sizes and community-focused education. The city is home to East Arkansas Community College, providing convenient higher education options for residents. Educational resources support students from elementary through college, making it a practical choice for families and young adults.
Public Schools
Name:
Forrest City High School
Street:
467 Victoria St
Phone:
870-633-1464
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Stewart Elementary School
Street:
1105 N Washington St
Phone:
870-633-3245
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3
Private Schools
Name:
Forrest City Christian Academy
Street:
1807 Hwy 1 S
Phone:
870-633-3431
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
East Arkansas Community College
City:
Forrest City
State:
AR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
City:
Little Rock
State:
AR
Distance:
90 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Forrest City is anchored by Forrest City Medical Center, providing general and emergency services to residents. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and 85.2% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met locally. The healthcare index reflects reasonable access and affordability for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Forrest City Medical Center
Address:
1601 New Castle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone:
(870) 261-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forrest City, AR?
The housing market in Forrest City is very accessible, with a median home price of $86,000 and a rental market featuring average two-bedroom rents of $760. About half of residents own their homes, and the area sees modest home appreciation rates. Rental vacancies are slightly above average, which can give renters more options and negotiating power.
Median Home Price:
$86,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Forrest City residents are served by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle, based in Little Rock. Local services include vehicle registration, licensing, and related motor vehicle needs, with comprehensive information available on the state DMV website. The office provides support for all Arkansas drivers, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
300 S. Spring St., Room 101, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
501-682-4692
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.