Cost of Living in Forrest City, AR
Population 12,826 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $33,522, median household incomes in Forrest City land roughly 55% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Forrest City is about 45 miles west of Memphis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forrest City
The median home value in Forrest City is $87,800 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $795/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,522/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 72.5°F and lows of 52.8°F. Overall, Forrest City has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 54 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 89 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 75 | 62 | 53 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 62 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.82 | 4.31 | 5.10 | 5.03 | 5.03 | 4.10 | 4.12 | 2.37 | 3.05 | 4.09 | 4.50 | 4.88 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forrest City, AR?
Forrest City has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forrest City, AR?
The median gross rent in Forrest City is $795 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forrest City?
The median home value in Forrest City is $87,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forrest City?
The median household income in Forrest City is $33,522 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forrest City, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forrest City is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Forrest City, AR affordable?
Yes, Forrest City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Forrest City?
Forrest City has average high temperatures of 72.5°F and average lows of 52.8°F. Annual precipitation is 50.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forrest City at a Glance
- Population
- 12,826
- Median Income
- $33,522
- Home Value
- $87,800
- Median Rent
- $795/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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