Cost of Living in Forest City, IA
Population 4,280 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Forest City a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $136,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Forest City lies roughly 80 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Rochester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forest City
The median home value in Forest City is $136,400 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $719/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,917/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 56.0°F and lows of 35.2°F, with about 44.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Forest City has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
Forest City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 24 | 29 | 42 | 58 | 70 | 80 | 83 | 80 | 74 | 60 | 44 | 30 |
| Low °F | 7 | 11 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 58 | 49 | 37 | 24 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.89 | 1.22 | 2.29 | 4.15 | 5.15 | 5.39 | 4.43 | 3.79 | 3.45 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.29 |
| Snow" | 11.3 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 9.4 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forest City, IA?
Forest City has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forest City, IA?
The median gross rent in Forest City is $719 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City is $136,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City is $62,917 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forest City, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forest City is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Forest City, IA affordable?
Yes, Forest City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Forest City?
Forest City has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 36.2". Average annual snowfall is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forest City at a Glance
- Population
- 4,280
- Median Income
- $62,917
- Home Value
- $136,400
- Median Rent
- $719/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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