Cost of Living in Forest City, NC
Population 7,368 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Forest City run well below national norms — a median of $35,897 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $142,000). A poverty rate near 34% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Forest City is about 60 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
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 $142,100 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $815/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,897/year is 52% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 72.3°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Forest City has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% 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 | 53 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 4.12 | 3.84 | 4.48 | 4.04 | 4.07 | 3.90 | 4.82 | 4.66 | 3.73 | 3.59 | 3.84 | 4.58 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forest City, NC?
Forest City has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forest City, NC?
The median gross rent in Forest City is $815 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City is $142,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City is $35,897 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forest City, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forest City is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Forest City, NC affordable?
Yes, Forest City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Forest City?
Forest City has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 49.7". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forest City at a Glance
- Population
- 7,368
- Median Income
- $35,897
- Home Value
- $142,100
- Median Rent
- $815/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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