Cost of Living in Forest, VA
Population 12,476 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Forest sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Forest lies roughly 95 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Greensboro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 44% higher than Greensboro's $221,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forest
The median home value in Forest is $319,100 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,112/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,825/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.4°F and lows of 45.0°F, with about 11.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Forest has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% 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 | 46 | 50 | 58 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 26 | 28 | 35 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.46 | 2.91 | 3.76 | 3.45 | 3.98 | 3.82 | 4.19 | 3.22 | 3.96 | 3.12 | 3.39 | 3.50 |
| Snow" | 3.5 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forest, VA?
Forest has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forest, VA?
The median gross rent in Forest is $1,112 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forest?
The median home value in Forest is $319,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forest?
The median household income in Forest is $78,825 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forest, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forest is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Forest, VA affordable?
Forest is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Forest?
Forest has average high temperatures of 67.4°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Average annual snowfall is 11.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 12,476
- Median Income
- $78,825
- Home Value
- $319,100
- Median Rent
- $1,112/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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