Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Forrest City is a mid-sized city located in the state of Arkansas. The city has a population of 14,474 residents. According to Census, the majority (69%) of Forrest City residents identify as Black or African American followed by 23% White and 1% Asian. Forrest City is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 40% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Forrest City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Forrest City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Arkansas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Forrest City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arkansas and national averages.
With a livability score of 58 out of 100, Forrest City is ranked #20,631 in the United States and #284 in Arkansas. This is a lower than the US average livability score as Forrest City does not rank well for most categories. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Forrest City ranks well for housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Forrest City. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).
In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Forrest City, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 21.57% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Forrest City an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Forrest City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Forrest City. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Forrest City are affordable. The median home price for Forrest City homes is $124,227, which is 40.6% lower than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Forrest City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 24.2% lower than the Arkansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Forrest City | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.7% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.5% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.5% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
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