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, Arkansas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 14,062 residents. In Forrest City, the most common ethnic group is Black or African American with a total of 69%. This is followed by 23% White and 1% Asian ethnic groups. Forrest City is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 40%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Forrest City offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Forrest City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Forrest City and in the areas around Forrest City is a much easier task.
Forrest City, AR receives 58/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #265 in Arkansas and #19,551 in the USA. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Forrest City has been rewarded with high marks for housing (B-). Unfortunately for Forrest City, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F).
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Forrest City, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 23.52% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Forrest City an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Forrest City, the unemployment rate stands at 2.74%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Forrest City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Forrest City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Forrest City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Forrest City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Forrest City come in at $67,500, which is 41.2% lower than the Arkansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Forrest City, the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 25.9% lower than the Arkansas average.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Arkansas
See the best places to live in & around Forrest City
Check out the 10 safest cities in Arkansas
10 best cities to buy a new house in Arkansas