Is Forrest City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forrest City

Forrest City, Arkansas, offers a glimpse into the heart of the Mid-South, blending a rich history with the conveniences of modern life. Situated strategically along the Interstate 40 corridor, it provides accessible connections to larger metropolitan areas like Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. This positioning has historically supported its role as a hub for commerce and community in St. Francis County.

The city’s roots trace back to its establishment in 1870, and remnants of its past are visible in its historic downtown architecture and local museums. Forrest City also boasts natural beauty, with proximity to the Village Creek State Park, Saint Francis National Forest, and the White River National Wildlife Refuge, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. This combination of historical depth and natural appeal forms the backdrop for life in Forrest City.

Is it Safe to Live in Forrest City?

Forrest City faces significant challenges regarding crime rates, with statistics indicating a higher-than-average occurrence of both violent and property crimes. The overall crime rate in Forrest City is approximately 90% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This places the city in the lowest 10% of U.S. cities for safety, with a concerning violent crime rate of 1176 per 100,000 people, which is 227.4% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

When examining specific crime statistics, Forrest City reports higher rates for assault, murder, rape, and robbery compared to national averages (according to Niche). Property crime rates, including burglary, also exceed national figures. Residents may find that crime levels vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing more incidents than others. The northeast part of the city is generally considered the safest, while the southwest areas tend to see the most reported incidents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The cost associated with crime in Forrest City is also notably higher than the national and state averages. The projected cost of crime per resident is approximately $1,430 annually, which is significantly more than the U.S. average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This highlights the pervasive impact of crime on the community and its residents.

Understanding the Cost of Living

Forrest City presents a more affordable cost of living compared to both the national average and the state average for Arkansas. The overall cost of living in Forrest City is approximately 11% lower than the U.S. national average and about 1% lower than Arkansas’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends across various categories, making it an attractive option for those seeking to manage expenses.

Housing costs are a significant contributor to the city’s affordability, being substantially lower than the national average. Housing expenses are approximately 34% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com). This translates to more budget-friendly options for both renters and homeowners, with median home values considerably below national figures (as reported by Livability.com and Zillow).

Beyond housing, other essential expenses such as food, transportation, energy, and healthcare are also more affordable in Forrest City. These lower costs contribute to a reduced overall monthly expenditure for individuals and families. This economic advantage makes Forrest City a financially accessible place to reside for many.

Housing Market Dynamics

The housing market in Forrest City is characterized by its affordability, with median home prices significantly lower than the national median. As of January 2026, the median listing price was approximately $149,900, and the average home value was around $73,436 (as reported by Redfin and Zillow). This makes homeownership attainable for a broader range of individuals and investors.

Rental prices in Forrest City also reflect this affordability. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $658 per month, and for a two-bedroom, it is approximately $739 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures are substantially lower than the national average rent, indicating a renter-friendly market.

While the market offers attractive entry points, it’s worth noting that home prices have seen year-over-year fluctuations. For instance, in January 2026, home prices were down 19.7% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $152,000 (as reported by Redfin). Despite these variations, the overall accessibility of housing remains a key feature of Forrest City’s real estate landscape.

Rental Averages

Renting in Forrest City is notably more affordable than the national average, offering a cost-effective housing solution for many residents. The average rent for an apartment is around $650 per month, which is approximately 67.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). This makes Forrest City an appealing option for those who prefer renting or are looking for more flexible housing arrangements.

Specific rental costs vary by unit size, with studios averaging around $473 per month, one-bedroom apartments at approximately $657, and two-bedroom apartments around $739 (as reported by Apartments.com and Zillow). For larger families or those needing more space, three-bedroom rentals can be expected to cost around $982 or more per month.

Over the past year, rental prices in Forrest City have seen an increase of approximately 6.3% (as reported by Apartments.com and Zillow). While this indicates a growing rental market, the rates remain significantly below national benchmarks, ensuring continued affordability for renters.

Job Market and Economy

Forrest City’s economy is supported by a mix of major employers and a workforce engaged in various sectors. The city’s strategic location along I-40 facilitates its role in regional commerce and industry. Key employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, reflecting a diverse economic base.

Notable employers in the Forrest City area include the Federal Correctional Institute, Boar’s Head, and Core-Mark, providing significant employment opportunities within the community (as reported by the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce). These anchor businesses contribute to the local economy and offer a range of job types.

However, the job market has experienced some fluctuations. Employment in Forrest City declined slightly from 2023 to 2024, with a decrease of approximately 2.49% (as reported by Data USA). The most common occupations for residents include production, education, and sales-related roles.

Unemployment Trends

The unemployment rate in Forrest City has shown some variability, with recent figures indicating a rate of 7.20% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is higher than the previous month’s 6.20% and the previous year’s 5.90%, but it remains lower than the long-term average of 8.54%.

Data from BestNeighborhood.org suggests that the employment rate in Forrest City is currently around 93.03%, implying an unemployment rate of approximately 6.97%. Neighborhoods within Forrest City show varying unemployment levels, with green areas indicating rates of 0-5%, yellow areas ranging from 5-9%, and red areas signifying 10-20% or higher.

The Arkansas state unemployment rate recently dropped to 4.3% in March (as reported by Stuttgart Daily Leader). While Forrest City’s local rate may differ, the broader state trend suggests a dynamic employment landscape.

Average Salaries

The average salary in Forrest City, Arkansas, varies depending on the source and methodology, but generally falls within a range that reflects the cost of living. SalaryExpert reports an average salary of approximately $57,026 per year, or $27 per hour. ZipRecruiter indicates a slightly higher average annual salary of $59,335, which equates to about $28.53 per hour.

These figures suggest that salaries in Forrest City are generally lower than the national average, aligning with the city’s overall lower cost of living. The median household income is reported to be around $33,522 (as per ERI Economic Research Institute) or $33,008 (as per Apartments.com), which is also lower than national medians.

The range of salaries can be substantial, with most salaries falling between $40,202 and $74,594 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Top-paying jobs in Forrest City include specialized roles such as Forensic Pathologist and Cybersecurity jobs, which command significantly higher compensation.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Forrest City experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from about 33°F in the winter to 90°F in the summer, rarely dropping below 19°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Livability.com and Weather and Climate).

Summers in Forrest City are long, hot, and humid, generally lasting from late May through September. July is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 90°F and lows of 72°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during these months, from June to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Winters are short, cold, wet, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 56°F from late November to late February. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 33°F and highs of 48°F (as reported by Livability.com).

Average Temperatures

The average annual temperature in Forrest City hovers around 59.5°F, based on data from nearby weather stations (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). Daily high temperatures can reach an average of 82°F during the warmer months, typically from May to September.

Conversely, during the cooler months, from November to February, average daily high temperatures generally stay below 56°F. The coldest month, January, sees average highs around 48°F and average lows of 32°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data).

The variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures is moderate, with a difference that can reach up to 21°F during summer and around 19°F during winter (as reported by IDcide).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Forrest City has a wet climate, receiving a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year. The average annual precipitation is approximately 50 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather), with some sources indicating around 52 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate and U.S. Climate Data).

Rainfall is distributed across the year, but there are wetter and drier seasons. May is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 4.8 to 6.5 inches, spread over roughly 11 rainy days (as reported by Weather and Climate and myPerfectWeather). The month with the least rain is generally August, with around 2.1 to 2.6 inches over about 8 rainy days.

The chance of a wet day is higher from March to July, exceeding 31% during this period (as reported by Weather and Climate). Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual accumulation of about 2 to 3 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

The Forrest City School District serves the educational needs of the city’s youth, encompassing several public schools. The district educates approximately 2,128 students across its 5 public schools, with a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1 (as reported by Public School Review). The minority student population is substantial, making up 96% of the student body, predominantly Black students.

However, the district’s academic performance ranks among the lower percentiles in Arkansas. Based on combined math and reading proficiency, the Forrest City School District is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in the state. Average math proficiency is 19%, and reading proficiency is 15%, significantly below the state averages (as reported by Public School Review and SchoolDigger.com).

Forrest City High School, specifically, has faced challenges, ranking low among Arkansas high schools with a 1-star rating and low proficiency rates in core subjects. Despite these academic statistics, the school reports a graduation rate of 87%, which has seen an increase over recent school years (as reported by Public School Review and SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance

Academic performance within the Forrest City School District is a significant concern, with test scores consistently falling below state averages. The district’s average testing ranking is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas (as reported by Public School Review). Math proficiency scores are around 19%, and reading proficiency scores are around 15%.

Individual schools within the district also reflect these trends. Forrest City High School, for example, has a math proficiency rate of 14.9% and a reading proficiency rate of 16.1% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Lincoln Academy, a middle school, also shows low proficiency rates, with English Language Arts at 11.8% and Math at 23.5% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

While proficiency rates are low, the district does report a graduation rate of 87% (as reported by Public School Review). This indicates that while students may struggle with standardized testing, a majority are completing their high school education.

Demographics and Community

Forrest City is a small city with a population of approximately 12,412 residents (as reported by Livability.com). The community is characterized by a significant minority population, with Black or African American individuals constituting the majority of residents. The median age in Forrest City is around 42 years, with the largest age group being those between 40 and 49 years old.

The housing distribution indicates that Forrest City has more renters than homeowners, with 56% of residents renting their homes (as reported by Apartments.com). This trend might be influenced by the relative affordability of rental properties compared to homeownership.

Residents often highlight a sense of community and a peaceful environment as positive aspects of living in Forrest City. The city’s neighborhoods are described as having a close-knit atmosphere, contributing to a welcoming community spirit (as reported by Ark7).