countyscore
54.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 80.1Cost of Living 78.1

County Report Card

About Forest County, Pennsylvania

Outperforming the National Median Score

Forest County achieves a composite score of 54.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a higher-than-average quality of life compared to many U.S. counties.

Leading the Pennsylvania State Average

With a score of 54.7, Forest outperforms the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It stands out as one of the more resilient rural counties in the Commonwealth.

Clean Water and Low Environmental Risk

The county excels in environmental quality, earning a massive 86.0 for water and 80.1 for low risk. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 78.1 and home values averaging $111,900.

Gaps in Income and Healthcare

Economic opportunities are limited, reflected by a very low income score of 14.6 and a $50,061 median income. Health outcomes also lag behind, with a dimension score of 31.9 indicating room for improvement.

A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county is a haven for retirees or remote workers who prioritize clean water and environmental safety. It is perfect for those with independent income who value a quiet, low-cost lifestyle.

2040608010035.378.158.931.959.514.680.18658.5Tax35.3Cost78.1Safety58.9Health31.9Schools59.5Income14.6Risk80.1Water86Weather58.554.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Forest County DNA

Foverall

How Forest County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Forest County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80.1/100) but notably weak in Income (14.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.3-16.700000000000003
Cost
78.1+30.099999999999994
Safety
58.9
Health
31.9-18.1
Schools
59.5
Income
14.6-36.4
Risk
80.1+33.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
58.5
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Many homeowners in Forest County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$111,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$808/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,061/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Clarion County
Pennsylvania
58.4
Venango County
Pennsylvania
56.8
Jefferson County
Pennsylvania
60.8
Warren County
Pennsylvania
52.3
Elk County
Pennsylvania
60.8
Armstrong County
Pennsylvania
56
McKean County
Pennsylvania
48.3
Crawford County
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52.4

Deep Dives

Forest County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Forest County

via TaxByCounty

Forest offers Pennsylvania's most tax-friendly outlook

Forest County's effective tax rate of 1.038% ranks well below the national median of 1.317%, placing it in roughly the 30th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,162 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Forest ranks among Pennsylvania's lowest-tax counties

At 1.038%, Forest's effective rate is the lowest among the eight counties analyzed and well below the state average of 1.317%. The median tax bill of $1,162 is approximately $1,495 lower than the state median, offering substantial savings for property owners.

Forest has the region's lowest tax burden

Forest's 1.038% rate is the lowest in the region, beating Huntingdon County (0.914% rate but higher value homes) on effective burden and significantly undercutting Fayette, Erie, and all other nearby counties. A Forest homeowner pays roughly $500–$1,100 less annually than most regional peers.

Median Forest home costs about $1,162 yearly

A typical Forest home worth $111,900 carries an annual property tax bill of just $1,162. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,372; without one, it drops to $1,024.

Even in low-tax Forest, appeals can yield savings

Hundreds of Pennsylvania homeowners win assessment appeals every year. If you suspect your home is overvalued, a formal appeal could reduce your already-low Forest County tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Forest County

via CostByCounty

Forest County Faces Serious Housing Burden

Forest County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and notably exceeds both the national average of 15.8% and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of just $50,061—32% below the national median—housing costs consume an outsized share of local earnings.

Forest County Struggles with Affordability

At 19.4%, Forest County ranks among Pennsylvania's least affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 3 percentage points above the state average. This burden reflects both modest local incomes and housing costs that haven't aligned with the county's economic capacity.

Forest County Renters Face Regional Strain

Forest County's $808 monthly rent exceeds Fayette ($771) and Greene ($754) but trails Franklin ($1,071), yet the real problem is Forest's $50,061 median income—the lowest in this group by far. This income-to-rent mismatch creates the highest affordability pressure in the region.

Nearly One-Fifth of Income Goes to Rent

Forest County renters earning a median $50,061 annually spend $808 monthly on rent, consuming 19.4% of gross income—well above the recommended 30% threshold for housing stability. Homeowners fare better at $481 monthly, suggesting ownership may offer more breathing room than renting in Forest County.

Forest County: Weigh Costs Carefully

If relocating to Forest County, carefully budget housing expenses—renters face the region's tightest affordability squeeze at 19.4% of income. Compare Forest's rental burden against nearby Fayette ($771 rent, 16.5% ratio) or Greene ($754 rent, 13.5% ratio) to understand your true financial impact.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Forest County

via IncomeByCounty

Forest County faces severe income gap

Forest County's median household income of $50,061 trails the national median of $74,755 by $24,694—the widest gap among these eight counties. This substantial shortfall reflects the economic isolation and limited job diversity facing this rural northwestern community.

Pennsylvania's lowest income county here

At $50,061, Forest County's median household income ranks among the lowest in Pennsylvania, sitting $19,553 below the state average of $69,614. The county faces concentrated economic challenges that require sustained policy and investment attention.

Forest underperforms all regional peers

Forest County's $50,061 income lags every comparison county, including Fayette ($56,093), Indiana ($58,739), and Erie ($61,476). This performance gap underscores Forest's unique economic vulnerability within the broader northwestern region.

Housing costs consume higher share

Forest County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% exceeds the national comfort threshold, meaning housing consumes a larger portion of already-limited incomes. At $111,900, median home values remain low, but stretched household budgets limit buying power.

Focus on income growth and stability

Forest County households earning $50,061 should prioritize job skills development and career advancement as the primary wealth-building tool. Even modest income increases translate to meaningful savings potential; exploring remote work, education credits, and financial counseling strengthens economic resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Forest County

via CrimeByCounty

Forest County Surpasses National Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 98.5, Forest County ranks as a very secure area by national standards. Its total crime rate of 948.4 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Forest County Matches Pennsylvania State Average

The county's safety score of 98.5 perfectly aligns with the Pennsylvania state average. Its total crime rate of 948.4 per 100K is nearly identical to the state's overall average of 932.4.

Comparing Safety Across Rural Pennsylvania

Forest County's rate of 948.4 per 100K is slightly higher than Huntingdon's 861.2. The data, provided by 3 reporting agencies, shows a very stable and quiet environment for the region.

A Look at Violent and Property Crime

The county records 287.4 violent crimes and 661.0 property crimes per 100K residents. While violent crime is higher than the state average of 142.2, the overall incident volume remains low.

Maintaining Peace in Forest County

Residential security is the foundation of a safe neighborhood in Forest County. Even in quiet areas, keeping doors locked and using outdoor sensors provides important peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Forest County

via SchoolsByCounty

Forest County’s Intimate School Network

Forest County operates a highly focused educational system with just four public schools consolidated into a single district. Serving only 352 students total, the county maintains two elementary and two high schools. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that almost every student receives individualized attention within the Forest Area School District.

High Investment and Strong Academic Scores

Forest County invests heavily in its students with a per-pupil expenditure of $14,731, which surpasses both state ($10,336) and national ($13,000) averages. While the graduation rate is 84%, the county achieves an impressive composite school score of 67.1. This score is significantly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 60.9 and the national median of 50.0.

Single District Focus in Forest Area

All educational activities are managed by the Forest Area School District, which serves the entire county's student population. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing the role of the traditional district in community life. This centralized approach simplifies administration and keeps resources focused on the four local campuses.

The Essence of Rural Education

Every school in Forest County is classified as rural, reflecting the county’s natural landscape. The average school size is just 88 students, with West Forest Elementary being the largest at 114 students and East Forest Junior-Senior High being the smallest at 62. Attending school here feels like being part of a small, extended family where everyone is known by name.

Relocate to a Dedicated Rural Community

Forest County is an ideal destination for families seeking a quiet lifestyle and small class sizes. With per-pupil spending that leads the region, homes here offer proximity to a high-investment school district. Consider this unique area if you value a high-scoring, intimate educational environment for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Forest County

via RiskByCounty

Forest County sits among safest counties

With a composite risk score of just 19.91, Forest County ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for natural disaster risk—a "Very Low" rating. This stands in sharp contrast to the typical U.S. county and makes Forest one of the nation's safer places from a hazard perspective.

Lowest-risk county in Pennsylvania

Forest County's 19.91 composite score is by far the lowest in Pennsylvania, where the state average sits at 67.45. This represents less than 30% of the state average, reflecting exceptional protection across most hazard types.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Forest's 19.91 score is a fraction of neighboring Warren County and Venango County's exposure. The county's remote, sparsely populated geography and distance from major fault lines and coastal areas drive this unusually low risk profile.

Hurricane risk outpaces all other hazards

Even in low-risk Forest County, hurricane risk ranks highest at 52.07, though this remains moderate compared to coastal states. Wildfire risk is negligible at 4.77, and tornado risk minimal at 13.99.

Standard homeowner's insurance sufficient

Forest County residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance policies without specialized flood or wildfire riders. An annual policy review remains prudent, but Forest offers natural disaster protection that most American counties cannot match.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Forest County

via WaterByCounty

Forest County Achieves Perfect Compliance

Forest County earns a prestigious A grade with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 people far exceeds both the state average of 86.5 and national performance markers. This represents some of the cleanest regulatory records in Pennsylvania.

Pristine Standards in Local Streams

The 2022 EPA ATTAINS data shows that 100% of the 11,522 assessed water bodies are currently unimpaired. These results confirm that Forest County waters meet all federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This pristine status supports local ecosystems and outdoor recreation.

Consistent Tracking of Physical Metrics

A network of 29 monitoring sites has produced 12,172 readings in the last five years. Researchers prioritize physical characteristics, metals, and nutrients to track environmental changes. This high volume of results per site ensures a detailed view of the county's water quality.

Allegheny River Flow Doubles Typical Levels

The Allegheny River at West Hickory is currently flowing at 13,100 cfs, which is 194% of its long-term mean. This significant increase reflects high volume moving through the 3,660-square-mile drainage basin. Such high flows can temporarily alter water chemistry and sediment loads.

Maintain Excellence Through Proactive Testing

Forest County currently enjoys exceptional water quality and perfect compliance scores. During periods of high flow like the current 194% surge in the Allegheny, surface water users should be mindful of sediment. Keep testing private wells annually to ensure your tap continues to reflect the county's A-grade standard.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Forest County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Woods Continental Climate

Forest County aligns with the regional norm, posting an annual average temperature of 49.9°F. This humid continental profile features a wide thermal range between snowy winters and warm summers.

The State's Thermal Center

The county matches the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F exactly. It also sees 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, staying very close to the state mean of 45.3 inches.

Warmer Than Lake Erie

Forest is nearly a full degree warmer on average than nearby Erie and Indiana counties. However, it experiences 9 days of extreme heat, tripling Erie's frequency of 90°F days.

Consistent Snow and Fair Summers

Annual snowfall totals 62.6 inches, which is significantly higher than the southern counties but lower than the lakefront. Summer peaks in July at 71.9°F, providing a pleasant escape from more humid regions.

Prepare for Dual Extremes

Invest in reliable snow tires for the 60-inch winters and efficient cooling for the July heat. The balanced climate requires a dual focus on winterization and summer ventilation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Forest County

via SoilByCounty

Mysterious Profiles in the Forest

Forest County currently has limited digital soil survey data regarding its average pH and taxonomic classification. Local growers typically encounter the acidic, forest-floor conditions common across the Allegheny Plateau.

Analyzing Natural Earth Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this county in the current dataset. Observations of neighboring regions suggest a stony, loamy mix that characterizes the rugged Pennsylvania highlands.

Natural Potential in the Wilds

While available water capacity data is missing, the county's lush vegetation points to a healthy, natural ecosystem. Gardeners should perform a local soil test to determine specific nutrient needs before planting.

Navigating Forest Hydrology

Hydrologic data is not currently recorded for this area, but the steep topography of the county generally dictates drainage patterns. Expect faster runoff on slopes and potential moisture collection in the valley floors.

Short Seasons in Zone 6a

Forest County sits in USDA Zone 6a, offering a slightly shorter growing season than its southern neighbors. Focus on cold-hardy crops and take pride in gardening within one of the state's most pristine natural environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Forest County

via LawnByCounty

A High Elevation Advantage for Forest County

A lawn difficulty score of 65.1 puts Forest County well ahead of the national average of 50.0. This Zone 6a region offers cooler conditions that favor northern turf varieties better than many other parts of Pennsylvania.

Consistent Rain and Manageable Summer Heat

The county receives 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, slightly above the state average. With 9 extreme heat days per year, the climate provides a comfortable 2858 growing degree days that prevent the turf burnout often seen in hotter counties.

Local Testing Is Key for Healthy Turf

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Forest County. Homeowners should perform independent soil tests to determine if their yards require the lime or phosphorus typical of Pennsylvania's forested regions.

Recent Dry Spells Demand Extra Care

Unlike its neighbors, Forest County faced 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention.

Start Seeding After the May Frost

Wait until after May 1st to seed your Zone 6a lawn to avoid late-season freezes. The growing window closes fairly early here, as the first fall frost typically arrives by October 25th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forest County's county score?
Forest County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 54.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Forest County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Forest County ranks #27 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Forest County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Forest County is $1,162, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Forest County a tax score of 35.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Forest County?
The median household income in Forest County, Pennsylvania is $50,061 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Forest County earns an income score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Forest County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Forest County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Forest County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Forest County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.