Forest, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Forest, Virginia is 12,476 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 109th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $78,825, the median home value is $319,100, and the median age is 42.1.
12,476
Population
917
People / sq mi
$78,825
Median Income
$319,100
Median Home Value
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Forest covers 13.6 sq mi of land at 917 people per square mile.
About Forest, VA
Forest stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 917 people per square mile. Forest is a city in Virginia with a population of 12,476.
The typical household here earns about $78,825, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 3.6%, is on the lower side for US cities and below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $319,100, with typical rent around $1,112.
About 48.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. A solid 16.0% of workers are based at home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.3% |
| Black or African American | 10.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$78,825
Median Household Income
$45,287
Per Capita Income
3.6%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$319,100
Median Home Value
$1,112
Median Rent
75.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.3%
High School+
48.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
77.1%
Public Transit
16.0%
Work From Home
21.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
44.0%
Foreign Born
94.9%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
8.7%
With Disability
96.1%
Health Insurance
96.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 34.0% |
| Information | 10.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.3% |
| Manufacturing | 9.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 8.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.0% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Construction | 3.0% |
| Retail Trade | 1.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest, Virginia has a population of 12,476 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 109th-largest city in Virginia.
The median household income in Forest, Virginia is $78,825, with 3.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Forest, Virginia is $319,100, with median monthly rent at $1,112 and a homeownership rate of 75.0%.
The median age in Forest, Virginia is 42.1 years. The population is 43.4% male and 56.6% female.
Where to stay in Forest
Visiting or relocating to Forest, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.