Forrest City, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Forrest City, Arkansas is 12,826 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest city in Arkansas. The median household income is $33,522, the median home value is $87,800, and the median age is 36.2.
The population has declined 19.8% since 2010 (15,387 → 12,340).
12,826
Population
634
People / sq mi
$33,522
Median Income
$87,800
Median Home Value
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Forrest City covers 20.2 sq mi of land at 634 people per square mile.
About Forrest City, AR
The poverty rate is what most separates Forrest City from the typical city: 31.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Forrest City is a city in Arkansas with a population of 12,826. It ranks #33 among cities in Arkansas by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $33,522, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 31.5%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $87,800, with typical rent around $795.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 11.7%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Forrest City: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Forrest City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Forrest City city had a population of 15,387 in 2010 and 12,340 in 2024, a -19.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,387 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.55%.
12,340
Population (2024)
15,387
Population (2010)
15,387
Peak (2010)
-1.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,387 |
| 2011 | 15,278 |
| 2012 | 15,310 |
| 2013 | 15,112 |
| 2014 | 14,896 |
| 2015 | 14,674 |
| 2016 | 14,514 |
| 2017 | 14,330 |
| 2018 | 14,080 |
| 2019 | 13,820 |
| 2020 | 12,973 |
| 2021 | 12,803 |
| 2022 | 12,637 |
| 2023 | 12,469 |
| 2024 | 12,340 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 23.2% |
| Black or African American | 73.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$33,522
Median Household Income
$17,056
Per Capita Income
31.5%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$87,800
Median Home Value
$795
Median Rent
38.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
83.4%
High School+
11.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
81.2%
Public Transit
2.6%
Work From Home
15.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
32.8%
Foreign Born
95.2%
Non-English at Home
4.0%
Veterans
23.4%
With Disability
91.1%
Health Insurance
91.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.3% |
| Manufacturing | 14.0% |
| Public Administration | 12.3% |
| Retail Trade | 6.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.8% |
| Construction | 4.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Information | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Arkansas
Largest counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Forrest City, Arkansas has a population of 12,826 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest city in Arkansas.
The median household income in Forrest City, Arkansas is $33,522, with 31.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Forrest City, Arkansas is $87,800, with median monthly rent at $795 and a homeownership rate of 38.0%.
The median age in Forrest City, Arkansas is 36.2 years. The population is 58.7% male and 41.3% female.
The population has declined 19.8% since 2010 (15,387 → 12,340).
Forrest City city, AR Climate
Forrest City city, AR has an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F) and receives about 1288 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16°C
Avg Temp
1288
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 90 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 104 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 129 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 132 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 140 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 88 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 85 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 85 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 91 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 84 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 125 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 135 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Forrest City city, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Forrest City city, AR are typically September, May and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Arkansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.