Forest County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Forest County, Pennsylvania is 6,785 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $50,061, the median home value is $111,900, and the median age is 48.6.
The population of Forest County has declined 14.3% since 2010 (7,704 → 6,601), a -1.10% annualized rate.
6,785
Population
-1.10%
Annual growth
16
People / sq mi
$50,061
Median Income
$111,900
Median Home Value
Forest County covers 427 sq mi of land at 15.9 people per square mile.
About Forest County, PA
Educational attainment is the headline number in Forest County: 12.1% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 6,785 residents, Forest County is a county in Pennsylvania.
The typical household earns $50,061, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $111,900, with typical rent around $808.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 14.7% of workers stay home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Forest County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Forest County had a population of 7,704 in 2010 and 6,601 in 2024, a -14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,704 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.09%.
6,601
Population (2024)
7,704
Population (2010)
7,704
Peak (2010)
-1.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,704 |
| 2011 | 7,672 |
| 2012 | 7,587 |
| 2013 | 7,532 |
| 2014 | 7,459 |
| 2015 | 7,386 |
| 2016 | 7,334 |
| 2017 | 7,328 |
| 2018 | 7,294 |
| 2019 | 7,030 |
| 2020 | 6,964 |
| 2021 | 6,902 |
| 2022 | 6,621 |
| 2023 | 6,486 |
| 2024 | 6,601 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.0% |
| Black or African American | 14.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.6
Median Age
29.0%
Female
71.0%
Male
23.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 2.2% · Seniors (65+): 23.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,061$-26,020 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,627 |
| Per-capita income | $23,033 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 28.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Forest County is public administration, accounting for 16.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
72.8%
Public transit
14.7%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,900$-128,600 vs state
Median home value
$808
Median rent
76.9%
Homeownership rate
6,969
Total housing units
27.9%
Occupied
72.1%
Vacant
23.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
20.1%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
23.2%
With a disability
93.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.6%
High School+
12.1%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Pennsylvania
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest County, Pennsylvania has a population of 6,785 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 16 people per square mile.
The population of Forest County has declined 14.3% since 2010 (7,704 → 6,601), a -1.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Forest County, Pennsylvania is $50,061, with mean (average) household income of $61,627 and per-capita income of $23,033. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Forest County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.0%), Black or African American (14.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Forest County, Pennsylvania is 48.6 years. Residents are 29.0% female and 71.0% male.
The median home value in Forest County is $111,900 and median monthly rent is $808. 76.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,969 total housing units, 72.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Forest County, Pennsylvania is public administration, employing 16.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Forest County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.