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
Forest County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 6,785. It ranks #65 among counties in Pennsylvania by population. The median age is 48.6, older than the national median. The population is 71.0% male and 29.0% female.
The median household income in Forest County is $50,061, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,900, with monthly rent averaging $808. The homeownership rate of 76.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Forest County reflects 12.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.8 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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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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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Pennsylvania
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.