Forest, VA

Below Avg · 87

Virginia · Population 12,476 · Updated March 2026

$1,112
Median Rent / Month
$78,825
Median Income
$319,100
Median Home Value
$1,175
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Forest

16.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Virginia

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.3%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,344
Annual Rent
$4,532
State Income Tax
$2,553
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Forest offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 87 (where 100 equals the national median), Forest residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,112/month while earning a median household income of $78,825/year.

The median home value in Forest, VA is $319,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,175 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Virginia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 5.3% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Forest

What is the cost of living in Forest, VA?
The cost of living index in Forest, VA is 87 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,112, median household income is $78,825/year, and the median home value is $319,100.
Is Forest, VA affordable?
Yes, Forest is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 87. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Forest, VA?
The median gross rent in Forest, VA is $1,112 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,344.
What is the median household income in Forest?
The median household income in Forest, VA is $78,825 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Virginia?
Virginia has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 5.3%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.