At the 2010 census there were 4,151 people, 1,686 households, and 1,008 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 1,909 housing units at an average density of. The racial makup of the city was 94.9% White, 1.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0%. Of the 1,686 households 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 34.0% of households were one person and 14.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age was 38.6 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 16.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 26.5% were from 45 to 64; and 16.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
At the 2000 census there were 4,362 people, 1,692 households, and 1,084 families living in the city. The population density was 1,049.7 people per square mile. There were 1,809 housing units at an average density of 435.3 per square mile. The racial makup of the city was 95.97% White, 0.57% African American, 0.07% Native American, 1.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.26%. Of the 1,692 households 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 31.1% of households were one person and 13.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.96. Age spread: 24.3% under the age of 18, 14.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males. The median household income was $40,031 and the median family income was $50,699. Males had a median income of $30,430 versus $21,883 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,285. About 4.7% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.5% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
The headquarters of Winnebago Industries, a manufacturer of motorhomes founded by local resident John K. Hanson, is located in Forest City.
Parks and recreation
Pilot Knob State Park is located a few miles east of the city. There are three bike trails located in Forest City. The Hanson Trail, Hynes Spur and The Pilot Knob Loop. Forest City has a disc golf course consisting of 21 holes.
