Forestdale, AL—35214
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Forestdale, AL
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Forestdale, AL is $138,000, with a year-over-year change of -3.3%. This indicates that home prices in Forestdale, AL are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -0.6%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $138,000 | -3.3% |
| Single Family | $138,000 | -2.8% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $55,000 | -3.5% |
3 Bed | $139,000 | -3.5% |
4 Bed | $200,000 | -1.0% |
| 5 Bed | $229,000 | 0.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Forestdale, AL
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Forestdale, AL is $1,190, with a year-over-year rent change of 0.0%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Forestdale, AL is 1-bedrooms: $632, 2-bedrooms: $842, 3-bedrooms: $1,210, 4-bedrooms: $1,480. The most common rental property sizes in Forestdale, AL are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 42.9% and 30.0% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,140 | $1,190 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $600 | $632 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $800 | $842 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,140 | $1,210 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,480 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Forestdale, AL
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Forestdale, AL is 78. This is a increase of 41.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 12.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $131,000 | 4.0% |
Listing Count | 97 | 15.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 1.0% | 15.0% |
Days on Market | 78 | 41.0% |
Demographics — Forestdale, AL
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Forestdale, AL has a population of 16,500, which has decreased by -9.7% over the past 5 years. Forestdale, AL is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 17.2% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 26.5% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 5.4% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 16,500 | -9.7% |
% Under 18 | 17.2% | -17.7% |
% Seniors | 25.0% | 40.4% |
% WFH | 5.4% | 217.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 26.5% | 8.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Forestdale, AL is a predominantly black area, with 77.0% of the population identifying as black. The black population has shrunk by 2.9% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Forestdale, AL is white, making up 18.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 1.0% of the population in Forestdale, AL, and this percentage has decreased by 37.5% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 18.5% | 6.9% |
% Black | 77.0% | -2.9% |
% Hispanic | 0.8% | -55.6% |
% Asian | 0.4% | -33.3% |
% Foreign Born | 1.0% | -37.5% |
Mortgage and Risk — Forestdale, AL
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 266 mortgage originations in Forestdale, AL, of which 55.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 77.0%, with 52.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Forestdale, AL. Investor activity is low, as 5.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 266 |
% Conventional Loans | 55.0% |
% Government Loans | 45.0% |
% Investor Loans | 5.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Forestdale, AL
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Forestdale, AL under the Section 8 program is 24.0%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Forestdale, AL, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 549 |
Total Units Section 8 | 548 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 24.0% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 88.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | $330 | $800 | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedroom | $280 | $1,140 | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedroom | $180 | $1,400 | $1,580 |
Affordability — Forestdale, AL
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 2.6 |
| Median Home Price | $138,000 |
| Median Household Income | $55,500 |