| City: | Forest, Louisiana |
| Parish: | West Carroll Parish |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:02:30 AM |
| Population: | 23 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 318 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.7916, -91.4135 |
| Land Area: | 0.028 sq mi |
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The area spans just 0.028 square miles, making it one of Louisiana's smallest postal zones by land area. There's no city carrier delivery here. Instead, mail reaches residents through Highway Contract routes, with three Highway routes and one General Delivery route serving the area. The single street with delivery records is Cherry Street, which has three ZIP+4 segments. The post office building itself accounts for two additional delivery records under the name "POSTMASTER."
The demographic profile reflects a very small residential population. Of 23 people, 20 identify as white and 5 as Black or African American (some people identified as multiple races). The median age is 16.3 years, suggesting families with children rather than retirees. All 9 housing units are occupied, with 6 owner-occupied homes and 3 rentals. The median household income stands at $39,063, below both state and national averages.
Why does Forest maintain so many PO Boxes? The classification as a regional hub with low confidence suggests this post office serves surrounding rural areas where highway delivery isn't practical or doesn't exist. People from nearby farms and properties likely travel to Forest for mail service. The high box count relative to population shows how rural post offices often serve areas far larger than the ZIP code boundaries suggest. In West Carroll Parish, where rural properties spread across agricultural land, a centralized PO Box facility makes more sense than attempting delivery to dispersed addresses. Forest's post office fills that role, punching well above its weight for a community of 23 people.
With only one street appearing in postal records, Forest has minimal street infrastructure. Cherry Street represents the entire documented street delivery network, though the area primarily functions as a PO Box hub rather than a street delivery zone.
ZIP Code 71242 has 23 residents and 9 households (average 2.56 persons per household). The median age is 16.3 years, significantly younger than the state (38.1) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 21.7% male and 78.3% female, which is much lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (87.0%, much higher than the state average of 57.1% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (13.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 13.0%, which is higher than the state average (6.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 23Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 100Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 821.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $38,833Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 9Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.56Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.83Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 67 | 89 | 100 |
| Decennial Census | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 23 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 16.3
Male Median Age: 5.8
Female Median Age: 29
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 20 | 83.33% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 3 | 12.50% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 4.17% |
| Total: | 24 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 5 | 21.74% | 5.8 years |
| Females: | 18 | 78.26% | 29.0 years |
| Total: | 23 | 100% | 16.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 100 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 100 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 100 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $38,833, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38,833. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 79.7%, which is markedly above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 55.3%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (71.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $36,667 | $39,063 | $38,833 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 21 | 35.59% |
| Unemployed: | 26 | 44.07% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 12 | 20.34% |
| Total: | 59 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 6 | 28.57% |
| Service: | 15 | 71.43% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 21 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 5 | 45.45% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 6 | 54.55% |
| Total: | 11 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 15 | 57.69% |
| Renter Occupied: | 11 | 42.31% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 11 | 42.31% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 15 | 57.69% |
| Total Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
In 2024, 18.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (31.25%). College enrollment is 27.08%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 20 | 60.61% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 21.21% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 6 | 18.18% |
| Total: | 33 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 33 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 6 | 18.18% |
| Private Insurance: | 46 | 43.81% |
| Public Insurance: | 59 | 56.19% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 105 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 105 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 16.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 7 | 14.58% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 15 | 31.25% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 13 | 27.08% |
| College or graduate school: | 13 | 27.08% |
| Total: | 48 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 7 | 14.58% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 35 | 72.92% |
ZIP Code 71242 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 5 business establishments, employing about 21 people with an annual payroll of $1,018,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 362Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 5Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $228,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,018,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 21Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 71242 is located in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 71242. It covers 0.028 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.028 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 05Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 14452.88 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2226350Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Forest village; LouisianaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 71242 is in the West Carroll Parish School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.