As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 5,430 people, 1,987 households, and 1,165 families residing in the city.

23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Raytheon has a consolidated manufacturing center in Forest; it builds electronic equipment for radars and other sensor systems.

A small portion is in the Scott County School District.

[8] Forest is served by Interstate 20, U.S. Route 80, and Mississippi Highways 21, 35, and 501.