Construction Costs in Forrest City, AR 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Forrest City. Local labor rates average $37.54/hr with a material cost index of 82.

$37.54

Avg Labor Rate/hr

82

Material Cost Index

$155,000

Avg Home Price

82.2

Cost of Living Index

Forrest City Overview

Population

14,062

Climate Zone

Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry (Zone 3)

Seismic Risk

moderate

Median Household Income

$48,400

Forrest City Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$17,220
Labor$19,271
Permits (4%)$1,460

Estimated Total Cost

$37,951

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Forrest City

Materials

$17,220

45% of total

Labor

$19,271

51% of total

Permits

$1,460

~$981 avg

1% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $37,492. Forrest City has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View Arkansas Statewide Costs

Compare Forrest City costs with the Arkansas state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Forrest City vs National Average

Project TypeForrest City AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$41,686$35,000+19%
Bathroom Remodel$16,361$18,000-9%
Roof Replacement$13,576$15,000-9%
Whole House Paint$4,144$3,800+9%
Flooring Install$5,466$7,000-22%
Deck Build$9,110$12,000-24%

Material Prices in Forrest City

Concrete

$141 /cubic yard

$26 above the estimated Arkansas average of $115/yd³

Lumber

$4.64 /board foot

$0.13 above the estimated Arkansas average of $4.51/BF

Popular Projects in Forrest City

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Forrest City homeowners

🔨

#2 Outdoor Living Space

Among the most requested projects by Forrest City homeowners

🧱

#3 Siding Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Forrest City homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Forrest City, AR

Construction and renovation costs in Forrest City, AR reflect the city's cost of living index of 82.2 and a material cost index of 82 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $37.54 per hour and a median home price of $155,000, homeowners in Forrest City should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Forrest City sits in IECC Climate Zone 3 (Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. Moderate seismic risk — some reinforcement required. The median household income of $48,400 in Forrest City means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $41,686 represents approximately 86% of annual household income.

Building permits in Forrest City average $981, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Arkansas jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Arkansas

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Forrest City, AR?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Forrest City, AR costs approximately $41,686 on average. Budget renovations start around $29,180, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $62,529 or more. Labor rates in Forrest City average $37.54/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Forrest City?
Construction labor in Forrest City, AR averages $37.54 per hour. This is 1% above the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Forrest City?
Most significant renovations in Forrest City, AR require building permits. Permit costs average around $981 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Forrest City's cost of living affect construction costs?
Forrest City has a cost of living index of 82.2 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Forrest City is 82, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Forrest City?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Forrest City, AR include Kitchen Remodel, Outdoor Living Space, Siding Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Forrest City at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Forrest City homeowners looking to increase property value.

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