For many years, the city's economy was fueled by the local timber industry. With recent declines in the industry, however, Forks has had to rely on the nearby Clallam Bay Correctional Center as a source of jobs.
Geography
Forks is located at 47°57'4" North, 124°23'5" West (47.950980, -124.384749)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²). 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 3,120 people, 1,169 households, and 792 families residing in the city. The population density is 386.1/km² (998.6/mi²). There are 1,361 housing units at an average density of 168.4/km² (435.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 81.47% White, 0.42% African American, 5.03% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 8.49% from other races, and 2.92% from two or more races. 15.54% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,169 households out of which 36.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% are married couples living together, 11.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% are non-families. 24.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.65 and the average family size is 3.15.
In the city the population is spread out with 30.4% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 111.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 108.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $34,280, and the median income for a family is $38,844. Males have a median income of $35,718 versus $23,690 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,686. 20.5% of the population and 14.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.7% are under the age of 18 and 12.4% are 65 or older.