Median Income
$100,172
33% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,200
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$630
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
94% lower than US avg
How Fairbank Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,509
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density2,039/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,172
Per Capita$36,323
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.7%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,200
Rent$630
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$249,701
Housing Units557
Rent Burden18.4%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.3%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Fairbank a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairbank receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Fairbank offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairbank is $100,172, which is significantly higher than the national average / 33% above $75,149. This places Fairbank among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairbank is $173,200, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $630 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fairbank experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fairbank has a population of 1,509 with a density of 2,039 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Fairbank is $100,172, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,323. The average weekly wage is $1,011, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 749 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,172 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,323 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,011 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.7% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 749 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.8% |
The median home value in Fairbank is $173,200, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,701, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $630 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 557 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,200 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,701 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $630 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 557 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Fairbank, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,684. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairbank vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:527 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Fairbank has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairbank receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairbank vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairbank experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,039/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6401°N, 92.0478°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bremer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 36 fatalities, 959 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
69 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
89 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
10 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Fairbank has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Fairbank. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairbank
What is the population of Fairbank?
Fairbank has a population of 1,509 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 2,039 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Fairbank expensive to live in?
Fairbank is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $100,172, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,200 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $630 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairbank safe?
Public safety is a concern in Fairbank, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fairbank receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairbank?
Fairbank has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fairbank?
The job market in Fairbank is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,011. There are 749 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 11.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairbank?
The median home value in Fairbank is $173,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,701. For renters, the median monthly rent is $630. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,930.
How are the schools in Fairbank?
Schools in Fairbank score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Fairbank hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairbank?
The obesity rate in Fairbank is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Fairbank?
The average commute in Fairbank is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairbank?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairbank is 91.3% White. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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