Median Income
$21,875
71% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.3%
93% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.0%
233% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Fairburn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density173/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans48.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$21,875
Per Capita$22,451
Unemployment12.0%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$398M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,800
Ownership93.1%
Zillow$518,744
Housing Units27
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.2 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation3,297 ft (1,005 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute36 min
Broadband29.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Fairburn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairburn receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fairburn has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairburn is $21,875, 71% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairburn is $80,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Fairburn is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
2.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairburn experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.2 inches, including 45.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Fairburn has a population of 57 with a density of 173 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with 12.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 48.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Fairburn is $21,875, which is 71% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,451 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 421 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $21,875 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,580 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.0% |
| 233% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 421 |
| County GDP | $398M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,846 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fairburn is $80,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $518,744, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 27 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,846 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $518,744 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.9% |
| Housing Units | 27 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,846 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.47% |
In Fairburn, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,152. The dentist ratio is 1:4,503. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairburn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,152 |
| Dentists | 1:4,503 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,823 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,543/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Fairburn has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Fairburn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Fairburn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 3,297 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,297 ft (1,005 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 173/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6869°N, 103.2087°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Custer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.2"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
100 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
53 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
7 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
17 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
56 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
28 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
16 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
40 km |
| Jan 5, 2004 |
28 km SSE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
42 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
174 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 96 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2015 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2012 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1983 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1982 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1969 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1969 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JASPER (82,298 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
JASPER |
82,298 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
89 km |
| 2012 |
OIL CREEK |
63,182 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
15 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
FLINT HILLS |
21,062 |
52 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
42 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
RED POINT |
18,057 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
GALENA |
16,936 |
19 km |
| 2002 |
BATTLE CREEK |
15,034 |
28 km |
| 1990 |
SWEDLUND |
14,673 |
24 km |
| 2016 |
INDIAN CANYON |
13,791 |
68 km |
| 2001 |
ELK MOUNTAIN 2 |
13,758 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
ROGERS SHACK |
11,794 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
CASINO |
11,583 |
67 km |
| 2002 |
GRIZZLY GULCH |
11,487 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Fairburn has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 27°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Fairburn. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairburn
What is the population of Fairburn?
Fairburn has a population of 57 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 173 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Fairburn expensive to live in?
Fairburn is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $21,875, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,800 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairburn safe?
Fairburn is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fairburn?
Fairburn has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.2 inches, with 45.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Fairburn?
The job market in Fairburn faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 421 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairburn?
The median home value in Fairburn is $80,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $518,744. The homeownership rate is 93.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,846.
How are the schools in Fairburn?
Schools in Fairburn score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.3% of adults in Fairburn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairburn?
The obesity rate in Fairburn is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,152.
What is transportation like in Fairburn?
The average commute in Fairburn is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairburn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairburn is 77.2% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 48.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.