Median Income
$65,215
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,900
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Fairbury Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,683
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density2,002/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,215
Per Capita$34,701
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$2,895M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,900
Rent$750
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$182,590
Health
Obesity34.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Elevation686 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+91.5%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute16 min
Libraries7
Is Fairbury a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairbury receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Fairbury stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairbury is $65,215, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairbury is $155,900, 45% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairbury experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fairbury has a population of 3,683 with a density of 2,002 people per square mile. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.5% Black.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.9% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| 92% below US avg |
The median household income in Fairbury is $65,215, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,215 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,086 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,423 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 865 |
| County GDP | $2,895M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Fairbury is $155,900, 45% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,590.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,900 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,590 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Fairbury, 34.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.6% report depression. 21.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Fairbury vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,425/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Crime Rates: Fairbury vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Fairbury has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 36.3 inches |
| 5% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 19.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 686 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,002/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7462°N, 88.5156°W |
| County FIPS | 17105 |