Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,800
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$410
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Fairfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,134
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density866/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$26,696
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$1,190M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,800
Rent$410
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$178,352
Housing Units480
Rent Burden38.6%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,242/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault266/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking18.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,032 ft (315 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Fairfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfax receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fairfax has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairfax is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfax is $99,800, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $410 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairfax is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,242 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fairfax has a population of 1,134 with a density of 866 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (72.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 86% of residents, while 14% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.0%
10% above US avg
Spanish
14.0%
4% above US avg
The median household income in Fairfax is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,696 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 594 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,696 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 594 |
| County GDP | $1,190M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Fairfax is $99,800, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,352, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $410 (65% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 480 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $2,983. 38.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,800 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,352 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $410 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 480 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Fairfax, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,652. The dentist ratio is 1:1,614. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,652 |
| Dentists | 1:1,614 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,587 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,904/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Fairfax has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 266.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,242 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,242, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairfax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 266.2/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 266.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,242.2/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,242.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 88.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 96 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,032 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,032 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 866/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5283°N, 94.7230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Renville County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
467 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 700 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
91 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
66 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fairfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fairfax. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax
What is the population of Fairfax?
Fairfax has a population of 1,134 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 866 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Fairfax expensive to live in?
Fairfax has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,800 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $410 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairfax safe?
Fairfax is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,242 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fairfax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairfax?
Fairfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fairfax?
The job market in Fairfax is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 594 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $99,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,352. For renters, the median monthly rent is $410. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,983.
How are the schools in Fairfax?
Schools in Fairfax score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Fairfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfax?
The obesity rate in Fairfax is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,652.
What is transportation like in Fairfax?
The average commute in Fairfax is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax is 72.1% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 86% of residents speak only English at home, while 14% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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