Median Income
$54,107
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,500
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$560
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Fairfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population685
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density1,457/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,107
Per Capita$29,873
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty15.7%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,500
Rent$560
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$148,028
Housing Units375
Rent Burden21.6%
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking19.0%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Elevation912 ft (278 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations1
Is Fairfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfax receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fairfax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairfax is $54,107, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfax is $91,500, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $560 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.
Education
11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow.
Fairfax has a population of 685 with a density of 1,457 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
685
Total Population
2023 Census
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Fairfax is $54,107, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,873 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,107 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,873 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 4.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Fairfax is $91,500, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,028, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $560 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 375 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 21.6% 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 | $91,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,028 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $560 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 375 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Fairfax, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
Food & Exercise
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 912 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 912 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,457/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3390°N, 95.3939°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.19"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
40 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
35 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
22 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
597 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 245 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
74 km |
5 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI (964 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
28 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
28 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
28 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
29 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
31 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Fairfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and January 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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax
What is the population of Fairfax?
Fairfax has a population of 685 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,457 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Fairfax expensive to live in?
Fairfax is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,107, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,500 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $560 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.
What is the weather like in Fairfax?
Fairfax has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fairfax?
The job market in Fairfax is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $91,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,028. For renters, the median monthly rent is $560. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.9%.
How are the schools in Fairfax?
Schools in Fairfax score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.5% of adults in Fairfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfax?
The obesity rate in Fairfax is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 14.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Fairfax?
The average commute in Fairfax is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, 4.7% use public transit, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax is 89.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.