South Dakota
Fairfax is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 143. Residents earn $66,875 per year, which is 11% below the national average.
Based on current data, Fairfax receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Fairfax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Fairfax is $66,875, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 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 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Fairfax is $62,000, 78% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $788 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 89.8% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 10.2% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $66,875 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.97% |
| Commute Time | 48.2 min |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
| Census Median | $62,000 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $788 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.97% |
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 25.9 inches |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 37.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,948 ft (594 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0280°N, 98.8889°W |
| County FIPS | 46023 |
Winner: Republican by 42.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.3% |
| 58% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.45 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.3 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 68.0% |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Retail Stores | 52 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 48.2 min |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |