Median Income
$66,875
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$62,000
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$788
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Fairfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population143
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density477/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans100.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,875
Per Capita$31,972
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$600M
Commute48 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$62,000
Rent$788
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units89
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.7%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,948 ft (594 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute48 min
Broadband69.0%
Libraries4
Is Fairfax a Good Place to Live?
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, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Fairfax 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
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 5/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Fairfax has a population of 143 with a density of 477 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.7% female and 41.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.8% of residents, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 100.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.8%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.2%
24% below US avg
The median household income in Fairfax is $66,875, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,972 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 377 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,875 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 48.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Fairfax is $62,000, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $788 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $62,000 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $788 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.97% |
In Fairfax, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054. The dentist ratio is 1:1,843. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,054 |
| Dentists | 1:1,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Fairfax 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 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Fairfax 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) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,948 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
29 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
13 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
92 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
14 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
66 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
76 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
37 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
91 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
378 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 152 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2009 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
63 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
40 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Fairfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$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 Fairfax
What is the population of Fairfax?
Fairfax has a population of 143 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 477 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.7% female and 41.3% male.
Is Fairfax expensive to live in?
Fairfax 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 $66,875, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $62,000 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $788 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairfax safe?
Fairfax 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 Fairfax?
Fairfax has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.9 inches, with 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Fairfax?
The job market in Fairfax is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 48 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $62,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $788. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Fairfax?
Schools in Fairfax score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Fairfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfax?
The obesity rate in Fairfax is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054.
What is transportation like in Fairfax?
The average commute in Fairfax is 48 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax is 98.6% White. 89.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 100.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.7% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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