Median Income
$56,667
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$348,600
24% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.4%
47% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,009
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fairfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population886
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density469/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,667
Per Capita$37,402
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$16,404M
Commute30 min
Housing
B
Home Value$348,600
Rent$1,009
Ownership37.0%
Zillow$445,118
Housing Units556
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property1,365/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking9.2%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain42.3 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation459 ft (140 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.4%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+14.7%
School Score6.81
Community
2024 VoteR 22% / D 75%
Commute30 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries19
Is Fairfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfax receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. 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 $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfax is $348,600, 24% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,009 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fairfax is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,365 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.3 inches, including 85.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Fairfax has a population of 886 with a density of 469 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Fairfax is $56,667, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,402. The average weekly wage is $1,407. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,418 business establishments, including 482 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 27.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,667 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,402 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,407 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,077 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,418 |
| County GDP | $16,404M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 482 |
| Healthcare | 646 |
| Retail | 732 |
| Manufacturing | 230 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,203 |
| 163% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 27.3% |
The median home value in Fairfax is $348,600, 24% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $445,118, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,009 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,203 for a one-bedroom to $1,487 for a two-bedroom apartment. 37.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 556 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $9,203 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $348,600 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $445,118 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,009 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 37.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Housing Units | 556 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,203 |
| 163% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Fairfax, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 9.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 15.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:572. The dentist ratio is 1:1,032. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:572 |
| Dentists | 1:1,032 |
| Mental Health | 1:123 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 73.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,480/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 646 |
Fairfax has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,365 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Fairfax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairfax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 65.9/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,365.0/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.3 inches. The area receives 85.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. The city sits at an elevation of 459 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 459 ft (140 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 469/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6713°N, 73.0093°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chittenden County County |
| Nearest Airport | Patrick Leahy Burlington International (BTV) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.3"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0399 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.09 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | -0.02 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
65 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
57 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
143 km |
| Oct 10, 2012 |
7 km ESE of Verchères, Canada |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
95 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
79 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
58 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| May 17, 2021 |
5 km SW of L'Épiphanie, Canada |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Jun 1, 2002 |
3 km SW of Boisbriand, Canada |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
36 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1957 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1989 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAT ROCK FIRE (658 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FLAT ROCK FIRE |
658 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Fairfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in February to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$245 ($147-$392) |
| Specialist Visit |
$343 ($196-$539) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$196 ($98-$343) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,156 ($784-$4,900) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($74-$196) |
| Dental Filling |
$245 ($147-$392) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$294 ($147-$490) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$588 ($392-$980) |
| Battery Replacement |
$196 ($98-$343) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59-$147) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49-$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$392 ($147-$784) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,860 ($3,920-$11,760) |
| Roof Repair |
$980 ($392-$1,960) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,820 ($5,390-$14,700) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,470 ($490-$3,430) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,700 ($4,900-$29,400) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,900 ($1,960-$9,800) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,470 ($784-$2,940) |
| Will Preparation |
$490 ($196-$980) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,450 ($980-$4,900) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29-$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$147 ($74-$245) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.02 ($2.94-$5.39) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.43 ($2.45-$4.90) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.72 ($2.45-$5.39) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.41 ($2.94-$6.37) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.39 ($3.92-$7.35) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59-$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78-$245) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($29-$147) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($29-$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$147) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$196 ($74-$490) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,960 ($1,176-$3,430) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($29-$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.84-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29-$245) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,176 ($588-$2,450) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$980 ($490-$1,960) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$392 ($196-$686) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$980 ($392-$2,450) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,250 ($4,900-$29,400) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29-$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49-$196) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29-$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$294 ($147-$490) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$196 ($98-$392) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax
What is the population of Fairfax?
Fairfax has a population of 886 residents and is located in Vermont. The population density is 469 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% 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 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $348,600 (24% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,009 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Fairfax safe?
Fairfax is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,365 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.3 inches, with 85.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in Fairfax?
The unemployment rate in Fairfax is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,407. There are 9,418 business establishments in the area, including 482 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 27.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $348,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $445,118. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,009. Fair market rent is $1,203 for a 1-bedroom and $1,487 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 37.0%. The average annual property tax is $9,203.
How are the schools in Fairfax?
Schools in Fairfax score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.4% of adults in Fairfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 14.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfax?
The obesity rate in Fairfax is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.2% of adults are smokers. 15.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572.
What is transportation like in Fairfax?
The average commute in Fairfax is 30 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 27.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax is 100% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.