Median Income
$48,302
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,900
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.2%
52% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$864
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.2%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Fairfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,438
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,428/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,302
Per Capita$35,227
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$911M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,900
Rent$864
Ownership56.8%
Zillow$157,132
Housing Units4,696
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property3,016/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault53/100K
Burglary836/100K
Health
Obesity45.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation776 ft (237 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.2%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+22.1%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute12 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Fairfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfield receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fairfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairfield is $48,302, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfield is $152,900, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Fairfield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
Fairfield is a highly educated community / 51.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fairfield has a population of 9,438 with a density of 1,428 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 3.2% Hispanic, 9.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81% of residents, while 19% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.0%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.0%
42% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairfield is $48,302, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,227. The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 795 business establishments, including 45 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fairfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,302 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,227 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,023 |
| Gini Index | 0.526 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 795 |
| County GDP | $911M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 25.4% |
The median home value in Fairfield is $152,900, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,132. Homes sell for 96.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $864 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,696 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $5,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,132 |
| Median List Price | $169,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $169,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $121 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 15.1% |
| Inventory | 53 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $864 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $800 |
| Rent Burden | 36.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.2% |
| Housing Units | 4,696 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.55% |
In Fairfield, 45.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,304. The dentist ratio is 1:1,427. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.2% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,304 |
| Dentists | 1:1,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:454 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,327/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Fairfield has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 52.9 per 100,000, robbery at 21.2, rape at 21.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,074, burglary at 836, vehicle theft at 106 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 21.2/100K |
| Robbery | 21.2/100K |
| Assault | 52.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,015.6/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| Burglary | 835.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,073.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 105.8/100K |
| Arson | 10.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 21.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 776 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 776 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,428/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0064°N, 91.9666°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
482 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 309 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Fairfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Fairfield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $468 |
| Toddler | $460 |
| Preschool | $460 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield?
Fairfield has a population of 9,438 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,428 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Fairfield expensive to live in?
Fairfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,302, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,900 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairfield safe?
Fairfield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fairfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fairfield?
Fairfield has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 795 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 25.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $152,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,132. For renters, the median monthly rent is $864. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,429.
How are the schools in Fairfield?
Schools in Fairfield score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.2% of adults in Fairfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 22.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfield?
The obesity rate in Fairfield is 45.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,304.
What is transportation like in Fairfield?
The average commute in Fairfield is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 56.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfield is 77.3% White, 9.7% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 81% of residents speak only English at home, while 19% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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