Median Income
$66,544
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$203,000
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.2%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.9%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Fairfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population746
Median Age31.3 yrs
Density2,331/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,544
Per Capita$29,354
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$5,712M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$203,000
Rent$683
Ownership60.7%
Zillow$396,167
Housing Units342
Rent Burden17.5%
Health
Obesity30.9%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking15.1%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain12.4 in/yr
Elevation3,984 ft (1,214 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.2%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Fairfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfield receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Fairfield stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairfield is $66,544, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfield is $203,000, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
25.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fairfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches, including 45.9 inches of snow.
Fairfield has a population of 746 with a density of 2,331 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 31.3 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 2.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
746
Total Population
2023 Census
31.3yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairfield is $66,544, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,354 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,200 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Fairfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,544 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,200 |
| County GDP | $5,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 335 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Fairfield is $203,000, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $396,167, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 342 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,066 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $203,000 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $396,167 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.3% |
| Housing Units | 342 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Fairfield, 30.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341. The dentist ratio is 1:1,048. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,341 |
| Dentists | 1:1,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Fairfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,984 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,984 ft (1,214 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,331/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6154°N, 111.9814°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cascade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.4"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.63"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
323 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
93 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
103 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
95 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
82 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
91 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
98 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
82 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
92 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CANYON CREEK (167,875 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
RED SHALE |
13,712 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
MOOSE RIDGE |
11,395 |
70 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
15 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
Fairfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 26°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and December the driest (0.3").
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) |
$237 ($142-$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189-$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95-$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757-$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142-$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378-$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95-$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57-$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142-$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784-$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378-$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203-$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473-$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730-$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892-$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757-$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189-$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946-$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71-$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84-$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37-$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37-$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84-$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78-$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76-$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135-$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28-$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568-$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473-$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189-$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378-$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730-$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95-$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $993 |
| Preschool | $852 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield?
Fairfield has a population of 746 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 2,331 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Fairfield expensive to live in?
Fairfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,544, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $203,000 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.4 inches, with 45.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fairfield?
Fairfield has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 3,200 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $203,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $396,167. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,066.
How are the schools in Fairfield?
Schools in Fairfield score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.2% of adults in Fairfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfield?
The obesity rate in Fairfield is 30.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341.
What is transportation like in Fairfield?
The average commute in Fairfield is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfield is 94.9% White, 2.1% Black or African American. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 2.3% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.