Median Income
$39,659
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
251/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Fairfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population276
Median Age18.9 yrs
Density39/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,659
Per Capita$14,221
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$231M
Housing
A
Home Value$154,500
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$167,334
Housing Units112
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent251/100K
Property1,694/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking19.3%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain54.1 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+73.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 39%
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Fairfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfield receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fairfield has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairfield is $39,659, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfield is $154,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairfield is below the national average at 251 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,694 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairfield enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Fairfield has a population of 276 with a density of 39 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 18.9 years, 51% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (47.5%), with 43.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.9yrs
Median Age
51% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairfield is $39,659, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,221 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $822, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 211 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fairfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,659 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,221 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $822 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,826 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 211 |
| County GDP | $231M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,100 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fairfield is $154,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,334. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $3,100. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,334 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,100 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.01% |
In Fairfield, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.7% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,508. 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,508 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,607 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,578/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Fairfield has a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,694 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 250.9/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,693.9/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairfield enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 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 54.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 13 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 39/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5504°N, 76.2265°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hyde County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeastern Regional (EDE)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.1"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
46 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
9 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
218 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
102 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
125 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
179 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
41 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
208 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
109 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
120 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
291 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 18 fatalities, 168 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
12 |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2008 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1999 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
16 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
30 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
20 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Fairfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and April the driest (3.4").
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) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $664 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $605 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield?
Fairfield has a population of 276 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 39 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Fairfield expensive to live in?
Fairfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,659, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,500 (45% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairfield safe?
Fairfield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,694 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fairfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Fairfield?
The job market in Fairfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $822. There are 211 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $154,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,334. The homeownership rate is 89.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,100.
How are the schools in Fairfield?
Schools in Fairfield score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Fairfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfield?
The obesity rate in Fairfield is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,508.
What are the demographics of Fairfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfield is 47.5% White, 43.5% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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