Median Income
$59,500
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Fairfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population339
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density471/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,500
Per Capita$37,116
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$469M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,500
Rent$713
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$145,200
Housing Units193
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property3,797/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.2%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,778 ft (542 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute24 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Fairfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairfield receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 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 $59,500, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairfield is $122,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairfield is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Fairfield has a population of 339 with a density of 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fairfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairfield is $59,500, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,116. The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fairfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,500 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,116 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,128 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $469M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Fairfield is $122,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,200, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 193 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 193 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Fairfield, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 20.1% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039. 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,039 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,142/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Fairfield has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above 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 | 291.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,797.4/100K |
| 94% above 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 experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,778 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,778 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 471/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4323°N, 98.1032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
92 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
77 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
50 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
34 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
76 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
81 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
847 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 523 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
26 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fairfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield?
Fairfield has a population of 339 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Fairfield expensive to live in?
Fairfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,500, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, 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 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 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 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Fairfield?
The job market in Fairfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $122,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,200. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Fairfield?
Schools in Fairfield score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Fairfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairfield?
The obesity rate in Fairfield is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039.
What is transportation like in Fairfield?
The average commute in Fairfield is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfield is 96.5% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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