Median Income
$92,143
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$237,100
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Fairhaven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population279
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density146/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,143
Per Capita$45,179
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$237,100
Ownership95.8%
Zillow$391,459
Housing Units153
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,071 ft (326 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+86.8%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute35 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Fairhaven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairhaven receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Fairhaven stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairhaven is $92,143, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairhaven is $237,100, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fairhaven is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fairhaven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fairhaven has a population of 279 with a density of 146 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairhaven 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
Fairhaven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairhaven is $92,143, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,179 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Fairhaven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,143 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,179 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Fairhaven is $237,100, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,459, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 153 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $237,100 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $391,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.2% |
| Housing Units | 153 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Fairhaven, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairhaven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Fairhaven has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Fairhaven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Fairhaven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,071 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,071 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3240°N, 94.2055°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,055 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
71 km |
5 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CENTER TANK RANGE (6,131 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
44 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
44 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
40 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
40 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
42 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
42 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Fairhaven has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Fairhaven. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairhaven
What is the population of Fairhaven?
Fairhaven has a population of 279 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 146 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Fairhaven expensive to live in?
Fairhaven has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $92,143, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $237,100 (16% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairhaven safe?
Fairhaven is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fairhaven?
Fairhaven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fairhaven?
The job market in Fairhaven is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 12.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairhaven?
The median home value in Fairhaven is $237,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,459. The homeownership rate is 95.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Fairhaven?
Schools in Fairhaven score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Fairhaven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairhaven?
The obesity rate in Fairhaven is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Fairhaven?
The average commute in Fairhaven is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairhaven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairhaven is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.