Median Income
$23,197
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
340/100K
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$873
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.3%
225% higher than US avg
How Fairlea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,266
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density339/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$23,197
Per Capita$32,013
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty40.3%
County GDP$1,454M
Commute22 min
Housing
D
Rent$873
Ownership65.7%
Zillow$172,451
Housing Units780
Rent Burden47.4%
Crime
F
Violent340/100K
Property1,812/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking21.2%
Depression31.6%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation2,166 ft (660 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+75.3%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband70.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Fairlea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairlea receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fairlea faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairlea is $23,197, 69% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 40.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairlea is below the national average at 340 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,812 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairlea experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.5 inches, including 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Fairlea has a population of 1,266 with a density of 339 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 12.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Fairlea is $23,197, which is 69% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,013 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 40.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,392 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $23,197 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,013 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,500 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.3% |
| 225% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,392 |
| County GDP | $1,454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,451. Monthly rent averages $873 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 780 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,903 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 47.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $873 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.3% |
| Housing Units | 780 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
In Fairlea, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 38.7% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:665. The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairlea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 31.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:665 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:643 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 14,045/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Fairlea has a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 residents, 11% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,812 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairlea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairlea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 339.8/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,812.0/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairlea experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 305 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 41.5 inches. The area receives 29.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,166 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,166 ft (660 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7752°N, 80.4587°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Greenbrier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.5"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
29 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
40 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
86 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
27 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
272 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1996 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1996 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
26 km |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
36 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
TUCKER HOLLOW |
5,862 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
MILBURN |
4,777 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
SCHYLER FORK |
4,417 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
ANGEL |
4,129 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Fairlea has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 29°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Fairlea. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $685 |
| Preschool | $708 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $663 |
| Toddler | $725 |
| Preschool | $725 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairlea
What is the population of Fairlea?
Fairlea has a population of 1,266 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 339 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Fairlea expensive to live in?
Fairlea is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $23,197, 69% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Fairlea safe?
Fairlea is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,812 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fairlea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairlea?
Fairlea has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.5 inches, with 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Fairlea?
Fairlea has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 1,392 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairlea?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $873. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,903.
How are the schools in Fairlea?
Schools in Fairlea score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.0% of adults in Fairlea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairlea?
The obesity rate in Fairlea is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 31.6% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:665.
What is transportation like in Fairlea?
The average commute in Fairlea is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairlea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairlea is 100% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 12.8% of the population are military veterans. 27.6% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.