Median Income
$59,228
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$168,800
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
259/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Fairmont Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,348
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density690/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,228
Per Capita$39,233
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$1,429M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,800
Rent$717
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$168,300
Housing Units5,010
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent259/100K
Property2,115/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault150/100K
Burglary389/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,208 ft (368 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Fairmont a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairmont receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Fairmont offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairmont is $59,228, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairmont is $168,800, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairmont is below the national average at 259 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,115 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairmont experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fairmont has a population of 10,348 with a density of 690 people per square mile, spread across 16.9 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Fairmont is $59,228, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,233. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 705 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,228 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,233 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,768 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 705 |
| County GDP | $1,429M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Fairmont is $168,800, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,300. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,010 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,403. 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,800 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,300 |
| Median List Price | $224,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $224,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $87 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 22.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 5,010 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.02% |
In Fairmont, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,310. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
2.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
137.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fairmont vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,310 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,227/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Fairmont has a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 149.7 per 100,000, robbery at 10.0, rape at 99.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,115 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,636, burglary at 389, vehicle theft at 90 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairmont receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairmont vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 259.4/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 99.8/100K |
| Robbery | 10.0/100K |
| Assault | 149.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,115.1/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| Burglary | 389.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,636.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 89.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 302 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairmont experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,208 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 16.9 sq mi (43.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 690/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6448°N, 94.4640°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Martin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.5"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
537 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 316 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Fairmont has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 15°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Fairmont. 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 | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairmont
What is the population of Fairmont?
Fairmont has a population of 10,348 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 690 people per square mile, spread across 16.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Fairmont expensive to live in?
Fairmont 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 $59,228, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,800 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairmont safe?
Fairmont is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,115 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fairmont receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairmont?
Fairmont has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fairmont?
The job market in Fairmont is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 705 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairmont?
The median home value in Fairmont is $168,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,300. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,403.
How are the schools in Fairmont?
Schools in Fairmont score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Fairmont hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairmont?
The obesity rate in Fairmont is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Fairmont?
The average commute in Fairmont is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairmont?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairmont is 92.3% White, 1% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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