Median Income
$80,903
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,800
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
183/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$689
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Fairview Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population919
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,149/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$80,903
Per Capita$28,259
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$1,188M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,800
Rent$689
Ownership83.2%
Zillow$256,563
Housing Units462
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent183/100K
Property1,223/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking13.8%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.5 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,927 ft (587 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.4%
Libraries1
Is Fairview a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairview receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Fairview offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairview is $80,903, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairview is $178,800, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $689 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fairview is below the national average at 183 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairview has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Fairview has a population of 919 with a density of 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Fairview is $80,903, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,259 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,214, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 648 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,903 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,259 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,214 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 648 |
| County GDP | $1,188M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fairview is $178,800, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,563, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $689 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 462 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,013. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,800 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,563 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $689 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.8% |
| Housing Units | 462 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.69% |
In Fairview, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,761. The dentist ratio is 1:2,809. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairview vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,761 |
| Dentists | 1:2,809 |
| Mental Health | 1:698 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Fairview has a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fairview receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fairview vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,223.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fairview has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 273 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 15.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,927 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,927 ft (587 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.8520°N, 104.0509°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.5"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0458 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.15 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
85 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 42 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1977 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
30 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
25 km |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
MIKES CREEK |
5,309 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
15 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B |
2,381 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Fairview has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in December to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Fairview. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $924 |
| Toddler | $968 |
| Preschool | $826 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $748 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $766 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairview
What is the population of Fairview?
Fairview has a population of 919 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Fairview expensive to live in?
Fairview is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,903, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,800 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $689 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fairview safe?
Fairview is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fairview receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fairview?
Fairview has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.5 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Fairview?
The unemployment rate in Fairview is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,214. There are 648 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairview?
The median home value in Fairview is $178,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,563. For renters, the median monthly rent is $689. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,013.
How are the schools in Fairview?
Schools in Fairview score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Fairview hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairview?
The obesity rate in Fairview is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,761.
What is transportation like in Fairview?
The average commute in Fairview is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairview?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairview is 95.6% White, 3% Black or African American. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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