Fairfield 79 Exceptional
Fairfield Livability #122 ranked city in Iowa#2,176 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Fairfield

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

What's it like Living in Fairfield?

Located in the state of Iowa, Fairfield is a medium-sized city with a population of 10,625 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Fairfield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Fairfield is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 42%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fairfield. With an average one way commute time of only 12 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Fairfield is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Fairfield and in the areas around Fairfield is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 76 out of 100, Fairfield is ranked #3,159 in the United States and #176 in Iowa. This is a fantastic score, as Fairfield ranks well in multiple categories! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Fairfield has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B-), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Fairfield. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and employment (F).

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Fairfield has a violent crime rate of 141 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Fairfield, the average school test scores are an impressive 68%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Fairfield apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Fairfield real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Fairfield. The median home price for Fairfield homes is $203,280, which is 15.3% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fairfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairfield

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      Fairfield transportation information

      Statistic Fairfield Iowa National
      Average one way commute12min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work63.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.1%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.3%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home16.0%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Fairfield, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.