Fairfax 73 Excellent
Fairfax Livability #241 ranked city in Iowa#4,785 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Fairfax

PROS
  • 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.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • 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.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

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

  • Commute

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

  • Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

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What's it like Living in Fairfax?

Located in the state of Iowa, Fairfax is a smaller city with a population of 2,770 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 91% of Fairfax residents are White, 1% Asian and 0% Black. 71% of the people in Fairfax (over the age of 15) are married and 51% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Fairfax offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Fairfax, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Fairfax and in the areas around Fairfax is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 71/100, Fairfax is ranked #5,328 in the United States and #249 in Iowa. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Fairfax has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Fairfax does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Fairfax, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.95% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

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 Fairfax 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fairfax. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fairfax are affordable. Median real estate prices in Fairfax come in at $233,300, which is 75.7% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fairfax, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 4.2% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairfax

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Compare Fairfax, IA Livability

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      Fairfax transportation information

      Statistic Fairfax Iowa National
      Average one way commute21min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home16.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Fairfax, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).