Fairfield, AL
Population 9,846 · Alabama
About Fairfield, AL
Fairfield is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 9,846 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,492 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairfield features a median home value of $120,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fairfield one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $997, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,732 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (2,205 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,544 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairfield shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairfield have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Fairfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairfield, AL
Compared to national averages, Fairfield has a median household income of $48,492 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $997 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Fairfield's income is 16% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 25% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Fairfield, AL?
Fairfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $997/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,492) that falls below the national average. However, Fairfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairfield has a population of 9,846 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare Fairfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Fairfield
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fultondale | 9,753 | $69,127 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Pike Road | 10,103 | $121,687 | $375,000 | Compare |
| Pleasant Grove | 9,502 | $68,344 | $189,100 | Compare |
| Rainbow City | 10,213 | $59,659 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Meridianville | 10,268 | $93,030 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Southside | 9,407 | $73,695 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Clay | 10,288 | $86,163 | $198,400 | Compare |
| Sheffield | 9,334 | $42,097 | $127,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fairfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield, AL?
The population of Fairfield, AL is 9,846 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield, AL is $48,492 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield, AL is $120,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairfield?
The median monthly rent in Fairfield, AL is $997, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfield?
The unemployment rate in Fairfield, AL is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairfield, AL a good place to live?
Fairfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,846 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fairfield, AL?
24.5% of residents in Fairfield aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fairfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairfield, AL: median home value is $120,100 (51% below national), median rent is $997/month, and median household income is $48,492. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfield?
The poverty rate in Fairfield, AL is 30.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fairfield, AL?
Fairfield's population is 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 90.5% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.