Fairfax, CA
Population 7,523 · California
About Fairfax, CA
Fairfax is a small town located in California with a population of 7,523 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $131,875 per year, which is 75% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairfax features a median home value of $1,121,500, which is 358% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fairfax in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,281, 96% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,359 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,031 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,154 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairfax shows an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fairfax have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
65.5% of Fairfax residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairfax, CA
Compared to national averages, Fairfax has a median household income of $131,875 (75% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,121,500, which is 358% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,281 is 96% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fairfax's income is 35% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 72% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fairfax, CA?
Fairfax offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $131,875, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 65.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,121,500. However, Fairfax’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairfax has a population of 7,523 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Fairfax with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fairfax
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University | 7,529 | $0 | $518,800 | Compare |
| Cotati | 7,533 | $112,841 | $702,500 | Compare |
| Hughson | 7,541 | $92,303 | $480,100 | Compare |
| Franklin CDP (Merced County), California | 7,487 | $56,274 | $285,700 | Compare |
| Ojai | 7,576 | $79,202 | $947,000 | Compare |
| Sebastopol | 7,466 | $99,600 | $821,400 | Compare |
| Winters | 7,453 | $132,650 | $598,700 | Compare |
| Escalon | 7,429 | $86,875 | $461,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fairfax With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairfax
What is the population of Fairfax, CA?
The population of Fairfax, CA is 7,523 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax, CA is $131,875 per year, which is 75% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax, CA is $1,121,500, which is 358% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairfax?
The median monthly rent in Fairfax, CA is $2,281, which is 96% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfax?
The unemployment rate in Fairfax, CA is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairfax, CA a good place to live?
Fairfax offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,523 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fairfax, CA?
65.5% of residents in Fairfax aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fairfax?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairfax, CA: median home value is $1,121,500 (358% above national), median rent is $2,281/month, and median household income is $131,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfax?
The poverty rate in Fairfax, CA is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fairfax, CA?
Fairfax's population is 5.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.