Fairbury, IL
Population 3,683 · Illinois
About Fairbury, IL
Fairbury is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 3,683 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,215 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairbury features a median home value of $155,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fairbury in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,631 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,035 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (500 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairbury shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fairbury have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Fairbury residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairbury, IL
Compared to national averages, Fairbury has a median household income of $65,215 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,900, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Fairbury's income is 13% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 6% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Fairbury, IL?
Fairbury offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,215) that falls below the national average. However, Fairbury’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairbury has a population of 3,683 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Fairbury with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Fairbury
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forsyth | 3,656 | $113,456 | $289,800 | Compare |
| Deer Park | 3,711 | $160,750 | $636,200 | Compare |
| Oglesby | 3,723 | $71,618 | $130,900 | Compare |
| Byron | 3,742 | $78,235 | $182,600 | Compare |
| Aledo | 3,753 | $62,829 | $140,000 | Compare |
| Gibson City | 3,609 | $47,104 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Eldorado | 3,762 | $39,766 | $68,600 | Compare |
| Morrison | 3,781 | $67,580 | $117,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fairbury With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairbury
What is the population of Fairbury, IL?
The population of Fairbury, IL is 3,683 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Fairbury?
The median household income in Fairbury, IL is $65,215 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairbury?
The median home value in Fairbury, IL is $155,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairbury?
The median monthly rent in Fairbury, IL is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairbury?
The unemployment rate in Fairbury, IL is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairbury, IL a good place to live?
Fairbury offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,683 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairbury, IL?
21.2% of residents in Fairbury 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 Fairbury?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairbury, IL: median home value is $155,900 (36% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $65,215. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairbury?
The poverty rate in Fairbury, IL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fairbury, IL?
Fairbury's population is 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.