Fairfield, IL
Population 4,658 · Illinois
About Fairfield, IL
Fairfield is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,658 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,026 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Fairfield features a median home value of $91,800, which is 63% 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 $558, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,602 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,579 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (740 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairfield shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairfield have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Fairfield 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 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairfield, IL
Compared to national averages, Fairfield has a median household income of $41,026 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,800, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $558 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Fairfield's income is 45% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 45% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Fairfield, IL?
Fairfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $558/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,026) 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 4,658 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Fairfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Fairfield
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscola | 4,675 | $77,034 | $148,100 | Compare |
| Olympia Fields | 4,636 | $107,656 | $289,900 | Compare |
| Watseka | 4,630 | $42,794 | $104,400 | Compare |
| Creve Coeur | 4,572 | $49,853 | $86,500 | Compare |
| Cortland | 4,556 | $82,750 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Stone Park | 4,504 | $75,165 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Fox River Grove | 4,501 | $125,104 | $289,200 | Compare |
| Palos Park | 4,832 | $126,263 | $469,900 | 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 Fairfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairfield
What is the population of Fairfield, IL?
The population of Fairfield, IL is 4,658 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 Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield, IL is $41,026 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield, IL is $91,800, which is 63% 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, IL is $558, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfield?
The unemployment rate in Fairfield, IL is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fairfield, IL a good place to live?
Fairfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,658 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairfield, IL?
14.6% 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, IL: median home value is $91,800 (63% below national), median rent is $558/month, and median household income is $41,026. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfield?
The poverty rate in Fairfield, IL is 18.5%, 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, IL?
Fairfield's population is 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.