Fairfield, IA
Population 9,438 · Iowa
About Fairfield, IA
Fairfield is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 9,438 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,302 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairfield features a median home value of $152,900, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fairfield in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $864, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,736 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,388 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,813 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 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairfield have an average one-way commute time of 11.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.2% of Fairfield 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 2.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 17.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fairfield Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Fairfield, IA
Compared to national averages, Fairfield has a median household income of $48,302 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,900, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $864 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fairfield's income is 29% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 16% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fairfield, IA?
Fairfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $864/month, and a well-educated community where 51.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,302) 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 9,438 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Fairfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Fairfield
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell | 9,527 | $64,426 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 9,093 | $59,216 | $145,600 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Sioux Center | 8,335 | $87,555 | $275,900 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
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, IA?
The population of Fairfield, IA is 9,438 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield, IA is $48,302 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield, IA is $152,900, which is 38% 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, IA is $864, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfield?
The unemployment rate in Fairfield, IA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairfield, IA a good place to live?
Fairfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,438 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairfield, IA?
51.2% of residents in Fairfield 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 Fairfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairfield, IA: median home value is $152,900 (38% below national), median rent is $864/month, and median household income is $48,302. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfield?
The poverty rate in Fairfield, IA is 19.2%, 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, IA?
Fairfield's population is 2.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 9.3% two or more races. 17.2% of residents are foreign-born.