Fairfax, MN
Population 1,134 · Minnesota
About Fairfax, MN
Fairfax is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,134 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairfax features a median home value of $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fairfax one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $410, 65% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 448 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (330 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (73 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairfax shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairfax have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Fairfax 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 22.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 13.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fairfax Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Fairfax, MN
Compared to national averages, Fairfax has a median household income of $53,750 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,800, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $410 is 65% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Fairfax's income is 28% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 51% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Fairfax, MN?
Fairfax offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $410/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,750) that falls below the national average. However, Fairfax’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairfax has a population of 1,134 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Fairfax with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Fairfax
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dellwood | 1,145 | $208,125 | $729,800 | Compare |
| Elgin | 1,147 | $87,000 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Cottonwood | 1,120 | $90,750 | $180,200 | Compare |
| Baudette | 1,117 | $71,042 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Lake Shore | 1,117 | $96,923 | $532,500 | Compare |
| Shafer | 1,151 | $96,042 | $225,700 | Compare |
| New London | 1,156 | $66,830 | $209,300 | Compare |
| Hector | 1,111 | $59,762 | $124,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
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, MN?
The population of Fairfax, MN is 1,134 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax, MN is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax, MN is $99,800, which is 59% below 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, MN is $410, which is 65% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfax?
The unemployment rate in Fairfax, MN is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fairfax, MN a good place to live?
Fairfax offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,134 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairfax, MN?
9.4% of residents in Fairfax 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 Fairfax?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairfax, MN: median home value is $99,800 (59% below national), median rent is $410/month, and median household income is $53,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfax?
The poverty rate in Fairfax, MN is 14.8%, 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 Fairfax, MN?
Fairfax's population is 22.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 13.8% of residents are foreign-born.