Fairfax, SC
Population 2,037 · South Carolina
About Fairfax, SC
Fairfax is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,037 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,328 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 $54,400, which is 78% 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 $702, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 960 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (468 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (389 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 9.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairfax have an average one-way commute time of 45.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
8.5% 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 6.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fairfax Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Fairfax, SC
Compared to national averages, Fairfax has a median household income of $41,328 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $54,400, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $702 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Fairfax's income is 30% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 73% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Fairfax, SC?
Fairfax offers affordable housing with a median home value of $54,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $702/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,328) 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 2,037 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Fairfax with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Fairfax
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowpens | 2,031 | $37,168 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Gaston | 2,026 | $59,500 | $117,900 | Compare |
| Arial | 2,024 | $50,132 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Shell Point | 2,005 | $65,840 | $233,600 | Compare |
| Seabrook Island | 2,107 | $124,519 | $899,600 | Compare |
| Mayo | 1,963 | $47,384 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Hopkins | 1,962 | $49,464 | $77,300 | Compare |
| Reidville | 1,955 | $117,692 | $326,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
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, SC?
The population of Fairfax, SC is 2,037 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax, SC is $41,328 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax, SC is $54,400, which is 78% 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, SC is $702, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairfax?
The unemployment rate in Fairfax, SC is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairfax, SC a good place to live?
Fairfax offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,037 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairfax, SC?
8.5% 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, SC: median home value is $54,400 (78% below national), median rent is $702/month, and median household income is $41,328. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairfax?
The poverty rate in Fairfax, SC is 23.7%, 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, SC?
Fairfax's population is 6.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 71.9% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.