Fair Oaks, VA
Population 35,472 · Virginia
About Fair Oaks, VA
Fair Oaks is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 35,472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,387 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fair Oaks features a median home value of $580,500, which is 137% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fair Oaks in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,242, 93% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,021 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (6,790 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (8,651 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fair Oaks shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fair Oaks have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.5% of Fair Oaks 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 1.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 8.2% Asian residents, with 36.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fair Oaks Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Fair Oaks, VA
Compared to national averages, Fair Oaks has a median household income of $119,387 (59% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $580,500, which is 137% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,242 is 93% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Fair Oaks's income is 36% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 77% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Fair Oaks, VA?
Fair Oaks offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,387, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 69.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $580,500. However, Fair Oaks’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fair Oaks has a population of 35,472 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Fair Oaks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Fair Oaks
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Riding | 34,200 | $190,701 | $689,400 | Compare |
| Oakton | 36,776 | $163,662 | $776,700 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 33,365 | $50,741 | $157,900 | Compare |
| Mechanicsville | 38,437 | $97,569 | $323,600 | Compare |
| Sterling | 31,251 | $125,753 | $508,400 | Compare |
| Springfield | 30,894 | $123,691 | $622,200 | Compare |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | $131,236 | $658,700 | Compare |
| Annandale | 41,982 | $112,872 | $650,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fair Oaks With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fair Oaks
What is the population of Fair Oaks, VA?
The population of Fair Oaks, VA is 35,472 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Fair Oaks?
The median household income in Fair Oaks, VA is $119,387 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fair Oaks?
The median home value in Fair Oaks, VA is $580,500, which is 137% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fair Oaks?
The median monthly rent in Fair Oaks, VA is $2,242, which is 93% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fair Oaks?
The unemployment rate in Fair Oaks, VA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fair Oaks, VA a good place to live?
Fair Oaks offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,472 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fair Oaks, VA?
69.5% of residents in Fair Oaks 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 Fair Oaks?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fair Oaks, VA: median home value is $580,500 (137% above national), median rent is $2,242/month, and median household income is $119,387. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fair Oaks?
The poverty rate in Fair Oaks, VA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fair Oaks, VA?
Fair Oaks's population is 1.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 8.2% Asian, and 11.9% two or more races. 36.4% of residents are foreign-born.