Cost of Living in Fairfield, IA
Population 9,438 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairfield's median household income of $48,302 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (19% here). At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fairfield is about 70 miles south of Cedar Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairfield
The median home value in Fairfield is $152,900 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $864/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,302/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 40.2°F, with about 23.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fairfield has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Fairfield has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 50 | 37 |
| Low °F | 14 | 18 | 29 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 62 | 53 | 42 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 1.01 | 1.41 | 2.24 | 3.75 | 5.03 | 5.38 | 3.87 | 4.44 | 3.50 | 2.81 | 2.09 | 1.44 |
| Snow" | 7.1 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 4.2 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairfield, IA?
Fairfield has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fairfield, IA?
The median gross rent in Fairfield is $864 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $152,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield is $48,302 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairfield, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfield is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Fairfield, IA affordable?
Yes, Fairfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37". Average annual snowfall is 23.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fairfield at a Glance
- Population
- 9,438
- Median Income
- $48,302
- Home Value
- $152,900
- Median Rent
- $864/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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