Cost of Living in Fairfield, IL

Population 4,658 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

35
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $41,026, median household incomes in Fairfield land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators.

Geographically, Fairfield is about 55 miles northwest of Evansville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Evansville's $129,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 30
Rent 42

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fairfield

The median home value in Fairfield is $91,800 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $558/month, 58% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,026/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Fairfield has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$91,800
70% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$447,737
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$558/mo
58% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 68.1%
Renter-occupied 31.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$558
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,172/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.1 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.2%
Carpooled
9.1%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
2.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
2.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,026
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,524
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
33% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.4%
Labor Force Participation
54.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.0%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.5
Male median age 40.3
Female median age 50.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fairfield, IL?

Fairfield has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fairfield, IL?

The median gross rent in Fairfield is $558 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fairfield?

The median home value in Fairfield is $91,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fairfield?

The median household income in Fairfield is $41,026 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fairfield, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfield is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Fairfield, IL affordable?

Yes, Fairfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.

Fairfield at a Glance

Population
4,658
Median Income
$41,026
Home Value
$91,800
Median Rent
$558/mo
Unemployment
3.2%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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