Cost of Living in Fairview Heights, IL
Population 16,255 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairview Heights offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $167,000 — costs less than 2.1 times median household income of $77,960, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fairview Heights sits roughly 13 miles east of St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairview Heights
The median home value in Fairview Heights is $166,800 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,177/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,960/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above 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, Fairview Heights has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% less expensive.
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairview Heights, IL?
Fairview Heights has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fairview Heights, IL?
The median gross rent in Fairview Heights is $1,177 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairview Heights?
The median home value in Fairview Heights is $166,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairview Heights?
The median household income in Fairview Heights is $77,960 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairview Heights, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairview Heights is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Fairview Heights, IL affordable?
Yes, Fairview Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
Fairview Heights at a Glance
- Population
- 16,255
- Median Income
- $77,960
- Home Value
- $166,800
- Median Rent
- $1,177/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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