CaliforniaPop. 120,785Mid-size cities
Is Fairfield a Good Place to Live? Fairfield, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fairfield ranks #939 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 256 mid-size cities and #123 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,895, #58 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,266/mo, #229 of 256) and long commutes (30.7 min, #219 of 256).
Fairfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fairfield's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fairfield?
Fairfield's cost of living index is 108.5, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1074 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,266/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $599,253, 22% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Fairfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 108.5#1074 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $599,253#937 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,389/mo#875 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $624,300#1095 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,266/mo#1193 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.7%#1134 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fairfield housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fairfield is in the Vallejo, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Fairfield safe?
Fairfield recorded 522 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 373 and 19% above California's 440. That ranks #860 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #171 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,799 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Fairfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 522#860 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,799#621 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fairfield?
The median household in Fairfield earns $101,895, 33% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Fairfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $101,895#316 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.2%#519 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fairfield?
The median resident of Fairfield is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fairfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.6%#918 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fairfield's schools and health?
Fairfield's 23 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.1 students per teacher and $14,578 spent per pupil. 31.4% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fairfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 24.1#1142 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,578#636 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.4%#493 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.9%#645 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 18,636 students are enrolled in Fairfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fairfield?
The average commute in Fairfield is 30.7 minutes (California 25.2); 1.2% of workers take transit and 11.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fairfield scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.3°F and winters 48.9°F, with 24.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fairfield | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.7 min#1149 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 17%#1252 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.6% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.6 | 37.7 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 62.6 | 40.3 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 43 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 72.8 | 45.8 | 1.3 |
| May | 81 | 51.1 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 89.5 | 56.4 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 95 | 59 | 0 |
| Aug | 93.8 | 57.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.6 | 55.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79.9 | 49.1 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 66.5 | 41.5 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 57.8 | 37.1 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Vacaville/Nut Tree Airport Asos.
| Measure | Fairfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 75.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 24.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Vacaville/Nut Tree Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fairfield?
Solano County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 99% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Solano County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Fairfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.3%#1102 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Solano County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Solano County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.11% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0034% | 74% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0038% | 69% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fairfield compare with similar-size cities?
Fairfield is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #173 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 120,785.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #939 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 | 30.7 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #193 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #232 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Spring Hill, FLPop. 119,983 | #1182 | 45.6 | $68,432 | $1,440/mo | no data | 29.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fairfield compare with the rest of California?
Fairfield ranks #123 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% above the California median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | … #119 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 |
| La Mesa, CAPop. 60,797 | #120 | 51.3 | $95,028 | $2,049/mo | 397 |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #121 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #124 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #125 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 |
| Burbank, CAPop. 104,546 | #126 | 50.7 | $97,082 | $2,192/mo | 342 |
| Baldwin Park, CAPop. 70,138 | #127 | 50.6 | $80,663 | $1,867/mo | 367 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Fairfield among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Fairfield's score calculated?
Fairfield scores 51.1 out of 100, #939 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fairfield. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fairfield's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
60.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fairfield. Similar-size median 53.8.
56.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fairfield's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
43.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fairfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
39.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fairfield. Similar-size median 51.2.
65.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fairfield. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fairfield. Similar-size median 50.1.
36.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fairfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
42.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fairfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fairfield has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fairfield
Is Fairfield, CA a good place to live?
Fairfield ranks #939 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 256 mid-size cities and #123 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,895, #58 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,266/mo, #229 of 256) and long commutes (30.7 min, #219 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Fairfield?
Fairfield's cost of living index is 108.5, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1074 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,266/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $599,253, 22% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Fairfield?
Fairfield recorded 522 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 373 and 19% above California's 440. That ranks #860 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #171 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,799 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Fairfield?
The median household in Fairfield earns $101,895, 33% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Fairfield?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,266/mo (Census), #1193 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,389/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fairfield?
Zillow's typical home value in Fairfield is $599,253, down 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $624,300.
How are the public schools in Fairfield?
Fairfield's 23 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.1 students per teacher and $14,578 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fairfield?
The average commute is 30.7 minutes, #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 17% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield averages 62.1°F over the year, 75.3°F in summer and 48.9°F in winter, with 24.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fairfield walkable?
Fairfield scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fairfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Solano County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fairfield?
Solano County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 99% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fairfield?
Fairfield has 120,785 residents. The median resident of Fairfield is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fairfield compare with the rest of California?
Fairfield ranks #123 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% above the California median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Fairfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fairfield's population of 120,785 are Ann Arbor, MI (#193 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall), Hartford, CT (#1090 overall), and The Woodlands, TX (#232 overall). Fairfield is #939.