Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Located in the state of Iowa, Fairfield is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,327 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Fairfield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Fairfield is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 42%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Fairfield is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Fairfield, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Fairfield and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Fairfield, IA receives 77 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #117 in Iowa and #2,428 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Fairfield ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Fairfield also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Fairfield scores well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (B+) Fairfield does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Fairfield, the average school test scores reached an impressive 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Fairfield an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Fairfield excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fairfield. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fairfield are affordable. The median home price for Fairfield homes is $111,800, which is 15.8% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fairfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 8.3% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Fairfield | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 63.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.1% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.0% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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