Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairfax, CA
Considering a move to Fairfax, CA? This quaint Marin County town has a population of about 7,650 and is known for its friendly, small-town vibe, excellent public schools, and easy access to nature. Fairfax features a high median home price around $1.28M and average 2-bedroom rents of $2,800, reflecting its desirable Bay Area location. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (just 50 per 100K), a well-educated community, and a mild climate with 67% sunny days each year. With quick commutes to nearby jobs and top-rated schools, Fairfax is ideal for those seeking a safe, outdoorsy lifestyle near San Francisco.
Demographics - Fairfax, CA
Demographics - Fairfax, CA
Fairfax is a small, close-knit community of about 7,650 residents, with a median age of 45.3 years and a population density of 3,500 per square mile. The town is predominantly White (83.2%), with a diverse mix of other backgrounds, and about 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
7,650
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.8%
Others:
11.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairfax, CA?
Living in Fairfax comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1,275,000 and average rents around $2,800 for a two-bedroom apartment. The area’s cost of living index is significantly above the national average, driven mostly by housing prices, while everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are moderately above average.
Median House Value:
$1,275,000
Gross Rent:
$2,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
184.7
Grocery:
132.5
Housing:
295.0
Utilities:
112.6
Transportation:
143.8
Health Care:
118.2
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Fairfax, CA a safe place to live?
Fairfax is considered a very safe community, with violent crime rates at just 50 per 100,000 people and a 1 in 2,000 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime occurs more frequently but remains relatively low compared to other Bay Area cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,175
Crime Index:
1,225
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairfax, CA year-round?
Fairfax enjoys a mild climate year-round, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows around 41°F. The town receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 67% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of Fairfax benefit from a strong local economy, with a median household income of $139,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.5%. The area is highly educated, with nearly 99% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is just over 34 minutes.
Median Income:
$67,500
Household Income:
$139,000
Family Income:
$170,000
Per Capita Income:
$71,800
Income Male:
$89,000
Income Female:
$63,000
Poverty Rate:
6.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$2,800
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
8.5%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.7%
Bachelors or More:
65.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fairfax, CA?
Families in Fairfax have access to highly-rated public schools, such as Manor Elementary and White Hill Middle School, as well as private options like Cascade Canyon School. Higher education is also within reach, with College of Marin and Dominican University of California located just a short drive away.

Public Schools
Name:
Manor Elementary School
Street:
150 Oak Manor Dr
Phone:
415-453-1544
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Name:
White Hill Middle School
Street:
101 Glen Dr
Phone:
415-454-8390
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1

Private Schools
Name:
Cascade Canyon School
Street:
2626 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Phone:
415-459-3464
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
College of Marin
City:
Kentfield
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Dominican University of California
City:
San Rafael
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Fairfax offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like MarinHealth Medical Center nearby and a high ratio of physicians (3.8 per 1,000 residents). Most residents have health insurance, ensuring quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MarinHealth Medical Center
Address:
250 Bon Air Rd, Greenbrae, CA 94904
Phone:
(415) 925-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairfax, CA?
The Fairfax housing market is competitive, characterized by a median home price of $1,275,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 67.2%. Homes in the area have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain low at just 3.1%.
Median Home Price:
$1,275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Fairfax residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in Corte Madera, offering a full range of licensing and registration services. The nearby DMV office ensures convenient access for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
75 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.