Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairfield, AL
Considering a move to Fairfield, AL? With around 10,000 residents, Fairfield offers affordable living with a median home price of $69,000 and average rent near $900. The city enjoys mild Southern weather and a short average commute of 24 minutes, but has higher crime rates compared to national averages. Education options include local public schools and Miles College, and healthcare needs are met by nearby Birmingham hospitals. Fairfield is a budget-friendly choice in the Birmingham metro for those seeking economical housing and a close-knit community.
Demographics - Fairfield, AL
Demographics - Fairfield, AL
Fairfield, Alabama, has a population of about 10,000 people with a strong Black majority, a median age of 35.8 years, and a gender ratio favoring females. The area is densely populated, and English is the primary language for almost all residents. This close-knit community offers a welcoming environment for new arrivals.
Population:
10,000
Density:
2,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3.0%
Black:
94.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairfield, AL?
Fairfield is an affordable place to live, with a median home value of $69,000 and average rent around $900, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious movers. Living costs are well below the national average, particularly in the housing sector, and state income taxes range from 2% to 5%. Residents can expect generally reasonable expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Median House Value:
$69,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,425
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.3
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
39.5
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
80.6
Health Care:
92.8
Miscellaneous:
79.1
Crime
Is Fairfield, AL a safe place to live?
Fairfield has a higher crime rate than the national average, with a 1 in 96 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 24 chance of property crime. While safety is a concern, being aware of local trends and taking precautions can help residents feel more secure. Community initiatives and personal vigilance are important for peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,200
Crime Index:
5,240
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 96
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairfield, AL year-round?
Fairfield enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter lows in the mid-30s and summer highs reaching the low 90s. The area receives nearly 55 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine about 56% of the year. This climate supports outdoor activities for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Fairfield is around $33,000, and the area has a poverty rate of 28.5% and an unemployment rate of 8.5%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and public transportation is rarely used. The community is resilient and values educational achievement, with over 80% having completed high school.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$33,000
Family Income:
$38,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
28.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
8.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.7%
Education
How are the schools in Fairfield, AL?
Fairfield offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Fairfield High Preparatory and Glen Oaks Elementary, as well as private options such as Restoration Academy. Higher education is available close to home at Miles College, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham just seven miles away. The city fosters an environment supportive of both primary and advanced learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Fairfield High Preparatory School
Street:
610 Valley Rd
Phone:
205-783-6825
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9
Name:
Glen Oaks Elementary School
Street:
1301 Highland Dr
Phone:
205-783-6850
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Restoration Academy
Street:
4600 Carnegie Ave
Phone:
205-785-8805
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Miles College
City:
Fairfield
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Birmingham, including Princeton Baptist Medical Center and UAB Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and specialty care. There are 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 88% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible and diverse for a city of Fairfield's size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Address:
701 Princeton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone:
(205) 783-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UAB Hospital
Address:
1802 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone:
(205) 934-3411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
65.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairfield, AL?
Fairfield's housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $69,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $900. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation and some rental vacancies. This market makes Fairfield attractive for first-time homebuyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$69,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.5%
DMV Information
Driver services for Fairfield residents are provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division in Birmingham. The office handles licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs, with details available on the official state website. Convenient access to DMV services supports residents’ transportation requirements.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Driver License Division
Address:
908 Bankhead Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
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.