Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairfield, SC
Considering a move to Fairfield, SC? With a population of 20,800, this rural community features affordable living, including a median home price of $120,000 and average rents around $820. Residents enjoy a mild Southern climate with 62% sunny days each year, though crime rates are above national averages. Commute times are reasonable at about 29 minutes, and local schools offer small class sizes. Fairfield is a welcoming spot for those seeking value and a slower pace near the Columbia metro area.
Demographics - Fairfield, SC
Demographics - Fairfield, SC
Fairfield, SC is home to approximately 20,800 residents, with a median age of 44.2 and a population density of 53 people per square mile. The community has a majority Black population at 60.2%, and about 2.7% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting modest diversity.
Population:
20,800
Density:
53 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
36.5%
Black:
60.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairfield, SC?
Fairfield offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $120,000 and an average rent of $820. The overall cost of living index is 84.2, well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
93.3
Housing:
61.4
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Fairfield, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fairfield are higher than national averages, with a violent crime rate of 441 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,190 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 227 chance of being a victim of violent crime, so safety precautions and neighborhood awareness are important.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
441
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,190
Crime Index:
2,631
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 227
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairfield, SC year-round?
Fairfield experiences mild, Southern weather with winter lows around 33°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The area enjoys 62% sunny days each year and averages nearly 48 inches of rainfall, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Fairfield typically earn a median income of $32,200, with a poverty rate of 21.7% and an average commute time of about 29 minutes. Most residents drive to work, and nearly 82% have completed high school or higher, contributing to a close-knit, hardworking community.
Median Income:
$32,200
Household Income:
$42,700
Family Income:
$53,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
28.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.9%
Education
How are the schools in Fairfield, SC?
Education options in Fairfield include several public and private schools with small class sizes, such as Fairfield Central High School and Richard Winn Academy. For higher education, residents can attend Midlands Technical College locally or commute about 30 miles to the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Public Schools
Name:
Fairfield Central High School
Street:
836 US Hwy 321 Bypass S
Phone:
803-635-1441
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science
Street:
1647 US Hwy 321 Bypass S
Phone:
803-635-1442
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Richard Winn Academy
Street:
1796 Old Chester Rd
Phone:
803-635-5494
Students:
340

Colleges
Name:
Midlands Technical College - Fairfield Campus
City:
Winnsboro
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
35,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to healthcare through facilities like Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Prisma Health Baptist Hospital in nearby Columbia. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and 87.5% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well met within the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairfield Memorial Hospital
Address:
102 US Hwy 321 Bypass N, Winnsboro, SC 29180
Phone:
(803) 635-5548
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Address:
1330 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29220
Phone:
(803) 296-5010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairfield, SC?
The housing market in Fairfield is stable, with a median home price of $120,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.1%. Rental vacancies are available at 11.2%, and home values have shown steady appreciation, making the area appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Fairfield residents can access DMV services at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Blythewood. The location offers a full range of licensing and vehicle registration services, and more information is available online at the official SCDMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
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.