Cost of Living in Fairfax, SD

With a cost of living index of 61, Fairfax, SD is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the South Dakota state average of 74. Fairfax is a small community of 143 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fairfax's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $788 (40% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $62,000 (80% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 0.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Fairfax is $66,875, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fairfax. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.2°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 27°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.5 inches spread over roughly 88 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.