What to know when moving to Fairfield, CA
TL;DR: Fairfield at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $85,990 and about 45.1% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to nearby outdoor spots like Rockville Hills Regional Park, rated 4.6 stars by 911 users.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,980, which could be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,980/month in rent to secure a decent place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fairfield has a population of about 78,537, with a significant portion of the community renting, at 45.1%. The education level is relatively moderate, with 19.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area experiences minimal rainfall, averaging only 6 inches annually, which may appeal to those who prefer drier climates.
Probably not your spot if you want to rely on public transportation, as only 1.7% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,980, making it important to plan your budget accordingly.
- The median owner-occupied home value is around $497,300, indicating a competitive housing market.
- Education level shows that 19.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate sits at 12.9%, which can impact local services and amenities.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates indicate trends worth noting. While the state has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, it has seen a decrease in violent crimes by 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100k, compared to the national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100k, higher than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fairfield has access to several educational institutions, with a total of 4 postsecondary schools in the area.
- InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield
- Solano Community College
- Blake Austin College (in nearby Vacaville)
- Milan Institute of Cosmetology (in nearby Vacaville)
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
In Solano County, where Fairfield is located, the climate generally features warm summers and mild winters. The area averages only 6 inches of precipitation annually, with most rain falling in the fall.
- Andrews Park - 4.6 stars (1,307 reviews)
- Rockville Hills Regional Park - 4.6 stars (911 reviews)
- Dan Foley Park - 4.3 stars (838 reviews)
- Western Railway Museum - 4.6 stars (676 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Solano County, the job market presents some insights for newcomers.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 204,713 individuals.
- Labor force: 215,910 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.