What to know when moving to Fairview Heights, IL
TL;DR: Fairview Heights at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $78,423 and a renter percentage of 35.7.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to three local colleges, including McKendree University and Southwestern Illinois College.
- The Reality Check:
- With a public transit commute share of only 1.5%, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,222 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fairview Heights has a population of 16,653, with 30.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is characterized by a relatively low poverty rate of 9.4%. The area is primarily residential, with 35.7% of the population renting homes. The local amenities include access to multiple parks and historical sites, making it appealing for those who appreciate outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if you rely heavily on public transportation, as only 1.5% of residents utilize it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,222, while the median home value is $167,900, indicating a relatively affordable housing market.
- With a population of 16,653 and a median household income of $78,423, the area has a solid economic foundation.
- The renter percentage is 35.7%, suggesting a balanced housing market between renters and owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, property crime rates are at 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1,546. However, violent crime is significantly lower at 245.7 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3. Notably, the state has seen a decrease in both property and violent crime rates over the last three years, with violent crime dropping by 28.7% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a -28.7% change since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national 1,546, with a -16.1% change since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fairview Heights provides access to three nearby colleges, including:
- McKendree University in Lebanon, IL
- Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL
- Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts in Saint Louis, MO
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
St. Clair County receives an average annual precipitation of 36.4 inches, spread across about 86 rainy days. The area experiences minimal snowfall, averaging only 1.4 inches per year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Gateway Arch National Park (4.7 stars, 14,979 reviews)
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (4.7 stars, 4,892 reviews)
- Citygarden Sculpture Park (4.7 stars, 3,080 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In St. Clair County, the unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 118,966 people. The county has a total employment figure of 113,037.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 113,037
- Labor force: 118,966
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.