Fairfield, CA

Fairfield CA scores 54/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 23% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 123 (100 = avg); violent crime index 143; property crime index 102. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Fairfield. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Fairfield is about $2,266/month (expensive). At $2,266/month for a typical unit, you need about $81,576+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $624,300.

Median household income is $101,895, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($101,895) clears the $81,576 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 78°F (highs near 94°F, lows near 61°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Fairfield: (1) Dual-income households (at $2,266/month, the rent math works much better with two salaries) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 94°F) (3) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $101,895 helps carry housing costs) (4) Households earning $81,576+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $2,266/month

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 54/100) (2) Single earners under $70k (the rent-to-income ratio is tight at $2,266/month) (3) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 94°F)

Income sniff test: clear about $81,576 household income for $2,266/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Fairfield is a mixed picture. Safety is average and rent at $2,266/month is on the high side. It works for the right household but is not an obvious choice.