The small town of Fairfax, CA is located just a few miles outside San Rafael. It’s an active community with a laid-back vibe, and serves as the seat of Marin County. Fairfax’s downtown area with its taprooms, boutiques, and fun eateries is a draw for young families and professionals. Fairfax is home to a big music scene, and it is well-known in the mountain biking community, who flock to Fairfax to take advantage of the trails in the mountains overlooking the town. Fairfax dates back to the Coast Miwok Native Americans who occupied the streams. The town became incorporated in 1910 and was named after Lord Charles Snowden Fairfax.
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Fairfax, CA Population & Demographics
The population of Fairfax is 7,578 residents. It is not an especially diverse place to live. Fairfax’s demographic breakdown is 86.5% white, 6.1% Hispanic, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 3.9% Mixed or Other races. Of all the households in Fairfax, 47.9% include married couples, and 27% of households are home to school-aged children.
Fairfax is a very safe place to live. Total crime in Fairfax is 46% lower than the national average. Violent crime in Fairfax is 69% lower than the national average. Your chances of being the victim of a violent crime in Fairfax are very low – just 1 in 842. This is thanks to the Fairfax Police Department and their 16 police officers.
Fairfax Cost of Living
Now that you have a glimpse of who lives in Fairfax, you’re surely wondering if it’s an affordable place to live. Let’s take a look at the cost of living in Fairfax. The overall cost of living in Fairfax is 92% higher than the national average. Housing is the area in which you can expect to spend the most in Fairfax. Housing costs in Fairfax are 232% higher than the national average. Groceries in Fairfax are 26% more expensive, health care is 25% more expensive. When it comes to transportation costs, Fairfax prices are 49% higher than the national average. Utilities in Fairfax will cost you 38% more.
In Fairfax, the homeownership rate is 63.1%, and the real estate market is very competitive. On average, Fairfax homes sell for $1.29M, which is an increase of 18.4% since last year. Homes usually stay on the market for about two weeks in Fairfax, and sell for about 9% above asking price. Want to get an idea of what homes are for sale in Fairfax? Click here to look through what’s currently on the market!
About 36.9% of residents in Fairfax choose to rent their homes. The average cost of rent in Fairfax is $1,690 a month, which is well above the national average of $949.
Fairfax, CA Neighborhoods
There are lots of residential developments within the town of Fairfax to choose from. If you’d like to live near hiking and biking trails, check out Oak Manor Ridge or Sleepy Hollow, which are surrounded by Oak Manor Trailhead and Oak Manor Labyrinth. If you’d like to be closer to the downtown area, look at the Manor neighborhood. Fairfax also provides some convenient shopping including Revolution 9 and Fairfax Market.
Fairfax, CA Weather
You’re sure to enjoy some great weather if you decide to move to Fairfax! Fairfax’s climate is classified as warm-summer Mediterranean, with long summers and short, cool winters. Fairfax receives an average of 41” of rain per year, which is slightly above the national average of 38”. February is the rainiest month in Fairfax, when rain falls for almost 9 days, and 3.4” of rain accumulates. June through September are considered the most pleasant months in Fairfax. September is Fairfax’s warmest month, with average high temperatures of around 71°F. December is the coldest month in Fairfax, with low temperatures averaging around 46°F. You don’t have to worry about shoveling out your car during the Fairfax winters – snow is rare in Fairfax.
Things to Do in Fairfax
Whether you want to hit the trails, listen to some live music, or catch a movie at a historic theater, Fairfax has something for everyone! Here are a few of the top attractions in Fairfax:
Marin Museum of Bicycling
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Fairfax is a major destination for mountain bikers, and has been home to the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame since 2013, when it moved into the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Take a stroll through this fascinating museum to learn about the history of bicycling, and view relics from the Golden Age of Cycling.
1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415) 450-8000
Fairfax Theater
Take in a movie in Fairfax’s iconic Art Deco movie theater. Fairfax residents are proud of their iconic theater and its vintage marquee, and they are working to have the theater preserved by the National Register of Historic Places.
9 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415) 453-5444
Additional Things to do in and around Fairfax
The city of Fairfax has one park that they operate, where you’re able to rent out facilities and more. Check out the Fairfax Parks and Recreation page for more information.
Fairfax Restaurants
Looking for a great meal? You’ll have plenty of opportunities for great cuisine in Fairfax! Here are a few of Fairfax’s best rated restaurants:
Amélie Café and Wine Bar
Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee and croissant, or an amazing meal with fantastic wine, you won’t be disappointed at Amelie. This Fairfax bistro serves up authentic French cuisine, with indoor and outdoor dining options available.
71 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930, 628-253-5161
Stillwater
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Local/family-owned Stillwater is a Fairfax favorite. Chef Cameron Myers sources seasonal ingredients from local farms to prepare the freshest California-style cuisine in the area. Residents love the casual vibe, craft cocktails, and outdoor patios.
23 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930, 415-524-8478
Map of Fairfax, CA
Need more things to do or eateries in Fairfax? Explore all there is to do with this map of Fairfax!
Fairfax Statistics & Information
Fairfax is located in Marin County. The area codes for Fairfax are 415 and 628. Fairfax’s zip codes are 94930 and 94978. The elevation of Fairfax is 115 feet. Fairfax is in the Pacific Time Zone. Fairfax is 2.23 square miles in area.
Jobs in Fairfax, CA
The median household income in Fairfax is $104,122 a year. The most popular occupations in Fairfax are management, sales related, and office and administrative support positions. In Fairfax, the most common industries are the professional/scientific/technical services, health care and social assistance, and retail sectors. The poverty rate in Fairfax is 5.43%. Of those Fairfax residents living in poverty, the most affected demographic is males ages 65-74.
If you’re wondering what your commute will be like, the average Fairfax commuter spends about 27.7 minutes getting to and from their workplaces. Most households in Fairfax include at least two cars, and almost 65% of commuters drive alone to work. If you’ll be commuting from Fairfax to San Francisco, you can expect about a 50 minute drive. Click here for directions from Fairfax, CA to San Francisco, which is approximately 22 miles.
Searching for jobs in Fairfax? There are a lot of opportunities! Click here to see what Fairfax job opportunities are currently on Indeed.com. If you’re interested in working for the Town of Fairfax, click here to see what positions are available.
Schools in Fairfax, CA
There are great education options in Fairfax! The Ross Valley Elementary School District serves Fairfax students. The best rated schools in Fairfax are Ross Valley Charter School, Manor Elementary School, and White Hill Middle School. Students in Fairfax perform 36% better on testing than the national average, and the high school graduation rate is 16% higher. Those living in Fairfax will also enjoy free access to the Fairfax Public Library.
Living in Fairfax Pros & Cons
- Pro: Great schools
- Pro: Beautiful weather
- Con: High cost of living
Is the town of Fairfax calling your name? Mentors Moving is the most trusted professional moving company in Fairfax. Call Mentors Moving today at 707-205-3548 to discuss your move!
