What’s living in Fairfax CA like? This incorporated Marin County town is exciting, tight-knit, and centrally located. Although small, this community packs a big punch. Between its rich history, quaint downtown, and ample activities, you’ll never grow bored after moving to Fairfax.
There is a Fairfax neighborhood in Los Angeles, a Census-Desigated Place (CDP) in Kern County, and a Virginia city. We’re taking a look at the Fairfax in Marin County, within the Bay Area.
- Question: Is Fairfax County in California?
- Answer: No, Fairfax County is located in Virginia.
What Is the History of the Town of Fairfax, CA?
Miwok Native Americans were the area’s first inhabitants; it wasn’t until the late 1800s that American settlers claimed the land. Fairfax, California, was named after Lord Charles Snowden Fairfax, an American politician and the 1854 speaker of the California State Assembly. The first Fairfax CA post office opened in 1910, and the town was incorporated in 1931.
If you’re asking yourself, “Is Fairfax a good place to live?” keep reading. We think you’ll find that living in Fairfax CA is terrific, affluent, and family-friendly. If relocating here is in your future, we’re skilled Bay Area movers who are ready to meet your every need.
Where Is Fairfax?
Fairfax California is located in Marin County in Northern California. It’s 21.8 miles from Fairfax to San Francisco, but it can take nearly an hour to drive due to traffic.
Public Transportation is available through Marin Transit. Route 68 runs through Fairfax, connecting riders to routes 23, 228, and 625. Their interactive map lets you choose your starting point and destination and provides exact pick-up and drop-off information. Local fixed route fare is $2.00 for adults, $1.000 for seniors, disabled people, and youth (5-18 years old). College of Marin students and children under 5 years old ride for free.
Other Marin County cities near Fairfax are San Anselmo, Oak Manor, and Kentfield.
Fairfax Population & Demographics
The population of Fairfax CA is 7,605 per the 2020 census with a population density of 3,410 people per square mile. It’s the tenth-most populous Marin County community with the seventh-highest median income. The median age here is 47.9, which is 20% higher than the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Metro Area. Its age demographics are diverse, with 20% of its population being between the ages of 0 and 19 years old and 62% being 40 or older.
Among the households, 22% included children under 18. Married couples accounted for 43.3%, while a female householder led 29.1% without a spouse or partner, and a male householder headed 16.2% with no spouse or partner. Couples living together made up 11.4% of households. Additionally, 18.9% were single individuals, and 11.1% had someone aged 65 or older living alone. The average household size was 2.2, and families represented 6.63% of households, with an average family size of 2.7. The vacancy rate is 5%.
Additional Demographics
- Sex ratio: 51 males to 49 females
- Median household income: $131,875
- Moved since the previous year: 9.8%
- Educational attainment:
- 96.6% have high school diplomas
- 65.5% have bachelor’s degrees
- Foreign-born population: 11.7%
- Veteran status: 3.3%
Unlike the rest of the Bay Area’s unique racial demographics, Fairfax’s racial and ethnic makeup is not diverse. 82.7% of residents are White (80.7% non-Hispanic or Latino), 8.3% are Hispanic or Latino, and 7.4% are two or more races. While 39.4% of California’s population is Hispanic or Latino, very few are living in Fairfax CA. 3% of the population is Asian, 1.9% are Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 1.1% are Black or African American. Only 0.1% of the residents are American Indian or Alaska Native.
Is Fairfax Safe?
Fairfax is one of the safest California towns, as the crime rate is 74.6% lower than the state
68.9% lower than the country, according to data provided by the FBI.
- Fairfax crime rate per 100,000 people: 722
- California crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,843
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Fairfax violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 147
- California crime rate per 100,000 people: 500
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
The violent crime rate in Fairfax is 70.6% lower than the state and 60.2% lower than the country:
- Fairfax property crime rate per 100,000 people: 575
- California property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,343
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
Fairfax has a property crime rate that’s 75.5% lower than the state and 70.6% lower than the country. There is a 1 in 174 chance you will be affected by violent crime when living in Fairfax CA, making it a very safe place to live. Only eight instances of aggravated assault were reported last year; Fairfax boasts a 1 in 680 chance of being affected by violent crime.
Fairfax Police Department serves people living in Fairfax, CA; there are 10 dedicated officers, which results in about 1 officer per 760 people.
Cost of Living in Fairfax
Is Fairfax, California expensive to live? Yes, Fairfax has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 151, making it 51% more expensive than the average US city. Housing costs here are 127% higher, utilities are 48%, and groceries are 23%. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need a household income of $185,167 to live comfortably in Marin County.
Fairfax’s high living cost is standard for its area. For example, the Oakland CA cost of living is 40% higher than the US average, and the Berkley CA cost of living is 70% higher than the US average.
Typical Fairfax* Living Expenses
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $5.71
- Loaf of white bread: $4.67
- Dozen eggs: $5.50
- Pound of white rice: $3.34
- Average *Fairfax CA utilities per month: $478 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for San Francisco, meaning prices may differ when living in Fairfax CA.
- Questions: What is the tax rate in Fairfax, CA?
- Answer: The Fairfax CA tax rate is 9%
Fairfax Real Estate Market Overview
Not only is the housing market in Fairfax expensive, but it’s also competitive. The median sale price in Fairfax is $1,029,000, and the price per square foot is $588. The price of the city of Fairfax CA homes has increased by 68.7% since last year; most Fairfax homes for sale sell within 68 days of their listing date, 28.6% of which sell above their listing price.
What about renting in Fairfax? Rentals are few and far between, with only 36% of the population renting. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Fairfax, CA is $2,242 for an 809-square-foot unit.
For those with pets, finding the right rental can be even more challenging. Fortunately, Petfriendly offers a helpful resource for locating rentals that welcome your furry family members, making it easier to settle into Fairfax with pets in tow.
Weather Fairfax CA
The city of Fairfax has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb); this type of climate is best characterized by long and dry summers with short, warm winters. Temperatures here vary from 34 degrees Fahrenheit to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, making it comfortable most of the year. Fairfax’s coldest month is January, with an average daily low of 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the hottest month is September, with an average daily high of 73 degrees.
Many people love living in Fairfax CA, as its weather and climate are mild and enjoyable most of the year. The best time to visit Fairfax is late June to late September.
Things to Do in Fairfax CA
Fairfax is a great place to live, thanks to an abundance of stores, great restaurants, shops, and festivals and things to do. If you’re not sure what to do in Fairfax CA, keep reading as we cover its top attractions below.
Peri Park
Peri Park hosts swings, an expansive playground, benches, bathrooms, a concert area, picnic tables, and a nice creek. It’s a great place for kids, dogs, and families.
16 Park Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930, 415-453-1584
Hawthorne Canyon
If you’re looking for hiking trails in Fairfax, Hawthorn Canyon is your answer. This park hosts more than 22 acres of hilly, wooded hiking trails, which are beloved by residents and visitors
alike. It’s a great place to exercise with friends, enjoy nature, watch the sunset, or let your pups run around.
17 Traxler Rd, San Anselmo, CA 94960, (415) 258-4600
Fairfax Theater
The Fairfax CA Movie Theater is a must-do when living in Fairfax CA. You can catch the latest films on the big screen, in reclining seatings, with freshly popped popcorn in hand. Customers like its management, cleanliness, and comfortable seating.
9 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415) 453-5444
Fairfax California Shopping
This suburb is home to tons of shopping options, particularly in downtown Fairfax. The downtown area is a block or two, lined with countless small businesses, dining options, and coffee shops. Wayfinder Bookshop, Lola’s Depot, and Fairfax Variety are the town’s most popular shopping options, and The Coffee Roastery and Wu Wei Tea Temple are popular cafes.
The downtown area is also the go-to spot for community events. Explore Fairfax CA events with their special events calendar to see if any interest you. There is sometimes yoga in the park, kid meet-ups, and more!
Fairfax CA Restaurants
If you’re looking for tasty food options, living in Fairfax CA provides.
Fairfax Brewing Company
Check out the coolest brewery in town, Fairfax Company! Their popular food items are beer–battered fish, loaded nachos, and house-made guacamole. Washing your meal down with a cold brew is a must-do here!
765 Center Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415 ) 859-9551
Sorella Caffe
Sorella Caffe is nothing fancy, but it will certainly scratch your Italian craving. With nearly 400 positive reviews, you can trust your food and service will be impeccable at this Fairfax CA eatery. You can expect Italian classics at this kid-friendly dining option in Fairfax.
107 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415) 258-4520
Java Hut
We did say Fairfax was partially known for its various coffee shops, and Java Hut is one of them. Get a mid-day pick-me-up and hearty sandwich at one of the best Fairfax CA restaurants and coffee joints, Java Hut.
760 Center Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930, (415) 457-4581
Jobs Fairfax CA
Fairfax CA has an expected job market increase of 33.4% by 2035, meaning its economy is growing by the second. There are more than 3,000 jobs in Fairfax CA, and its surrounding areas looking for suitable employees—one of these positions could be yours today! With leading industries in professional services, health care, and retail trade, you can expect high-paying jobs when living in Fairfax CA. Marin County’s major employers are Bay Club, Bay Equity, and Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Yes, the Fairfax area may be a healthcare hub, but if you work in the public sector, there are still many great options for you; the Town of Fairfax jobs offer competitive pay and benefits!
Before you can make living in Fairfax CA a reality, you should consider what its residents are earning and if it’s enough to support your lifestyle. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA is $34.64, with pediatricians earning the highest median hourly wage ($113.40) and home health and personal care aides earning the lowest ($16.58).
Fairfax CA Schools
Ross Valley School District serves people living in Fairfax CA. And according to Best Schools, the town of Fairfax has top-rated schools. Ross Valley Charter is a small, private elementary school with only 209 students and ample student support, such as free lunch, professional counseling, and curated education plans.
A public school option in Fairfax that Best Schools takes note of is Manor Elementary School. It boasts excellent reviews on Google, likely making it a great option for your young one. There are no other schools in the Fairfax CA limits, meaning you will travel slightly out of the city for middle and high school options.
Colleges Nearby
Loma Linda University, Dominican University of California, and the University of California, Berkeley are all within the Bay Area, making them feasible options for those living in Fairfax CA.
Whether you’re a college student, in high school, or are an elementary parent looking for activities to keep your kiddo busy, the Fairfax Library CA is one of the great resources the town of Fairfax CA provides. We’re talking events like art shows, preschool storytime, and puzzle swaps, and resources like in-person technology assistance and access to thousands of books and e-books.
Fairfax Statistics & Information
- County: Marin County
- Fairfax area: 2.23 square miles
- Fairfax CA zip code(s): 94930, 94978
- Fairfax area code(s): 415/628
- Fairfax elevation: 115 feet
- Fairfax time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Fairfax: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 34.5 miles from Fairfax
Fairfax California Map
Explore more of this town in California with this helpful map of Fairfax CA.
Moving to Fairfax With AMS Relocation
If you want to experience friendly neighbors, plenty of space to explore and play, and a whole lot of other resources, living in Fairfax CA is for you. Call AMS today at (650) 284-2931 for a free estimate—we’re the best Fairfax movers around.
