Fairfield, Iowa A Gem in the Heartland
Fairfield, founded in 1839, is a charming city in southeastern Iowa
known for its vibrant arts scene and community spirit. It became the
county seat of Jefferson County in 1839. The city grew significantly in
the 19th century due to agriculture and the establishment of the Iowa
Agricultural College, now known as Maharishi International University,
in the 1970s, which brought a unique blend of global cultures to the
town.
Iowa: The Hawkeye State
Iowa, known as the Hawkeye State, became the 29th state of the United States in 1846. The name
“Iowa” is derived from the Ioway people, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area.
Known for its rolling plains and cornfields, Iowa is a leader in agriculture and boasts a rich cultural
heritage.
Fun Facts
- Fairfield is home to the world-renowned Maharishi International University, which focuses on
consciousness-based education. - Iowa is the leading producer of corn in the United States.
- Fairfield has more per capita restaurants than San Francisco.
Major Businesses in Fairfield
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. is one of the largest
independent broker-dealers in the United States, headquartered in
Fairfield. Maharishi International University (MIU) is a major
educational institution that also contributes to local employment.
Creative Edge Master Shop is a leading manufacturer of custom-cut
tiles and mosaics, catering to a global market.
Leading Industries in Iowa
Agriculture
Iowa is a powerhouse in agriculture, leading in
corn, soybean, and pork production.
Manufacturing
The state has a robust manufacturing sector,
particularly in food processing, machinery, and
chemical products.
Prominent Universities in Iowa
University of Iowa (UI)
Located in Iowa City, UI is known for its
strong programs in law, healthcare, and the
arts.
Iowa State University (ISU)
Located in Ames, ISU is a leading research
university with strengths in agriculture,
engineering, and veterinary medicine.
Crime Rate
Fairfield
The crime rate in Fairfield is lower than the
national average, making it a relatively safe
place to live.
Iowa
The state of Iowa has a crime rate that is below
the national average.
Cost of Living
Fairfield
The cost of living index in Fairfield is 82.5,
significantly below the national average of 100.
Iowa
The state of Iowa has a cost of living index of
83.7.
Weather and Income
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers (average high of 85°F in July) and cold
winters (average low of 14°F in January).
The median household income in Fairfield is approximately $47,818, while the median household
income for the state of Iowa is about $61,691.
Grocery costs in both Fairfield and Iowa are generally lower than the national average.
Weather and Income
Fairfield Median home price
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Iowa Median home price statewide
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Utilities Cost
| Fairfield | Average monthly utility costs (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) are around $140. |
| Iowa | Statewide, utility costs are similar to Fairfield's averages. |
Demographics of Fairfield
Population Approximately 10,329
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Racial Demographics:
- White: 87.2%
- Black or African American: 3.1%
- Asian: 6.4%
- Hispanic or Latino: 3.3%
- Other: 0.2%
Demographics of Iowa
Iowa has a population of about 3.2 million people. The state’s racial demographics show that the
majority of the population, 85.0%, is White. The next largest groups are Hispanic or Latino at 6.3%,
Black or African American at 4.1%, Asian at 2.7%, and Other at 1.9%.
Raising a Family in Fairfield
Fairfield offers a safe, affordable, and family-friendly environment with
excellent educational opportunities, including the unique
consciousness-based education at Maharishi International University.
The city’s strong sense of community, coupled with its cultural and
recreational amenities, makes it an ideal place to raise a family.
Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Iowa
1. Maquoketa Caves State Park: Known for its extensive cave system and beautiful trails.
2. Field of Dreams Movie Site: Located in Dyersville, this iconic baseball field from the movie “Field of Dreams” attracts thousands of visitors annually.
3. Amana Colonies: A historic communal society that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with shops, restaurants, and festivals.
Fairfield and Iowa as a whole provide a welcoming atmosphere with a rich blend of history, culture, and economic opportunities, making them great places to live, work, and explore.
2. Field of Dreams Movie Site: Located in Dyersville, this iconic baseball field from the movie “Field of Dreams” attracts thousands of visitors annually.
3. Amana Colonies: A historic communal society that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with shops, restaurants, and festivals.
Fairfield and Iowa as a whole provide a welcoming atmosphere with a rich blend of history, culture, and economic opportunities, making them great places to live, work, and explore.