Is Fair Lawn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fair Lawn

Fair Lawn, New Jersey, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to metropolitan amenities. This Bergen County borough is recognized for its strong community spirit, excellent public schools, and a diverse population, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike. Its strategic location provides residents with a balanced lifestyle, combining the peace of a smaller town with the opportunities of nearby urban centers.

The borough’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its well-kept neighborhoods and abundant green spaces. Fair Lawn’s motto, “a great place to visit and a better place to live,” encapsulates the essence of its appeal. It fosters an environment where residents can enjoy a sense of belonging while benefiting from the conveniences of modern living.

Is it Safe to Live in Fair Lawn?

Fair Lawn is considered a safe community with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The borough boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States, reporting only 44 violent crimes per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). This low rate contributes to its reputation as a secure place to call home.

While violent crime is notably low, property crime rates are also managed effectively. Fair Lawn’s property crime rate is 54% lower than the national average, with 938 incidents per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The Fair Lawn Police Department actively serves the community, contributing to an overall crime rate that is lower than approximately 46% of New Jersey communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics and Diversity

Fair Lawn is home to an estimated population of 35,610 residents, reflecting a slight increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The borough is characterized by a diverse population, with White residents making up approximately 64.9% of the population. Asian residents constitute about 14.3%, while Hispanic residents represent 13.7% of the community (as reported by Census Dots).

The town’s diversity is also reflected in its foreign-born population, which stands at 30.9% as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This demographic makeup contributes to a vibrant cultural landscape. In terms of age, the median age in Fair Lawn is 39.1 years (as reported by World Population Review), indicating a community with a mix of younger families and established residents.

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Fair Lawn is notably higher than the national average, with expenses being approximately 36% higher (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by housing costs, which are 116% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home value in Fair Lawn is around $709,175 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Fair Lawn is approximately $3,265 per month, which is 63.25% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The median rent for an apartment is around $2,850, showing a 2.76% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). These figures indicate a robust real estate market with significant investment in housing.

Housing Costs

The median home value in Fair Lawn is approximately $709,175 (as reported by Zillow). This figure is considerably higher than the national median home value. The borough’s housing market is characterized by a strong demand, with homes having a median listing price of $750,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Rental prices also reflect the higher cost of living, with the average rent for an apartment being $2,850 per month (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments average around $2,490, while two-bedroom units are priced at approximately $3,106 (as reported by RentCafe). These costs position Fair Lawn as a community with a higher-than-average housing expense.

Job Market and Economy

Fair Lawn’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with a growing employment sector. The most common employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, followed by Health Care and Social Assistance, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Fair Lawn grew at a rate of 0.291%.

The average salary in Fair Lawn is approximately $53,620 annually, or $25.78 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This is comparable to the median household income, which is reported to be around $144,574 (as reported by World Population Review). The unemployment rate in Fair Lawn was 4.5% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons).

Major Employers

Historically, a major cookie and bakery operation of Nabisco/Mondelēz International was a significant employer in Fair Lawn for over six decades. However, this facility closed in 2021 (as reported by Wikipedia). Currently, U.S. Technologies, a high-precision electronics corporation, is headquartered in Fair Lawn (as reported by Wikipedia).

While specific large employers are not extensively detailed in recent reports, the diverse employment sectors suggest a broad economic base. Many residents also commute to nearby New York City and Jersey City for employment opportunities, leveraging the borough’s prime location.

Climate and Weather

Fair Lawn experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, while winters are very cold, often with significant snowfall (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 67°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 25°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with an average of about 49 inches annually (as reported by Plantmaps).

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

The average high temperature in July reaches about 85°F, while the average low is 67°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, January sees average highs of 38°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The borough receives an average of approximately 49 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by Plantmaps).

Monthly rainfall averages vary, with around 4.0 to 4.8 inches per month (as reported by Country Studies). For instance, May typically receives about 5.00 inches of rain, with an average of nine rainy days (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).

Education and Schools

Fair Lawn’s public school system is highly regarded, with schools consistently receiving good to excellent ratings. The Fair Lawn School District is ranked among the top in New Jersey, often appearing in the top 50 districts statewide (as reported by Niche). Schools within the district demonstrate strong academic performance, with proficiency scores in math and reading often exceeding state averages (as reported by Niche).

Several schools within the district have earned high rankings. Radburn Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Fair Lawn High School have all received high marks and star ratings from educational assessment sites (as reported by SchoolDigger). The district serves a significant number of students, with 88% of K-12 students attending public schools (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

Fair Lawn public schools have an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of New Jersey public schools (as reported by Niche). Notably, Radburn Elementary School is ranked 22nd out of 1,347 elementary schools in New Jersey, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School is ranked 47th out of 752 middle schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger). Fair Lawn High School also performs well, ranking 64th out of 434 high schools in New Jersey (as reported by SchoolDigger).

The Fair Lawn School District as a whole is highly rated, often receiving a 5 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. This reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence across all grade levels within the borough.

Demographics: Age, Gender, and Race

The median age in Fair Lawn is 39.1 years, with a slight difference between males (38.4 years) and females (39.5 years) (as reported by World Population Review). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with approximately 51% female and 49% male residents (as reported by Niche).

Racial demographics show a majority White population at around 65% (as reported by Niche). Asian residents make up approximately 14%, and Hispanic residents constitute about 14% of the population (as reported by Niche). Other racial groups, including African American and those of two or more races, represent smaller percentages of the total population.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fair Lawn

Fair Lawn offers a high quality of life with its safe environment, excellent schools, and suburban charm. The borough’s proximity to New York City provides ample job opportunities and cultural attractions, while its own community offers a strong sense of belonging. The town is also noted for its parks and recreational facilities, enhancing the lifestyle for residents.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is significantly higher than the national average. This can be a considerable factor for individuals or families on a tighter budget. Additionally, while crime rates are low, property crime can be a concern for some residents, with a chance of being a victim of property crime being 1 in 102 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).