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

Fair Oaks, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Sacramento County, this community provides a unique lifestyle for its residents. It presents a balanced environment for those seeking a place to settle down and build a life.

The town’s history is rich, with roots tracing back to a Mexican land grant. It was later developed as a Sunset Colony in 1895. Today, Fair Oaks maintains its charm while serving the needs of a modern population. This article explores the various facets of life in Fair Oaks, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, and demographics.

Is it Safe to Live in Fair Oaks?

When considering a move, safety is a paramount concern for many individuals and families. Fair Oaks presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate in Fair Oaks is approximately 4% higher than the national average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Furthermore, the violent crime rate is about 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Sacramento Movers).

Residents have a 1 in 39 chance of being a victim of crime in Fair Oaks on average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). While there are safe neighborhoods within the community, it is advisable to research specific areas before relocating. Fair Oaks ranks in the 21st percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 21% of U.S. cities but less safe than 79% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate in Fair Oaks is 4.815 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Fair Oaks

The cost of living in Fair Oaks is a significant factor for potential residents. Overall, the cost of living in Fair Oaks is 36% higher than the national average, though it is 14% lower than the California state average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Housing, utilities, and local transportation are generally less expensive than the California average (as reported by Sacramento Movers).

However, expenses for groceries and healthcare tend to be higher than the national average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). The median home value in Fair Oaks is approximately $651,022 (as reported by Livability.com). Housing expenses are about 66% higher than the national average, with utility prices also being 63% higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are approximately 34% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Housing Costs

For those looking to buy a home, the Fair Oaks housing market is quite competitive. Homes typically sell in an average of 7 days on the market (as reported by Sacramento Movers). The median price of a home in Fair Oaks is around $597,000 (as reported by Sacramento Movers). In March 2026, home prices were up 6.7% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $735,000 (as reported by Redfin).

The homeownership rate in Fair Oaks stands at 68.2% (as reported by Sacramento Movers). For renters, the average monthly rent for an apartment is $1,950 (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,600 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $2,064 per month (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,210 (as reported by Zumper).

Rental Market

The rental market in Fair Oaks shows varied pricing depending on the property type and size. As of April 2026, the median rent for all types of properties in Fair Oaks is $2,042, which is 14% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The average rent for an apartment in Fair Oaks is $1,835, representing a slight decrease of 0.56% from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments offer about 687 square feet for an average of $1,695, while two-bedroom units average $1,900 for approximately 943 square feet (as reported by RentCafe).

A significant portion of rentals, about 71%, fall within the $1,501-$2,000 monthly price range (as reported by RentCafe). As of May 2026, the average rent in Fair Oaks is $1,697 per month, which is 3% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). A studio apartment averages $817 per month, a one-bedroom is $1,697, and a two-bedroom is approximately $1,838 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Fair Oaks offers a diverse job market with several major employers contributing to its economy. The average salary in Fair Oaks is reported to be $67,000 per year (as reported by Sacramento Movers). However, another source indicates the average annual salary in Fair Oaks is $40,261 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This median salary range typically falls between $31,217 and $47,053 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Employment sectors that commonly employ Fair Oaks residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data Commons). Major job groups include Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (as reported by Data Commons). Some of the notable employers in the area include Lyon Real Estate and Sacramento County Department of Personnel Services (as reported by Sacramento Movers).

Salaries and Wages

Salaries in Fair Oaks vary based on occupation, experience, and other factors. The median household income in Fair Oaks was $116,975 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). In 2022, the median household income was $112,138 (as reported by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce). The per capita income in Fair Oaks is $62,229 (as reported by Census Reporter).

For those seeking higher-paying roles, certain jobs in Fair Oaks, such as Physician Assistant or Rrt, can offer salaries exceeding the city average (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some popular jobs like Costco, Winco, and Nursing Assistant reportedly pay significantly more than the city’s average salary (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Fair Oaks is a key indicator of the local economic health. The current unemployment rate in Fair Oaks is 7.4% (as reported by Sacramento Movers). This figure reflects the percentage of the labor force that is actively seeking employment but unable to find it. Employment in Fair Oaks experienced a slight decline of -0.238% between 2023 and 2024, with the number of employees decreasing from 15.6k to 15.5k (as reported by Data Commons).

Climate and Weather

Fair Oaks experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from 39°F to 95°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 31°F or exceeding 103°F (as reported by Time and Date). The hot season generally lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 87°F (as reported by Time and Date).

July is the hottest month, with an average high of 94°F and a low of 62°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cool season extends from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F (as reported by Time and Date). December is the coldest month, with an average low of 40°F and a high of 55°F (as reported by Time and Date). The area receives an average annual rainfall of 22 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Demographics and Population

Fair Oaks is home to a diverse population with a median age that is slightly higher than the state and national averages. The current population of Fair Oaks is approximately 31,032, with a median age of 46 years (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Other sources estimate the population at 32,091 (as reported by Livability.com) or 32,799 (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Fair Oaks is predominantly White, accounting for about 79% of the population (as reported by Sacramento Movers). Hispanic residents make up approximately 14.1%, followed by Asian residents at 5.4%, and Black or African American residents at 2.0% (as reported by Sacramento Movers). In terms of gender, the population leans slightly towards females, with about 52% female and 48% male (as reported by Sacramento Movers).

Age Distribution

The age distribution in Fair Oaks indicates a significant portion of the population falls into the middle-aged and older brackets. The median age is 45.9 years (as reported by Census Reporter). Approximately 16% of the population are children under 15, while 8.2% are between 15 and 24 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults aged 25 to 44 constitute 24.1%, and those aged 45 to 64 make up 26.6% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Residents aged 65 and older represent about 25.1% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic profile suggests a community with a substantial number of experienced professionals and retirees, contributing to a potentially stable and established environment.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial and ethnic composition of Fair Oaks shows a majority White population, with a notable Hispanic presence. White residents comprise about 71.1% of the population, while Hispanic residents make up 14.4% (as reported by Census Dots). Multiracial individuals account for 6.4%, followed by Asian residents at 4.9%, Black residents at 1.7%, and Native American/Other at 1.5% (as reported by Census Dots).

Compared to California as a whole, Fair Oaks has a significantly higher share of White residents (as reported by Census Dots). The Hispanic population in Fair Oaks has seen growth since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). Overall, the community is becoming more racially diverse, though it remains less diverse than California overall (as reported by Census Dots).

Education and Schools

Information regarding specific school ratings for Fair Oaks public schools is not readily available in the provided search results. However, general information about schools in the broader Sacramento area can offer some context. For elementary education, schools like Green Oaks Fundamental Elementary School are mentioned, though specific ratings are not detailed for Fair Oaks itself (as reported by Niche).

The Sacramento Waldorf School is a private school in Fair Oaks, serving students from PK through 12th grade and receiving a rating of 4.44 out of 5 based on 62 reviews (as reported by Niche). While specific public school data for Fair Oaks is limited in these results, families often consider Niche.com for detailed school reviews and ratings when making relocation decisions.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks offers a lifestyle with both appealing advantages and some drawbacks. One of the primary advantages is its cost of living, which is lower than the California state average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). The community is considered a great place for various demographics, including families, singles, and seniors (as reported by Sacramento Movers).

However, a notable con is the crime rate, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Sacramento Movers). This makes it important for residents to be aware of their surroundings and research specific neighborhoods. The climate offers pleasant summers, but winters can be cold and wet (as reported by Time and Date).