Is Fairburn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fairburn

Fairburn, Georgia, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to a major metropolitan area, making it an attractive option for many. This city, located in Fulton County, provides a distinct lifestyle that balances community living with the conveniences of a larger urban center nearby. Understanding the nuances of Fairburn is key for anyone considering a move to this part of Georgia.

As a suburb of Atlanta, Fairburn benefits from its strategic location, offering residents a pathway to employment, entertainment, and cultural experiences in the larger city while maintaining its own unique character. The city’s development has been shaped by its history as a railroad town and its subsequent growth as a desirable residential area within the Atlanta metropolitan region.

Is it Safe to Live in Fairburn?

Fairburn’s crime statistics indicate a complex picture, with varying rates for different types of crime. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Fairburn is about 1 in 88, based on FBI crime data (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to similarly sized cities across America, Fairburn’s overall crime rate is noticeably lower than the average, suggesting it is safer than most in that context (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When examining specific crime categories, Fairburn has a violent crime rate that is about average for all communities in America, across all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The property crime rate in Fairburn, however, is above the national average, meaning there is an increased chance of becoming a victim of crimes like motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Further analysis of crime data reveals that Fairburn has a crime safety grade of C as of May 2026, with the overall crime rate being 24% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). In terms of violent crime, the rate is 101 per 100,000 individuals, which is 71.8% lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is 1043 per 100,000 residents, which is 40.8% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This data suggests that while property crime may be a concern, violent crime rates are significantly lower than national averages.

Housing Costs in Fairburn

The housing market in Fairburn presents a range of options and price points. As of March 2026, the average home value in Fairburn, GA, was $321,971, showing a decrease of 3.5% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Another report from March 2026 indicates the average home value in Fairburn, GA, was $319,683, a decrease of 4.0% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Fairburn, GA, is $1,510 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is 8% lower than the national average rent price (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a studio apartment averages around $1,233, a one-bedroom is about $1,510, and a two-bedroom is approximately $1,706 (as reported by Apartments.com).

The median listing price for a home in the 30213 zip code, which covers Fairburn, was $383,700 in March 2026, with median rents at $1,735 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). Year-over-year, median sale prices have risen by 3.71% in this zip code (as reported by realtor.com®).

Cost of Living

Fairburn, Georgia, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in Fairburn is approximately 4% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This affordability extends to several key areas, making it an attractive place for residents.

Housing expenses in Fairburn are notably lower, sitting 11% below the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are also more affordable, costing 16% less than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are 4% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

While most costs are below the national average, grocery prices in Fairburn are slightly higher, by 1%, than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Healthcare costs in Fairburn are on par with the national average, showing no difference (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Fairburn is supported by a diverse range of industries and a number of significant employers. In 2024, the leading industries in Fairburn were Transportation and Warehousing, Manufacturing, Health Care and Social Services, and Education (as reported by Select Fulton). The city is home to a total of 1,208 businesses (as reported by Select Fulton).

Several national brand companies have a strong presence in Fairburn, including Nestle-Purina, U.S. Foods, SC. Johnson, Clorox, Electrolux, Aaron Rents, Smuckers, and Google (as reported by City of Fairburn). Other notable employers contributing to the local economy include XPO Logistics Supply Chain, Inc., Owens Corning, and DSC Logistics, Inc. (as reported by Fairburn, GA).

The employed population in Fairburn consists of 8,837 residents, with 78% in white-collar roles and 22% in blue-collar positions (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Fairburn is approximately $44,140, with a median wage of $41,000 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Fairburn experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, cold, and wet winters, with generally partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature typically fluctuates between 35°F and 89°F, rarely dropping below 22°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The hot season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures surpassing 82°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 88°F and lows near 71°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 60°F.

January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 36°F and highs near 53°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from approximately 3.35 inches in October to 4.82 inches in July (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and School Ratings

The educational landscape in Fairburn is primarily served by Fulton County Schools and Fayette County Public Schools, both of which receive positive ratings. Niche.com provides school ratings based on various factors, including academics, diversity, and parent/student reviews.

Within the Niche rankings for 2026, several public schools serving Fairburn have received grades. For example, one school is rated B+ with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (as reported by Niche). Another school is rated A- with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 (as reported by Niche).

Fulton County Schools, which serves a significant portion of Fairburn, is ranked as the #19 Best School District in Georgia for 2026 (as reported by Niche). Fayette County Public Schools, also serving areas near Fairburn, is ranked #4 Best School District in Georgia for 2026 (as reported by Niche). These rankings suggest a strong educational environment within the Fairburn area.

Demographics

Fairburn has a population of approximately 16,831 residents as of the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly Black or African American, accounting for about 82.7% of the population (as reported by Fairburn Demographics and Census Dots). White residents make up approximately 7.5% of the population, and Hispanic residents constitute about 7.3% (as reported by Fairburn Demographics and Census Dots).

The median age in Fairburn is 35.6 years (as reported by Data USA). The age distribution shows that about 24.3% of residents are children under 15, with adults between 25 and 44 comprising 30.9% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion, 27%, falls into the 45 to 64 age bracket, while about 9.1% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Household income in Fairburn shows a median of $91,897 annually (as reported by Data USA and Fairburn Demographics). The employment rate in Fairburn is high, at 96.8%, with a workforce of 8,837 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Most households in Fairburn (64.2%) are owner-occupied, with an average of two cars per household (as reported by Data USA).