Fairbury, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,888
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,995/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,042
-0.4% year-over-year change

Fairbury population

How many people live in Fairbury

Fairbury is home to 3,888 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Fairbury locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
3,888
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
1,871
Female
51.9%
2,017
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,871 48.1% 2.9%
Female 2,017 51.9% -3.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fairbury is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 625 16.1% -8.9%
15 to 24 565 14.5% 8.9%
25 to 44 848 21.8% 2.2%
45 to 64 861 22.2% -6.5%
Over 65 989 25.4% 4.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fairbury, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,770 97% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.3% -81.0%
Non-citizens 107 2.8% 67.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.1%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 3,541 91.1%
Black or African American 22 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.4%
Two or more races 263 6.8%
Other 47 1.2%

Households in Fairbury

A peek inside Fairbury households

Fairbury has 1,694 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.7% are families, while the remaining 45.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,694
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
768
Family households
926
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 768 45.3% -9.4%
Family households 926 54.7% 8.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fairbury

The housing landscape of Fairbury

Fairbury's housing consists of 2,042 units, with 75.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,042
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,550 75.9%
2 units 76 3.7%
3 or 4 units 72 3.5%
5 to 9 units 23 1.1%
10 to 19 units 76 3.7%
20 to 49 units 54 2.6%
50 or more units 182 8.9%
Mobile home 9 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fairbury

In Fairbury, the median construction year is 1942. About 48.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 992 48.6% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 147 7.2% -22.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 236 11.6% 6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 188 9.2% 14.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 309 15.1% 9.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 36 1.8% -23.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 86 4.2% 14.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 48 2.4% 17.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fairbury occupancy rates

Out of the 1,694 occupied housing units in Fairbury, 67.2% are owner-occupied, while 32.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,694
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
555
Owner occupied
1,139
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 555 32.8% -11.2%
Owner occupied 1,139 67.2% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
17.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fairbury housing costs

Housing costs in Fairbury come to a median of $808 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $676.

Median housing costs per month
$808/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fairbury
$676/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fairbury

Fairbury education at a glance

About 55.2% of the population in Fairbury went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 12.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 74 2.4% -14.9%
High school diploma 1,702 55.2% 8.5%
College diploma 546 17.7% -8.2%
Associate degree 247 8% -12.4%
Bachelor's degree 395 12.8% -5.5%
Graduate degree 117 3.8% -7.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fairbury

How much people earn in Fairbury

The average annual household income in Fairbury was $65,878 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,995, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fairbury
$65,878/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fairbury
$52,995/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Fairbury income by age

In Fairbury, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,857. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,111 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,172, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,542 in earnings. Overall, 85% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,172 10.7%
25 - 44 $67,857 -9.7%
45 - 64 $61,111 -0.8%
Over 65 $38,542 5.2%
Above poverty level
3,190
Below poverty level
562
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,190 85% 0.4%
Below poverty level 562 15% -1.6%

Average renter income in Fairbury

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fairbury, their median household income was $37,872 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,872
Rent-to-income ratio
21.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fairbury

Workforce and job types in Fairbury

The job market in Fairbury is powered by 1,762 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 63.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,762
4.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,023
Blue collar
739
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,023 58.1% 1.4%
Blue collar 739 41.9% 8.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
63.8%
Governmental workers
13.9%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 113 6.4% 14.1%
Private companies 1,125 63.8% -0.4%
Governmental workers 245 13.9% 45.8%
Not for profit companies 279 15.8% -5.7%
Unemployment rate
1.4%
25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fairbury stands at 1.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fairbury

How people get around in Fairbury

Commuting methods vary: 89.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,516 89.1% 0.9%
Walk 84 4.9% 366.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fairbury by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68352 4,938 2,138 $55,370 $68,745

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FAQs about Fairbury demographics 

What is the total population of Fairbury?

Fairbury has a total population of 3,888 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fairbury?

The gender ratio in Fairbury is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (1,871 residents)
  • 51.9% females (2,017 residents)

What is the median age in Fairbury?

The median age in Fairbury is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fairbury?

The age distribution in Fairbury is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (625 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (565 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (848 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (861 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (989 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fairbury?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairbury is as follows:
  • White: 91.1% (3,541 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (22 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (263 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (47 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fairbury are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Fairbury.

How many housing units are there in Fairbury?

There are 2,042 housing units in Fairbury, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fairbury and what is the average household size?

Fairbury has a total of 1,694 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fairbury?

Fairbury has a median household income of $52,995, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fairbury?

The employment rate is 98.6% in Fairbury, with a workforce of 1,762 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.1% (1,023 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.9% (739 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (113 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.8% (1,125 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.9% (245 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (279 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025