Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Fairfield, IA
The median monthly rent in Fairfield, IA is $810, translating to $9,720 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.45% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Fairfield spend approximately 20% of the local median household income ($49,771) on rent. This is well below the 30% threshold, suggesting significant headroom for rent increases. Tenants can afford to pay more, which is bullish for landlords.
The vacancy rate in Fairfield is 5.6%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.4% annually provides stable demand.
Fairfield's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 18.5x. A GRM above 16x means the property is expensive relative to its income. Investors here are typically betting on appreciation rather than current cash flow. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $810/mo, a single-family rental in Fairfield generates approximately $9,720 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.6% vacancy ($544 lost), property taxes of $2,718, insurance (~$720), and maintenance (~$720), the estimated NOI is $5,018 per year, or $418/mo.
Fairfield vs Iowa state average and national average across key investment metrics. Fairfield's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.