RANK #446 / 996 · POP 159,371 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Fairfield County, Ohio, distinguishes itself with a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, particularly in towns like Lancaster, its county seat. Lancaster, about 30 miles southeast of Columbus, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and serves as a gateway to the scenic Hocking Hills region. The county boasts over 5,000 acres of parkland and preserves, including parts of the Hocking Hills, offering waterfalls and hiking trails. Commuting to Columbus is feasible, with major routes like US-33 and I-70 nearby. The community offers a mix of rural and suburban living, with a notable number of covered bridges adding to its character.
Life in Fairfield County often appeals to families and those seeking a balance between small-town atmosphere and access to urban amenities. The public schools in the county are generally well-regarded. The economy is experiencing growth, with the county being the fourth fastest-growing in Ohio over the past decade. This growth is partly driven by investments in sectors such as data centers and energy, contributing to a diverse economic landscape that includes manufacturing and agriculture. Residents largely rely on personal vehicles for transportation, with an average commute time of 28 minutes.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Vantage Data Centers OH2 - Millersport Campus
Vantage Data Centers Management Company, LLC
|
$2,100M | Planned |
|
AlphaStruxure Millersport Natural Gas Plant (to power Vantage Data Center)
AlphaStruxure
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Eastern Cottontail Solar Project
Eastern Cottontail Solar LLC (EDF Power Solutions)
|
$220M | Approved |
|
Carnation Solar Project
Carnation Solar LLC (Geronimo Power)
|
$142M | Proposed |
|
U.S. 33 and Pickerington Road Interchange
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Fairfield County has a Boom Town Index score of 55/100, ranking #446 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.8% and a median household income of $82,969, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Fairfield County is $247,800 with median rent at $1,042/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3348, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.8%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.98% of Fairfield County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.