Fairfield is located in southern Illinois in Wayne County (of which it is the county seat) along Highway 15 west of the Elm River between Mt. Vernon and Albion. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 4,991, a decrease of 451 since 1990.

One of the popular local events is the "Fairfield Fall Fun Festival"--"Country cookin' with a dash of country pride and fun thrown in for good measure."

For those seeking post-high school education, the town is home to Frontier Community College, the area's community college.