You’re driving down West Market Street, past the sprawl of Summit Mall, and you think you’ve got the geography figured out. Most people do. If you’re looking for the Fairlawn Ohio zip code, you’re almost certainly looking for 44333.
But here’s where it gets weird.
Fairlawn is a bit of a topographical anomaly. It’s a city that’s technically its own entity, yet it’s so deeply entwined with Akron that the U.S. Postal Service basically treats it like a prestigious suburb that shares a mailbox. If you live in Fairlawn, your mail says Akron. If you work in Fairlawn, your business cards probably say Akron. It’s a bit of a local identity crisis that's been going on for decades.
Why 44333 Defines the Fairlawn Experience
The Fairlawn Ohio zip code of 44333 is one of the wealthiest and most commercially dense pockets in all of Northeast Ohio. Honestly, it’s a powerhouse. When you look at the data from the U.S. Census Bureau or local real estate trackers, this specific five-digit string covers more than just the municipal boundaries of Fairlawn. It stretches into Bath Township and parts of Akron.
It’s expensive.
Median home values in the 44333 area often tower over the rest of Summit County. We’re talking about a zone where you can buy a $5 million estate in Bath or a high-end condo right behind the mall. But the zip code is the common thread. It’s the "Golden Triangle" of the region.
The sheer volume of retail here is staggering. 44333 is home to Summit Mall, which—unlike many dying malls across the Midwest—is actually thriving. You’ve got Apple, Sephora, and Cheesecake Factory. This creates a massive daytime population influx. While the actual resident count of Fairlawn is somewhere around 7,500 people, the zip code serves tens of thousands of workers and shoppers every single day.
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The Mail Delivery Quirk Most People Get Wrong
If you’re moving here, you’ll notice something immediately. You’ll go to the DMV or a bank, and they’ll ask for your city. You’ll say "Fairlawn." They’ll type in 44333. Suddenly, the computer spits back "Akron."
Don't panic. You aren't losing your city status.
The USPS uses "Preferred Last Line" names for sorting mail efficiently. For 44333, the preferred name is Akron. However, "Fairlawn" is an acceptable city name. This means you can use either, and your Amazon package will still show up on time. It’s a minor detail, but it drives newcomers absolutely crazy when they see "Akron" on their utility bills despite paying Fairlawn property taxes.
Speaking of taxes, that’s a huge distinction. Even though you share a zip code with parts of Akron, Fairlawn has its own income tax rate (currently 2%) and its own police and fire departments. This is a massive selling point for the area. People want the 44333 zip code because it signals high-end services and safety, even if the post office thinks you're just another neighborhood in Akron.
Is There Another Zip Code?
Technically, yes.
While 44333 is the primary Fairlawn Ohio zip code, a tiny sliver of the city’s southern edge—near the Copley border—can sometimes bleed into 44321 or 44313. But if you’re doing business or looking for a home in the heart of the city, 44333 is the one that matters.
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44313 covers the Wallhaven and West Akron areas. It’s a bit more "old money" and residential.
44333 is the "new money," commercial, and suburban hybrid.
The FairlawnGig Factor
You can't talk about this zip code without mentioning FairlawnGig. In the mid-2010s, the city did something incredibly bold. They decided the big internet service providers weren't doing enough. So, they built their own municipal fiber-optic network.
This turned the Fairlawn Ohio zip code into a massive tech hub.
Because FairlawnGig offers symmetrical gigabit speeds, businesses started flocking to the 44333 area. It’s one of the few places in the country where a small city provides better tech infrastructure than a major metropolis. If you’re a remote worker or a tech company, 44333 isn't just a mailing address; it’s a competitive advantage.
Real Estate Reality in 44333
Let's get real about the houses. If you're searching for property in the Fairlawn Ohio zip code, you’re going to see a mix of mid-century ranches and massive new constructions.
The market here is fast.
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Homes in 44333 tend to stay on the market for significantly less time than homes in downtown Akron. According to recent MLS data, the school systems play a huge role here. While the zip code is 44333, the school districts are split. Some kids go to Copley-Fairlawn City Schools, while others (particularly in the Bath portion of the zip code) go to Revere Local Schools. Both are highly rated, which keeps property values high and the 44333 code prestigious.
Navigation and Traffic: The 44333 Tax
Living in the most popular zip code in the county comes with a price: West Market Street traffic.
If you're trying to get through the 44333 area around 5:00 PM on a Friday, good luck. The intersection of Route 18 and Cleveland-Massillon Road is legendary for its congestion. It’s the trade-off for having every grocery store imaginable—Whole Foods, Mustard Seed Market, Acme, and Giant Eagle—all within a two-mile radius.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Fairlawn
If you are dealing with the 44333 zip code right now, keep these things in mind to avoid headaches:
- Address Verification: When filling out official forms, if "Fairlawn" isn't an option in a drop-down menu, choose "Akron." The zip code 44333 will ensure it gets to the right place.
- Tax Jurisdiction: Do not assume your zip code dictates your taxes. Check the Summit County Fiscal Officer’s website to see if your specific parcel is in Fairlawn City, Bath Township, or Akron. This affects your property tax and your municipal income tax.
- Utility Setup: Fairlawn has its own trash and recycling services. Even though you have an "Akron" zip code, you won't use Akron municipal trash services if you live within the Fairlawn city limits.
- Internet Choice: If you move into the 44333 area, check for FairlawnGig availability immediately. It is widely considered the best utility in the region and is often already wired into newer apartments and office buildings.
- School Boundaries: Since 44333 covers multiple jurisdictions, never assume a house is in a specific school district based on the zip code alone. Always verify the school district map, as the lines between Copley-Fairlawn and Revere are jagged.
The 44333 zip code is a weird, wonderful, and slightly confusing slice of Ohio. It’s a place where the lines between city and suburb blur, but the quality of life remains consistently high. Whether you call it Fairlawn or Akron, it remains the economic engine of Summit County.