Median Income
$39,297
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,300
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.5%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$963
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Fayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,242
Median Age28.3 yrs
Density828/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,297
Per Capita$23,346
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,300
Rent$963
Ownership47.4%
Zillow$165,357
Housing Units507
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking18.2%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.5%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute15 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Fayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fayette receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fayette offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fayette is $39,297, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fayette is $123,300, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Fayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fayette has a population of 1,242 with a density of 828 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 28.3 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (75.9%), with 3% Hispanic, 8.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.3yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.6%
21% below US avg
The median household income in Fayette is $39,297, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,346 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,297 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Fayette is $123,300, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,357, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $963 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $723 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 507 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,300 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,357 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $963 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $723 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,439 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.6% |
| Housing Units | 507 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Fayette, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.8% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Fayette has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fayette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fayette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,003 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 828/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8418°N, 91.8038°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
536 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 462 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
94 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
22 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
22 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Fayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Fayette. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fayette
What is the population of Fayette?
Fayette has a population of 1,242 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 828 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Fayette expensive to live in?
Fayette is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,297, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,300 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fayette safe?
Public safety is a concern in Fayette, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fayette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fayette?
Fayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fayette?
Fayette has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fayette?
The median home value in Fayette is $123,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,357. For renters, the median monthly rent is $963. Fair market rent is $723 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in Fayette?
Schools in Fayette score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.5% of adults in Fayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fayette?
The obesity rate in Fayette is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in Fayette?
The average commute in Fayette is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fayette is 75.9% White, 8.5% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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