Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,700
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
356/100K
6% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.6%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$855
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Fayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,800
Median Age23.0 yrs
Density1,261/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$20,335
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty11.9%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,700
Rent$855
Ownership67.2%
Zillow$235,079
Housing Units990
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent356/100K
Property178/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking18.0%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Elevation712 ft (217 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.6%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+15.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations3
Is Fayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fayette receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fayette is $128,700, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fayette is below the national average at 356 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 178 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow.
Fayette has a population of 2,800 with a density of 1,261 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 23.0 years, 41% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.4%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 13.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,800
Total Population
2023 Census
23.0yrs
Median Age
41% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Fayette is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,335 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,335 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Fayette is $128,700, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,079, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $235,000 with homes selling in an average of 87 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $855 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 990 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,700 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $235,079 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $235,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $235,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $181 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 87 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $855 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.8% |
| Housing Units | 990 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
In Fayette, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Fayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
Food & Exercise
Fayette has a violent crime rate of 356 per 100,000 residents, 6% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 178 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. Overall, Fayette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fayette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 356.0/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 178.0/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 10.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 712 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,261/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1463°N, 92.6834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.6"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.39"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
48 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 242 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
26 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOLDRIDGE FIRE (1,323 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
30 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
578 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
Fayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and December the driest (1.4").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Fayette
What is the population of Fayette?
Fayette has a population of 2,800 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,261 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
Is Fayette expensive to live in?
Fayette is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,700 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fayette safe?
Fayette is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 356 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 178 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 10.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fayette?
The job market in Fayette is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fayette?
The median home value in Fayette is $128,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,079. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $235,000, with homes typically selling within 87 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $855. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.2%.
How are the schools in Fayette?
Schools in Fayette score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.6% of adults in Fayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 15.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fayette?
The obesity rate in Fayette is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Fayette?
The average commute in Fayette is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fayette is 81.4% White, 13.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.