Median Income
$49,519
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
293/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.9%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How La Fayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population148
Median Age50.6 yrs
Density779/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,519
Per Capita$53,849
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$340M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,000
Ownership95.8%
Zillow$112,068
Housing Units106
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent293/100K
Property3,367/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation794 ft (242 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.9%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute26 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is La Fayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Fayette receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. La Fayette has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Fayette is $49,519, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Fayette is $51,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Fayette is below the national average at 293 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,367 per 100,000, 72% above the national average.
Education
3.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
La Fayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
La Fayette has a population of 148 with a density of 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 50.6 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.2% female and 62.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.6yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Fayette vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
La Fayette vs U.S. Average
The median household income in La Fayette is $49,519, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,849 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,160, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Fayette vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,519 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,849 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,160 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 148 |
| County GDP | $340M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,780 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in La Fayette is $51,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,068, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $4,780 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,068 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.2% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,780 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.37% |
In La Fayette, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:5,345. 46.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Fayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,345 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,474/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
La Fayette has a violent crime rate of 293 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,367 per 100,000, 72% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Fayette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Fayette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 293.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,367.4/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Fayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 794 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 779/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1096°N, 89.9735°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stark County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
98 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 521 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
La Fayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in La Fayette. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About La Fayette
What is the population of La Fayette?
La Fayette has a population of 148 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.2% female and 62.8% male.
Is La Fayette expensive to live in?
La Fayette has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $49,519, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,000 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Fayette safe?
La Fayette is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 293 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,367 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Fayette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Fayette?
La Fayette has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in La Fayette?
The job market in La Fayette is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,160. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Fayette?
The median home value in La Fayette is $51,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,068. The homeownership rate is 95.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,780.
How are the schools in La Fayette?
Schools in La Fayette score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.9% of adults in La Fayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Fayette?
The obesity rate in La Fayette is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 46.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in La Fayette?
The average commute in La Fayette is 26 minutes. 95.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Fayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Fayette is 83.1% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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