Median Income
$39,820
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,100
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$812
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How LaFayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,944
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density858/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$39,820
Per Capita$21,747
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$2,268M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,100
Rent$812
Ownership52.1%
Zillow$227,172
Housing Units3,052
Rent Burden28.3%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking19.5%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI52 (Moderate)
Rain57.0 in/yr
Elevation830 ft (253 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is LaFayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, LaFayette receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. LaFayette offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in LaFayette is $39,820, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in LaFayette is $135,100, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $812 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
LaFayette enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
LaFayette has a population of 6,944 with a density of 858 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 5.3% Black, 3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,944
Total Population
2023 Census
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
LaFayette vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
LaFayette vs U.S. Average
The median household income in LaFayette is $39,820, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,747 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $880, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 915 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: LaFayette vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,820 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,747 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $880 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,645 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 915 |
| County GDP | $2,268M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 153 |
| Manufacturing | 49 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,021 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in LaFayette is $135,100, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,172, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $812 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,052 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,021. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,100 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $227,172 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $812 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,052 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,021 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In LaFayette, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,270. The dentist ratio is 1:6,265. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: LaFayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,270 |
| Dentists | 1:6,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,478 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
LaFayette enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52. 46% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 830 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 830 ft (253 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7088°N, 85.2815°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Walker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richard B Russell Regional - J H Towers Field (RMG) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.0"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 52.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 45.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
123 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 10, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
40 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
150 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
87 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
51 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
21 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
35 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 140 fatalities, 1,682 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
73 km |
25 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
21 km |
20 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
65 km |
14 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
31 km |
9 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
94 km |
4 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
26 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
46 km |
4 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 30, 2013 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROUGH RIDGE (27,610 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROUGH RIDGE |
27,610 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O63 CHESTNUT MTN |
4,570 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
DUTCH CREEK |
3,845 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
PENTECOST |
3,095 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,908 |
57 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH MOUNTAIN |
2,807 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O11 TOWEE O12 WILDCAT |
2,597 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O33 ROCK CREEK_SEED ORCHARD |
2,445 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,405 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
WILDCAT BRANCH WFIRE |
2,285 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
RUFF CREEK |
2,281 |
17 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,199 |
21 km |
| 2021 |
MT WIESNER |
1,905 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,866 |
22 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,806 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
64 km |
| 2014 |
SOUTH EAST COMPLEX |
1,753 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
5.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
LaFayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in LaFayette. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193-$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770-$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385-$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852-$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385-$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297-$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482-$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815-$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926-$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770-$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193-$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963-$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89-$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39-$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72-$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156-$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578-$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482-$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193-$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385-$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815-$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About LaFayette
What is the population of LaFayette?
LaFayette has a population of 6,944 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 858 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is LaFayette expensive to live in?
LaFayette has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $39,820, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,100 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $812 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in LaFayette?
LaFayette enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.0 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.
How is the job market in LaFayette?
The job market in LaFayette is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $880. There are 915 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in LaFayette?
The median home value in LaFayette is $135,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,172. For renters, the median monthly rent is $812. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,021.
How are the schools in LaFayette?
Schools in LaFayette score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.8% of adults in LaFayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is LaFayette?
The obesity rate in LaFayette is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,270.
What is transportation like in LaFayette?
The average commute in LaFayette is 26 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of LaFayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of LaFayette is 83.4% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.