Lafayette, VA

Virginia · Metropolitan Area

Lafayette is a small town in Virginia with a population of 528. Residents earn $32,210 per year, which is 57% below the national average.

1.9 /5.0
D Poor
528 Population 825/sq mi density
$32,210 Median Income $18,075 per capita
51°F Avg Temperature
D
Overall
1.9 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.5 / 5.0
$32,210 median income, 33.8% unemployment
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $32,210
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment 33.8%
839% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 24.1%
94% higher than US avg

How Lafayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population528
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density825/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans2.0%

Economy

D
Median Income$32,210
Per Capita$18,075
Unemployment33.8%
Poverty24.1%
Commute27 min

Health

Obesity33.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.9%

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain49.9 in/yr
Elevation1,267 ft (386 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+76.8%
School Score5.58

Community

2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute27 min
Broadband100.0%
Libraries6

Is Lafayette a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lafayette faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lafayette is $32,210, 57% below the national average of $75,149. At 33.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 24.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Education

16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.

Climate & Weather

Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches, including 18.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Lafayette has a population of 528 with a density of 825 people per square mile. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (87.7%), with 4.5% Black.

Population

528
Total Population
825
People / sq mi
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
0.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 55.7%
Female 44.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Lafayette vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only92.2%
17% above US avg
Spanish7.8%
42% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Lafayette vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lafayette is $32,210, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 33.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Income: Lafayette vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$32,210
57% below US avg
Per Capita Income$18,075
Avg Weekly Wage$1,056
IRS Avg AGI$84,338

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment33.8%
839% above US avg
Poverty Rate24.1%
94% above US avg
Establishments (County)2,678

Business (County)

Restaurants160
Healthcare265
Retail249
Manufacturing51

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,247
21% above US avg

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time27.3 min
Drive Alone76.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

Walkability

In Lafayette, 33.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.7% report depression. 27.3% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Lafayette vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.6%
5% above US avg
Diabetes11.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
High Blood Pressure34.2%
Asthma11.1%
COPD8.2%
Stroke3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking16.2%
Physical Inactivity27.3%
Depression26.7%
Mental Distress20.0%
Physical Distress15.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.1%
Checkup Rate75.4%
Premature Death7,604/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.9/10
Exercise Access72.8%
Healthcare Facilities265
Lafayette has an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-0°C) 71°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average51.2°F
5% below US avg
January Average31°F (-0°C)
July Average71°F (21°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall49.9 inches
31% above US avg
Snowfall18.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,267 ft (386 m)
Area0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²)
Population Density825/sq mi
Coordinates37.2334°N, 80.2046°W
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
County FIPS51161
It is classified as Metro — 250K–1M. 16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (52% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 22.5-point margin. 100.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 60.7%
D 38.2%

Winner: Republican by 22.5 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+16.1%
52% below US avg
High School+76.8%
School Test Score5.58
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 2Metro — 250K–1M
Population Density825/sq mi
Total Area0.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access100.0%
Public Libraries6
Healthcare Facilities265
Restaurants160
Retail Stores249

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)11

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute27.3 min
Drive Alone76.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

Nearby Cities

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