countyscore
54.2
County Score
Property Tax 98.8Cost of Living 94.1Disaster Risk 61.9

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Alabama

Fayette solidly above national livability mark

Fayette County's composite score of 54.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 54th percentile nationally. This positions it as a livable county relative to typical American peers.

Top tier in Alabama livability rankings

Fayette ranks above Alabama's state average of 52.9 with its score of 54.2, landing in the upper third of the state's 67 counties. It's among the more competitive livability profiles statewide.

Unbeatable affordability and lowest taxes

Fayette excels with a cost score of 94.1 and an outstanding tax score of 98.8 (effective rate 0.286%—the lowest statewide). Median rent of just $622/month and home values of $121,200 offer exceptional value.

Income and health need strengthening

Income score of 16.1 and health score of 18.8 remain significant constraints, with median household income at $50,733. Safety score of 28.0 also indicates room for improvement.

Perfect for frugal retirees and remote workers

Fayette County is ideal for retirees and remote workers with geographic flexibility who prioritize ultra-low costs and taxes. Families seeking higher salaries or robust health infrastructure should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax98.8Cost94.1Safety28Health18.8Schools40.3Income16.1Risk61.9Water38.7Weather56
🏛98.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Walker County
Alabama
47
Lamar County
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Marion County
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Tuscaloosa County
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Winston County
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Pickens County
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Jefferson County
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Lowndes County
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Deep Dives

Fayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fayette County

via TaxByCounty

Fayette ranks among America's lowest tax counties

Fayette County's effective tax rate of 0.286% is well below the national median, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the nation. Though the national median property tax is $2,690 annually, Fayette residents pay just $347—a difference driven by both a low rate and a modest median home value of $121,200.

Fayette's rate runs below Alabama's state average

At 0.286%, Fayette County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it among the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $347 is the lowest in this analysis, reflecting Fayette's combination of a low rate and below-average home values.

Fayette offers one of the region's best tax deals

Fayette's 0.286% rate is lower than DeKalb (0.338%), Escambia (0.395%), Etowah (0.364%), Franklin (0.338%), and Geneva (0.318%), though slightly higher than Elmore's 0.264%. For budget-conscious homeowners in northwestern Alabama, Fayette ranks among the smartest choices.

Median Fayette home costs $347 yearly

On a median home value of $121,200, Fayette property owners pay approximately $347 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $381 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $324.

Fayette homeowners can still benefit from appeals

Even in low-tax counties, some homeowners are overassessed—a property review costs nothing and can unlock additional savings. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment and verify your home's valuation is fair.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette offers the best rental affordability found

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% is the lowest among all eight counties examined and well below Alabama's state average of 18.0%. At just $622/month, median rent is the cheapest in the group, allowing households earning $50,733 exceptional housing security compared to national norms.

Alabama's most affordable rental market

Fayette's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio decisively beats Alabama's state average of 18.0%, making it the state's clear leader for renter affordability. The combination of low rents ($622/month) and manageable incomes ($50,733) creates the strongest rent-affordability position in Alabama.

Unmatched affordability in the regional group

Fayette's 14.7% ratio and $622 rent are superior to every neighbor: DeKalb (16.0%, $683), Etowah (18.3%, $807), and Franklin County (15.5%, $667). Only Fayette consistently keeps rents below 15% of household income, making it the region's standout choice for cost-conscious renters.

Housing remains affordable across both tenure

Renters spend just $622/month (14.7% of income), while homeowners pay $512/month on median-valued properties of $121,200. Combined housing costs remain well under 30% of household income, leaving substantial room for other living expenses and emergency savings.

Fayette is relocation gold for budget-conscious families

Moving to Fayette? You've found Alabama's best-kept housing secret—rents below 15% of income and affordable homeownership combine to maximize household purchasing power. Directly compare Fayette's $622 rent against neighbors DeKalb ($683) and Etowah ($807) to see real monthly savings that matter for family budgets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette earns below national standard

Fayette County's median household income of $50,733 lags the national median of $74,755 by 32%. Fayette households earn roughly $24,000 less per year than the typical American family.

Below Alabama average by 6%

Fayette's $50,733 median income sits 6% below Alabama's state average of $54,196, placing it in the lower-middle tier among Alabama counties. The $3,463 shortfall reflects modest economic constraints relative to the broader state.

Among the lowest in its region

Fayette's $50,733 is the second-lowest in this county cluster, with only Escambia County ($44,447) earning less. DeKalb ($51,149) and Franklin ($51,493) slightly outpace Fayette, though differences remain within a $1,400 range.

Best housing affordability locally

Fayette's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among surveyed counties, indicating excellent rental affordability. Median home values of $121,200 align well with local incomes, making Fayette relatively accessible for homebuyers.

Leverage Fayette's affordable housing

Fayette residents benefit from low housing-cost burdens, freeing more income for savings and investing. Prioritize building retirement accounts through employer plans and explore first-time homebuyer programs to build equity in Fayette's affordable housing market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County Remains Safer Than Average

Fayette County's safety score of 97.3 is supported by a total crime rate of 1,736.5 per 100K. This rate is approximately 27% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Perfectly Aligned With Alabama Averages

Fayette County's safety score of 97.3 and total crime rate of 1,736.5 almost perfectly match the statewide averages. This suggests a typical security profile for a rural Alabama county.

Lower Crime Than Northern Neighbors

Fayette County enjoys a slightly safer environment than Franklin County, which sees higher rates of violent crime. Law enforcement across 4 agencies maintains a steady presence in the community.

Violent Crime Stays Well Below Average

The violent crime rate is just 159.5 per 100K, less than half the national average. Most local incidents involve property crime, which sits at 1,577 per 100K residents.

Proactive Prevention for Homeowners

Residents can maintain the county's safety by locking doors and securing tools or equipment stored outdoors. Community awareness remains the best defense against property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Fayette's life expectancy falls below national average

At 70.7 years, Fayette residents live 0.8 years below the U.S. average of 71.5 years. One in four (25.4%) report poor or fair health, indicating significant wellness challenges across the county.

Below Alabama average with high provider supply

Fayette's 70.7-year life expectancy trails Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 1.4 years. Remarkably, the county has 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest of any county in this set—yet health outcomes remain below state average.

Longer-lived than Escambia and Etowah counties

Fayette residents live 0.6 years longer than Escambia and 0.5 years longer than Etowah, though still trail Elmore by 3.9 years. The presence of abundant primary care suggests Fayette's health challenges may involve preventive care, lifestyle, or health management.

Strong primary care, weak mental health support

With 11.6% uninsured, Fayette is close to Alabama's state average, and primary care access is exceptional at 99 providers per 100,000. However, mental health services are scarce at just 19 providers per 100,000—the lowest in this set—creating a care gap.

Check coverage and mental health resources

Fayette families have solid primary care options but should seek coverage that includes mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to explore comprehensive plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Condensed Community Schooling

Fayette County provides education through six public schools serving a total of 2,163 students. This single-district system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one specialized PK-12 campus.

Steady Growth and High Success

Fayette County delivers a 92% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. With a school score of 52.4 and per-pupil spending at $5,969, the district demonstrates high efficiency in student outcomes.

The Fayette County District

A single district manages all education within the county, ensuring a unified approach for all 2,163 enrolled students. There are no charter schools in the area, allowing the district to focus entirely on its traditional public campuses.

Intimate Rural Education

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 361 students across four rural and two town locations. Fayette Elementary is the largest campus with 466 students, while Berry Elementary is the smallest with 331.

Join the Fayette School Community

For those seeking a smaller, unified school system with high graduation rates, Fayette County is a premier choice. Look for properties near Fayette or Hubbertville to settle your family in a district where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette Ranks Among America's Safest

Fayette County scores just 38.17 with a Very Low risk rating, making it substantially safer than the national average across most natural disaster categories. The county's low exposure to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes reflects its inland, rural location away from major hazard corridors.

Alabama's Lowest-Risk County

At 38.17, Fayette's composite score ranks it as Alabama's safest county by far, less than two-thirds the state average of 61.54. The county faces minimal hazard exposure compared to nearly all other Alabama regions.

Safest in Its Region by Wide Margin

Fayette's 38.17 score makes it dramatically safer than neighboring DeKalb (80.38), Etowah (87.34), and Franklin (67.72)—often by 40+ points. Only Greene County (29.29) approaches Fayette's low-risk profile in northwest Alabama.

Tornado Risk Dominates Minor Threats

Tornado risk at 65.24 is Fayette's highest hazard, though still well below state averages and representing manageable seasonal vigilance rather than acute peril. All other hazards—earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires—score below 65, making Fayette one of Alabama's most naturally resilient counties.

Standard Coverage Provides Solid Protection

Fayette residents benefit from low natural disaster exposure, meaning a standard homeowners policy offers adequate protection for most households without specialized add-ons. A weather radio and basic tornado safety knowledge remain prudent precautions, but Fayette's overall risk profile allows families to focus resources on other priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Winters and High Rainfall

Fayette County averages 62.1°F annually, staying well above the national median temperature. With 60.8 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the more rain-prone regions in the United States.

Slightly Cooler Than State Norms

Fayette's annual average of 62.1°F is about one degree cooler than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. However, its 60.8 inches of rain makes it wetter than the typical Alabama county.

Wetter Than Northern Neighbors

Fayette receives more rain than nearby Franklin County, which sees 57.7 inches annually. It shares a similar temperature profile with Etowah County, though it is slightly cooler on average.

A Long Summer Heat Wave

The county sees 62 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F. July is the warmest month at 80.3°F, while January stays chilly but manageable at 42.9°F.

Invest in Rain Gear

With over 60 inches of rain, sturdy umbrellas and waterproof boots are essential for daily life. Residents should also plan for two full months of 90-degree weather by ensuring their homes are well-insulated.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

The Intense Acidity of Fayette

Fayette County has a pH of 4.82, which is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.21 and far from the 6.5 national ideal. This creates a challenging environment for many row crops without intensive soil management. The county’s soil score of 19.2 reflects these chemical constraints.

A Gritty and Silty Blend

The soil is comprised of 49.5% sand and 33.8% silt, creating a texture that leans toward a sandy loam. With 15.6% clay, the soil offers a good compromise between drainage and stability. This physical makeup is generally easy to work, though it lacks the heavy nutrient-holding power of clay-rich soils.

Above Average Water Retention

Fayette's organic matter sits at 1.69%, nearly matching the state average of 1.74%. Interestingly, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is higher than the state benchmark. This means the soil is surprisingly good at keeping moisture available to roots during the hot Alabama summer.

Understanding Fayette's Water Flow

While specific drainage classification data is unavailable, the physical composition suggests moderate to fast water movement. The high water capacity indicates that while water moves, the soil fibers retain a useful amount for plant life. Careful management of surface runoff is recommended to prevent erosion of the silty topsoil.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Gardeners in Zone 8a can enjoy a long growing season with mild winters. Potatoes and strawberries are excellent choices for this sandy, acidic soil. With a bit of lime and organic compost, your Fayette County backyard can become a lush oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette Lawns Outpace State Averages

Fayette County earns a lawn score of 30.8, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average of 29.5. While it remains more difficult than the national median, the local climate in zone 8a offers a solid foundation for turf.

Frequent Rain and Steady Growing Days

Fayette receives 60.8 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 57.4 inches. This high precipitation, combined with 62 heat days, creates a humid environment that can trigger rapid growth and potential fungus.

Highly Acidic Soil Needs Treatment

The soil pH in Fayette is a very low 4.82, which can severely limit grass growth without lime amendments. The soil composition is roughly balanced between 49.5% sand and 15.6% clay, providing decent structural stability for roots.

Short But Intense Drought Windows

The county saw only 10 weeks of drought over the past year, much less than southern Alabama neighbors. However, 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, so temporary watering measures are necessary.

Seeding for Success in Zone 8a

Zoysia and Centipede grass are excellent options that handle the local heat and acidity well. Plan to start your projects after April 4 to avoid late spring frosts that can damage tender new sprouts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Alabama has a composite county score of 54.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Fayette County rank among counties in Alabama?
Fayette County ranks #32 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Fayette County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $347, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 98.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Alabama is $50,733 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Alabama a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 54.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Fayette County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Fayette County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.