countyscore
50
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.3Health 77.6Schools 62.1

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Georgia

Perfectly Aligned with the National Median

Fayette County hits a composite score of 50.0, matching the national median exactly. It represents a balanced American lifestyle with high prosperity offset by higher living costs.

Stronger than the Georgia Average

With a score of 50.0, Fayette County outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is a premier suburban destination for those seeking the high-income side of the Georgia economy.

Exceptional Incomes and Health

Fayette County is a powerhouse for wealth, boasting an income score of 97.3 and a median household income of $108,986. It also excels in public health with a strong score of 77.6.

Steep Costs and High Risk

Affordability is the main hurdle, with a cost score of 4.0 and a median home value of $405,600. It also has a risk score of 38.8, indicating a higher vulnerability to natural or environmental events.

The Professional's Suburban Choice

Fayette County is ideal for high-earning professionals who value health and community status over affordability. It offers an affluent lifestyle for those who can afford the high entry price of over $1,700 for monthly rent.

Score breakdown

Tax54.9Cost4Safety50.9Health77.6Schools62.1Income97.3Risk38.8Water59.4Weather55.4
🏛54.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.3
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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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 County taxes run moderate nationwide

Fayette County's effective tax rate of 0.781% sits below the national median of 0.927%, placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. However, at $3,168 annually, median taxes exceed the national median of $2,690 by $478, driven by Fayette's higher median home values of $405,600.

Below state average rate, above median tax

At 0.781%, Fayette County's effective rate falls below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, yet median taxes of $3,168 far exceed the state median of $1,529. Higher home values mean Fayette ranks among Georgia's pricier counties despite a favorable rate.

Fayette's affluent tax position

Fayette County ($3,168 annually) pays dramatically more than all other profiled counties due to median home values of $405,600—nearly three times the regional average. The 0.781% rate is competitive, but the underlying property values drive Fayette's premium tax bills.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Fayette County's median home value of $405,600, homeowners pay approximately $3,168 annually at the 0.781% effective rate. With mortgage and homestead exemptions applied, most residents pay around $2,438 per year.

Challenge overvaluation on expensive homes

Fayette County homeowners with high-value properties should rigorously verify their assessments, as even small percentage errors translate to large dollar amounts. If recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation, filing an appeal could save hundreds annually on your substantial tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette County: affluent but affordability tested

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% exceeds the national average despite median household income of $108,986—46% above the national median. The anomaly reflects Fayette's high rents ($1,787/month) driven by proximity to Atlanta and suburban demand, meaning even affluent households dedicate more income to housing than the typical American.

Georgia's most expensive housing market

Fayette County's median rent of $1,787 nearly doubles Georgia's state average of $927, and its 19.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.6%. The county represents Georgia's premium housing market, where affluence meets steep price tags.

Fayette: the region's luxury outlier

Fayette County's $1,787 rent and $1,709 owner cost dwarfcounty peers—the next-highest is Effingham at $1,116 rent and $1,406 owner cost. Fayette's affluent demographics (median income $108,986) distinguish it from rural neighbors, positioning it as an Atlanta exurban enclave rather than a rural county.

Fayette County: premium housing costs

Renters pay $1,787 monthly on median household income of $108,986, consuming 19.7% of gross earnings—higher than peers despite high incomes. Homeowners dedicate $1,709 per month to median-valued properties of $405,600, the region's priciest market, reflecting Fayette's status as an upscale Atlanta suburb.

Fayette County: for Atlanta-adjacent living

Fayette County suits high-income relocators prioritizing Atlanta proximity and affluent suburban amenities over affordability; median home values exceed $400,000. If your household income exceeds $100,000 and you value strong schools and suburban lifestyle, Fayette delivers despite its 19.7% affordability ratio that consumes more income than typical.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette County earns well above national median

Fayette County's median household income of $108,986 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $34,231, placing the county in the top tier nationally at 46% above average. This substantial advantage reflects a highly prosperous, educated, and employed workforce.

Georgia's highest-income county

Fayette County leads all Georgia counties with a median household income of $108,986, far surpassing the state average of $60,488 by nearly $48,500. The county is a clear economic leader within Georgia.

Vastly outearns all rural comparison counties

Fayette County's $108,986 median is roughly double the income of rural peers like Elbert ($49,727) and Emanuel ($50,053), and 79% higher than Echols ($61,723). This dramatic income lead reflects an entirely different economic profile—suburban prosperity versus rural agriculture and small business.

Highest incomes support premium home values

Fayette County's median home value of $405,600 is the highest in this group, yet the 19.7% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable given exceptional household income. Residents easily cover housing costs while maintaining substantial discretionary income.

Maximize wealth through strategic investing

Fayette County residents with above-average incomes should fully fund retirement accounts, explore tax-advantaged investment strategies, and consider diversifying into real estate, stocks, and bonds. Work with a financial planner to optimize tax efficiency and build generational wealth through disciplined, long-term investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County Maintains Secure National Profile

Fayette County's total crime rate of 1106.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a robust safety score of 98.3.

Surpassing Georgia State Safety Levels

The county's safety score of 98.3 is better than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1106.0 is significantly lower than the statewide average of 1412.9.

Low Crime Compared to Nearby Counties

Fayette County is safer than Early County but slightly behind Effingham in overall crime rates. Five local agencies cooperate to maintain high reporting standards and public safety.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

Fayette County reports a violent crime rate of only 77.1, which is roughly 79% lower than the national average. Property crime sits at 1028.9, also well below the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Proactive Security for Fayette Families

Focus home security efforts on preventing theft and burglary, which make up the vast majority of local reports. Utilizing modern alarm systems can help keep the property crime rate below the national average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Fayette County leads U.S. health

At 79.5 years, Fayette County's life expectancy far exceeds the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 4 years, ranking among America's healthiest counties. The 13.0% poor or fair health rate trails the national average by 4 percentage points, demonstrating superior population health.

Georgia's healthiest county

Fayette County's 79.5-year life expectancy towers 6.2 years above Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, making it the clear health leader among these eight counties. The 13.0% poor health rate—lowest among the group—reflects exceptional preventive care and disease management.

Far ahead of regional peers

Fayette County's 79.5-year life expectancy dramatically outpaces all seven regional counties, exceeding the next-best (Echols at 76.8 years) by nearly 3 years. Its 13.0% poor health rate stands substantially better than any neighboring county's benchmark.

Exceptional provider access, strong coverage

Fayette County boasts the nation's elite healthcare infrastructure with 112 primary care providers and 281 mental health providers per 100K residents—both far above state and national averages. At just 9.8% uninsured, Fayette County achieves near-universal coverage, ensuring virtually all residents access preventive and specialty care.

Fayette leads; others must follow

Fayette County's 9.8% uninsured rate and abundant providers demonstrate what universal coverage looks like; residents without insurance are missing the advantage. Enrollment in Georgia's marketplace ensures you access the preventive and specialty care that has made Fayette County a national health model.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fayette County's Robust Suburban System

Fayette County supports 25 public schools and a large student body of over 20,000 learners. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools across two distinct districts.

Strong Graduation and Quality Scores

Fayette maintains a high 91.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national benchmarks. The county achieves a 56.5 school score with an investment of $8,141 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average spending.

A Choice Between Traditional and Charter

The Fayette County district serves 20,070 students, while the Liberty Tech Charter Academy provides a choice for 417 students. This mix offers families a rare charter option that accounts for 4% of the county's public schools.

Suburban Excellence and Large Campuses

With 14 schools in suburban locales and 11 in rural areas, Fayette offers a mix of settings and an average school size of 819 students. McIntosh High School is the largest campus, serving 1,695 students in a high-capacity environment.

Find Your Home in a Premier School District

Fayette County is widely recognized for its suburban school quality and high graduation rates. Families looking for a move should explore the local real estate market to secure access to one of Georgia's most stable and successful systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette County: Elevated national risk

Fayette County scores 61.26 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and substantially above Georgia's average of 39.49. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects considerable exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and flooding.

Georgia's riskiest county

Fayette County ranks in the top tier of Georgia's counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score 55 percent higher than the state average. The county faces the highest tornado risk (80.73) among Georgia's major populated counties.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Fayette County's 61.26 score substantially exceeds neighboring Spalding, Henry, and Clayton counties, making it the highest-risk community in its metropolitan region. Fannin County carries comparable overall risk, but Fayette's tornado exposure stands uniquely severe.

Tornadoes dominate the risk landscape

Fayette County faces a tornado risk of 80.73, the dominant hazard threatening residents and structures throughout the county. Flood risk (70.58), earthquake exposure (73.12), and hurricane risk (58.82) also present serious threats, with wildfire being the only secondary concern (34.16).

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

Fayette County residents must ensure comprehensive wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies to address severe tornado exposure. Flood insurance remains essential given the county's elevated flooding risk (70.58); consider a storm shelter or safe room for maximum protection during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Southern Climate

Fayette County’s 63.2°F annual average is a textbook example of the humid subtropical climate found in the American South. This temperature sits well above the national median.

Aligning With the State Norm

Fayette's average temperature nearly mirrors the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its rainfall of 49.3 inches also falls close to the state average of 51.4 inches.

Warmer Than Northern DeKalb

Fayette is nearly two degrees warmer than neighboring DeKalb County on average. It experiences 51 days of extreme heat, making it slightly warmer than the Atlanta metro core.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

July is warm with an average of 80.8°F, contributing to 51 days of temperatures over 90°F. January is noticeably cooler, averaging 44.9°F, which provides a clear seasonal transition.

Equip for Seasonal Extremes

Moderate heating is required for the 46.9°F winter average, while AC is essential for the 51 extreme heat days. Residents should plan for a balanced utility budget to cover both needs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

The Heart of the Piedmont

Fayette County resides in the 8a hardiness zone, typical for the Atlanta metropolitan fringe. Although specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available, the region is famous for its red Piedmont clays. These soils are naturally acidic and require management to reach a neutral balance for most plants.

Clays and Silts of the Uplands

Specific composition percentages are not recorded, but the local soil is likely high in clay content. This provides excellent nutrient retention and a sturdy foundation for plants, though it can be heavy to work. Proper timing is key, as these soils can become very hard when dry and sticky when wet.

Leveraging High Nutrient Retention

No specific organic matter figures are available, but the state average of 1.83% is a good starting point for local gardeners. The clay-rich soils of the Piedmont are excellent at holding onto added nutrients. Adding organic matter will help break up the clay and improve the soil's water capacity.

Navigating Clay Drainage

Drainage class and hydrologic group data are currently missing for this county. Clay soils generally drain more slowly than sandy ones, which can lead to drainage issues in flat areas. Proper grading and the use of raised beds are common strategies for managing water in this region.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Zone 8a supports a massive variety of landscape plants and traditional garden vegetables. From azaleas to tomatoes, the clay-heavy soils of Fayette County provide a strong base for a productive yard. Get outside and start planting to take advantage of this reliable Piedmont soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

A Standard Challenge for Fayette Lawns

Fayette County scores a 37.3 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the Georgia state average of 35.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, you face a typical blend of Georgia heat and humidity. While easier than some southern neighbors, it still requires more effort than the national median of 50.0.

Strong Growing Days and Moderate Heat

The county experiences 51 extreme heat days annually, which is better than the state average of 65. With 49.3 inches of rain and 5,434 growing degree days, your grass has plenty of energy and moisture to thrive. This climate supports a robust growing season that starts early and lasts well into the fall.

Testing Your Piedmont Soil Foundation

Local soil data is limited, making a personal soil test the most effective way to plan your lawn maintenance. Understanding your yard's specific drainage and nutrient levels helps you manage the 49.3 inches of annual rainfall efficiently. Most lawns in this region require periodic aeration to help roots penetrate the typical local clay.

Smart Watering for Severe Droughts

Currently, 89.5% of Fayette County is under severe drought (D2+) conditions, following 26 weeks of drought this past year. To protect your lawn, water deeply in the early morning to minimize evaporation from those 51 extreme heat days. Consistent moisture management is the key to preventing dormancy during these periods.

Reliable Turf for the 8a Zone

Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are excellent performers in the Fayette County climate. With the last frost usually occurring by March 26th, spring is the perfect time to begin seeding or sodding projects. You have until the first frost around November 6th to ensure your new lawn is well-established for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Georgia has a composite county score of 50 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 Georgia?
Fayette County ranks #59 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $3,168, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Georgia is $108,986 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Georgia a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Georgia. 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.