CountyScore

Fayette County

Georgia · GA

#134 in Georgia
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Georgia

Fayette County Exceeds National Median

Fayette County's composite score of 61.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability compared to most U.S. counties. However, it underperforms Georgia's state average, reflecting affordability challenges that offset stronger income levels.

Below Georgia's State Average

With a score of 61.6 versus Georgia's average of 70.9, Fayette County ranks below the state median among 159 counties. The gap primarily reflects housing affordability constraints despite strong incomes.

Highest Incomes in Group

Fayette County leads with median household income of $108,986 and income score of 54.5, significantly outpacing all peer counties and reflecting a highly prosperous population. The effective tax rate of 0.781% is also competitive, supporting strong household finances.

Housing Costs Severely Challenge Affordability

The county's cost score of 49.4 is the lowest in the group, with median home values of $405,600 and median rent of $1,787 monthly—by far the highest measured. These housing burdens substantially reduce overall livability despite exceptional incomes.

For High-Earning Suburban Families

Fayette County suits affluent professionals and executives seeking premium suburban living near Atlanta with excellent schools and amenities. It requires household incomes well above average to absorb significant housing costs.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.3Cost49.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.5Risk38.8WaterComing Soon
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡38.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Fayette County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390
Washington County
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63.6
Median income: $114,457

Deep Dives

Fayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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