countyscore
57
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 79.3Safety 77.3

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Iowa

Fayette County Outperforms the National Median

With a composite score of 57.0, Fayette County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top tier of US jurisdictions for overall livability. Residents enjoy a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience.

Beating the Iowa State Average

Fayette County’s score of 57.0 also edges out the Iowa state average of 55.6. It maintains a competitive position among its neighbors by balancing rural charm with reliable infrastructure. This consistent performance highlights the county's steady appeal within the Hawkeye State.

Pure Water and Public Safety

The county excels in essential services, boasting a Water Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 77.3. Housing is also highly accessible, with a median home value of just $130,800. These factors create a secure and affordable foundation for residents.

Lifting Incomes and Tax Burdens

Income levels present a hurdle, with an Income Score of 34.6 reflecting a median household income of $58,764. The Tax Score of 20.4 also indicates a higher-than-average burden relative to the national field. Local leaders face the ongoing task of boosting wage growth while managing the 1.316% effective tax rate.

A Haven for Safety-Conscious Renters

Fayette County is best suited for families and individuals who prioritize safety and clean water above all else. With a median gross rent of only $813, it offers an attractive entry point for those looking to live securely on a budget. The county provides a solid, predictable lifestyle in the heart of the Midwest.

2040608010020.451.977.371.963.234.649.18652.3Tax20.4Cost51.9Safety77.3Health71.9Schools63.2Income34.6Risk49.1Water86Weather52.357/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Fayette County DNA

Foverall

How Fayette County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fayette County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (20.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.4-31.6
Cost
51.9
Safety
77.3+22.299999999999997
Health
71.9+21.900000000000006
Schools
63.2+9.200000000000003
Income
34.6-16.4
Risk
49.1
Water
86+28
Weather
52.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Fayette County?

Many homeowners in Fayette County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$130,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$813/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$130,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,764/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Fayette County with Jefferson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Florida
Median income: $56,984
57
Washington County
Indiana
Median income: $61,358
57
Carroll County
Maryland
Median income: $115,876
57
Holmes County
Mississippi
Median income: $29,434
57
Sharkey County
Mississippi
Median income: $35,741
57
Cambria County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $56,292
57
Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $72,468
57
King William County
Virginia
Median income: $85,212
57

Nearby counties

Bremer County
Iowa
58.6
Chickasaw County
Iowa
66.7
Buchanan County
Iowa
62.4
Winneshiek County
Iowa
67.9
Black Hawk County
Iowa
40.7
Clayton County
Iowa
59.9
Delaware County
Iowa
60.2
Howard County
Iowa
68.1

Deep Dives

Fayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fayette County

via TaxByCounty

Fayette's taxes rank well nationally

At 1.316%, Fayette County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.57%, placing the county in roughly the 35th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $1,721 annually on the median property, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of nearly $1,000 per year.

Just below the Iowa average

Fayette's 1.316% effective rate ranks 35th among Iowa's 99 counties, sitting slightly below the state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $1,721 falls roughly $440 below the state median of $2,160.

Among the region's lowest-taxed

Fayette outpaces neighboring Floyd County (1.391%) and Franklin County (1.348%) in tax efficiency. Only Greene County (1.197%) in the broader region offers a meaningfully lower effective rate.

Median tax on median home

A homeowner with the county's median property value of $130,800 pays approximately $1,721 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,746; without, it drops to $1,678.

Your assessment may be high

Many Iowa homeowners are overassessed relative to market value and don't realize it—appealing your assessment costs nothing and could lower your tax bill. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match its actual market worth, consider filing an appeal with your county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette's rent burden tops national average

Fayette County renters spend 16.6% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average by about 2 percentage points. While the median rent of $813 is affordable in absolute terms, household incomes of $58,764—about 21% below the national median—make that burden heavier here than across the country.

Above-average housing pressure in Iowa

Fayette ranks among Iowa's least affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% compared to the state average of 14.1%. This positions the county in the upper tier of housing cost burden across Iowa's 99 counties.

Neighbor counties offer cheaper rents

Fayette's median rent of $813 is higher than adjacent Franklin County ($649) and Floyd County ($672), though comparable to Greene County ($774). Renters in Fayette pay notably more than their neighbors despite similar income levels, suggesting a local market premium.

Housing consumes over a sixth of income

The typical Fayette household earns $58,764 annually while dedicating roughly $813 monthly to rent or $870 to homeownership costs. That means 16.6% of gross income flows to rent alone—leaving less for utilities, food, transportation, and other necessities.

Considering Fayette? Compare your options.

If affordability is your priority, neighboring Franklin and Floyd counties offer lower rents without sacrificing rural Iowa living. Before relocating, calculate your personal rent-to-income ratio: if it exceeds 20%, you may find better value just over the county line.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette's Income Lags National Average

Fayette County's median household income of $58,764 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755. This places the county among the lower-income communities nationally, signaling economic challenges that many rural Midwestern counties face.

Below Average Within Iowa

At $58,764, Fayette ranks below Iowa's state median of $69,830, putting it in the lower tier of Iowa counties by household income. The county's per capita income of $32,982 also trails the state average of $37,136.

Among the Lowest in the Region

Neighboring Floyd County earns $64,500 and Grundy County reaches $83,617, both significantly outpacing Fayette's income levels. The disparity suggests economic divergence even within this cluster of north-central Iowa counties.

Housing Remains Affordable Here

Fayette's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is manageable, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of typical household earnings. With a median home value of $130,800, homeownership remains accessible despite modest incomes.

Build Financial Resilience Today

Fayette households earning $58,764 annually should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring retirement accounts like IRAs to maximize tax-advantaged growth. Even modest, consistent investments compound significantly over time and can help narrow wealth gaps.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County Safety Outpaces National Trends

Fayette County reports a total crime rate of 543.0 per 100K, which is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

A Top Performer in the Hawkeye State

With a safety score of 99.1, Fayette County exceeds the Iowa state average of 98.3. It remains one of the more secure regions for residents across the state.

Leading the Way Among Northern Neighbors

Fayette's crime rate of 543.0 is considerably lower than neighboring Floyd County, which sits at 871.8. It offers a quieter alternative to the slightly higher activity seen in nearby Hamilton County.

Low Property Crime Defines Local Safety

Property crime in Fayette is very low at 317.6 per 100K compared to the national 2,015.7 average. Violent crime stands at 225.4, which is just slightly above the Iowa state average of 216.5.

Stay Vigilant to Keep Crime Low

Even in safe areas, locking doors and using smart cameras helps deter opportunistic theft. Consistent community awareness is the key to maintaining these excellent safety ratings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Rural and Town Schools

Fayette County supports 3,330 students across 15 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. Four distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of educational environments from Oelwein to North Fayette Valley.

Competitive Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a 90.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $8,386 remains below the $13,000 national benchmark, the county's 56.9 school score slightly exceeds the state average of 56.0.

Oelwein and North Fayette Valley Lead the Way

The Oelwein Community School District is the largest provider, serving 1,345 students across five campuses. Notably, the county hosts one charter school, which represents approximately 6.7% of the local educational landscape.

Small Classrooms in a Rural Setting

With ten rural schools and five town-based sites, the average school size is a cozy 222 students. Oelwein Middle School is the largest campus with 359 students, while North Fayette Valley High School serves 333 students.

High Graduation Rates for Local Families

Strong academic outcomes and a high graduation rate make this county an attractive option for families. Explore homes near top-performing districts to secure a high-quality education in a close-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette's risk outpaces the nation

Fayette County scores 50.89 on natural disaster risk, placing it well above the national average and earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This means residents face above-typical exposure to climate hazards compared to most American counties, though local risk remains manageable overall.

Above average for Iowa

With a composite risk score of 50.89, Fayette ranks higher than Iowa's 39.68 state average, making it among the riskier counties in the state. This elevated profile reflects Iowa's natural hazard landscape more than most neighboring counties.

Riskier than most neighbors

Fayette's 50.89 score exceeds nearby Floyd County (47.74) and Franklin County (21.95), placing it in the higher-risk tier regionally. Only Hamilton County (42.91) comes close, though it remains below Fayette's exposure level.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Tornado risk reaches 71.53 in Fayette County, the highest hazard in the county and significantly above state norms. Flood risk follows at 59.16, creating a dual threat that residents should actively prepare for with proper emergency plans.

Get flood and storm coverage now

Fayette residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers tornado damage and wind events, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Given tornado risk scores above 70, a reinforced safe room or basement shelter could save lives during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fayette County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance in Fayette County

Fayette County maintains a top-tier 'A' grade for drinking water quality with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Iowa state average of 25.9. This indicates a highly reliable signal from local water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Watershed Assessments Pending

Local water bodies in Fayette County are not yet included in the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment. This means there is currently no data on impaired status or top contaminant causes for this specific area. Until these assessments occur, the health of the broader watershed remains an unquantified metric.

Active Nutrient and Physical Monitoring

Five monitoring sites across the county have recorded 384 measurements over the past five years. Experts focus primarily on physical properties and nutrient levels to track water quality trends. This data provides a baseline for understanding inorganic and non-metal concentrations in the local environment.

Low Flows on the Turkey River

The Turkey River near Eldorado currently flows at 383 cubic feet per second, which is only 59% of its long-term mean. This discharge rate is significantly below the typical average for this 641-square-mile drainage area. Low flows can impact the concentration of nutrients and the availability of source water.

Manage Water During Low Flow

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the Turkey River's low flow at 59% of typical levels warrants careful water management. Residents should stay informed about local conservation guidelines, as reduced streamflow can affect the natural dilution of agricultural runoff. Reliable compliance data suggests tap water remains safe, but the watershed health remains an data gap to monitor.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic Midwestern continental climate

Fayette County averages 46.3°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median. This humid continental region experiences wide temperature swings and receives 37.9 inches of precipitation per year.

Cooler than the Iowa average

The county's 46.3°F annual average sits nearly two degrees below the state average of 48.0°F. While colder on average, its 37.9 inches of rain makes it wetter than the typical Iowa county.

Colder and snowier than western neighbors

Fayette is notably colder than Floyd County, which averages 46.5°F. It also sees more winter precipitation, with 40.2 inches of snow compared to Floyd’s 37.5 inches.

Harsh winters and mild summers

Winters are intense with a January average of 16.4°F and 40.2 inches of annual snowfall. Summers remain relatively comfortable, averaging only 8 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Prioritize winter home prep

Residents should invest in high-efficiency heating systems to handle the 19.8°F winter average. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity given the high 40.2-inch annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Profile in Fayette County

Fayette County features soil with a pH of 6.37, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance contributes to a total soil score of 70.1, sitting just below the state average of 72.9.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil consists of 44.6% silt and 35.3% sand, creating a light and workable texture. With a clay content of 19.1%, the soil maintains its structure without becoming too heavy for traditional tillage.

Healthy Organic Matter for Crop Growth

The soil contains 3.26% organic matter, which easily beats the national average of 2.0% but trails the Iowa average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.186 in/in provides a reliable moisture reservoir for local agriculture.

Monitoring Natural Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for this regional data. Growers should observe their specific plots for water movement, as the moderate sand content generally encourages steady natural drainage.

Cold-Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 5a

The Hardiness Zone 5a climate supports grains and hardy vegetables like kale and carrots. Start your garden today to take advantage of these established, fertile Iowa soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette County's High-Performing Lawns

Fayette County earns a 79.3 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the Iowa state average of 77.2. Situated in hardiness zone 5a, the county offers a favorable climate compared to the national median score of 50.0. Maintaining a lush lawn here is significantly easier than in most parts of the country.

Cool Summers and Ample Rain

With only 8 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces much less stress than the state average of 16 days. The 37.9 inches of annual precipitation provides a robust natural watering schedule for cool-season turf. These conditions support steady growth without the typical mid-summer burnout seen elsewhere.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

The soil pH of 6.37 sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. While texture and drainage data are limited, the 19.1% clay content helps retain moisture during dry spells. Most lawns here require minimal pH adjustment to thrive.

Monitoring Moisture During Dry Spells

Fayette County experienced 15 weeks in drought over the past year, with 46.6% of the area currently abnormally dry. To build resilience, homeowners should water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. No severe drought is currently reported, allowing for standard maintenance routines.

Starting Your Fayette County Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this 5a zone. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 30th or during the late August cooling. Early fall is the best time for sodding to ensure established roots before the October 9th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Iowa has a composite county score of 57 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 Iowa?
Fayette County ranks #56 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $1,721, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 20.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Iowa is $58,764 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Iowa a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Iowa. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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