countyscore
53.8
County Score
Soil Quality 77.3Cost of Living 76.1Lawn Care 69.2

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Illinois

Outperforming the National Median

Fayette County earns a composite score of 53.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds half of the counties in the United States.

Surpassing the Illinois State Average

The county’s score of 53.8 sits one point higher than the Illinois average of 52.8. This performance marks Fayette as a solid choice for Illinoisans seeking above-average livability.

High Affordability and Stable Safety

Fayette County shines in cost of living with a score of 76.1, bolstered by a median home value of just $114,700. Safety is also a reliable asset, scoring a comfortable 63.4.

Low Income and Tax Pressures

The income score is a low 30.7, reflecting a median household income of only $57,113. Additionally, a tax score of 12.2 highlights a relatively high tax burden on these lower-than-average earnings.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Homeowners

Fayette County is a great match for young families or retirees looking to maximize their housing budget. Its low entry price for real estate compensates for the modest local income levels.

2040608010012.276.163.465.354.130.751.329.555.4Tax12.2Cost76.1Safety63.4Health65.3Schools54.1Income30.7Risk51.3Water29.5Weather55.453.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 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 Cost of Living (76.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.2-39.8
Cost
76.1+28.099999999999994
Safety
63.4+8.399999999999999
Health
65.3+15.299999999999997
Schools
54.1
Income
30.7-20.3
Risk
51.3
Water
29.5-28.5
Weather
55.4
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

$114,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$740/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,113/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.4

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 Lauderdale County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lauderdale County
Alabama
Median income: $59,082
53.8
Ford County
Illinois
Median income: $60,782
53.8
Huntington County
Indiana
Median income: $62,734
53.8
Grant Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $61,112
53.8
Andrew County
Missouri
Median income: $74,007
53.8
Otsego County
New York
Median income: $67,086
53.8
Schoharie County
New York
Median income: $71,188
53.8
Tioga County
New York
Median income: $71,791
53.8

Nearby counties

Bond County
Illinois
55.2
Effingham County
Illinois
49.7
Marion County
Illinois
46.7
Montgomery County
Illinois
45.9
Shelby County
Illinois
60.9
Clay County
Illinois
55.8
Clinton County
Illinois
52
Cumberland County
Illinois
62

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 ranks among lowest taxed

Fayette County's 1.517% effective tax rate places it well below the national median of 1.562%, landing in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Despite lower home values here ($114,700 median), residents still pay close to the national median tax of $2,690.

Below-average burden in Illinois

Illinois statewide averages 1.831%, and Fayette County undercuts that by 0.314 percentage points with its 1.517% rate. This ranks Fayette among Illinois's most tax-friendly counties, though residents pay $1,740 annually versus the state median of $2,782.

Second-lowest in the region

Fayette's 1.517% rate edges out Effingham County (1.509%) for the second-lowest in south-central Illinois, just behind Franklin County (1.501%). Counties like Ford (2.069%) and Fulton (2.133%) impose roughly 40% higher tax rates, making Fayette a relative bargain.

What your home costs to own

On a median home value of $114,700, Fayette County homeowners pay $1,740 annually—one of the lowest median tax bills statewide. Property owners with mortgages pay $2,256 total, while those without mortgages pay just $1,413, spreading the burden unevenly.

Check if you're overassessed

Even in lower-taxed counties, overassessment happens when a home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth. Appealing to your county assessor is free, and recent sales data in your neighborhood can help prove your case and potentially reduce next year's bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette rents squeeze local budgets

Renters in Fayette County dedicate 15.6% of their income to housing costs—above the national 30% affordability threshold but reasonable for rural Illinois. The median income of $57,113 trails the national average by nearly $18,000, making that $740 monthly rent feel heavier than in wealthier counties.

Below-average affordability in Illinois

Fayette's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the less affordable Illinois counties, exceeding the state average of 14.7% and placing pressure on renters. The gap reflects both lower-than-average household incomes and modest wage growth typical of downstate agricultural communities.

Struggling alongside regional peers

Fayette's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% mirrors the affordability strain in Franklin County (17.3%) and slightly exceeds Greene County (15.7%), though rents themselves ($740) remain lower than Ford County ($836). Neighboring Effingham County stands out as notably more affordable at 11.7%, suggesting a gap in local wage competitiveness.

Income pressure visible in numbers

Fayette households earn $57,113 annually, directing $740 monthly toward rent (15.6% of income) or $667 for mortgages—a tight squeeze compared to state averages. The median home value of $114,700 remains accessible for buyers, but lower incomes leave little margin for unexpected expenses.

Fayette works if you own outright

Fayette County offers cheapest mortgage costs in this comparison ($667/month) and low home values ($114,700), making it appealing if you arrive with equity or seek affordability over wage growth. Compare with Effingham or Grundy if job market strength matters to your relocation decision.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette lags the national average

Fayette County's median household income of $57,113 trails the national median of $74,755 by $17,642, placing it well below the U.S. middle. The county ranks in roughly the 25th percentile nationally, reflecting the economic challenges facing many rural Illinois communities.

Below-average earnings in Illinois

Fayette County's household income of $57,113 falls short of Illinois' state average of $68,580 by more than $11,000, ranking it in the lower half of Illinois counties. Per capita income of $30,865 is also notably below the state's $36,009 average.

Struggling alongside similar counties

Fayette County households earn $57,113, placing them below Franklin County ($53,471) but only slightly below Fulton County ($58,617). The narrow margin between these struggling rural neighbors suggests shared economic pressures from agriculture, manufacturing decline, or limited job diversity.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% approaches the affordability danger zone, where housing costs consume a larger share of income. A median home value of $114,700 remains affordable in absolute terms, but represents a proportionally heavier burden on the lower median income here.

Start small, build consistent habits

Even on more modest incomes, Fayette County households can build wealth through automatic savings and low-cost index funds. Consider opening a high-yield savings account for emergencies first, then gradually increase retirement contributions as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County outperforms national safety norms

Fayette County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 847.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Illinois safety standard

The county's safety score of 98.7 perfectly matches the Illinois state average. Its total crime rate of 847.9 per 100K sits slightly above the state average of 835.0.

Higher activity than some rural neighbors

Fayette reports more crime activity than neighbors like Ford County, which sits at 437.5 per 100K. However, it remains much safer than urban centers across the state.

Low violent crime characterizes the area

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of just 46.6 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally. Most reported incidents involve property crime, which stands at 801.3 per 100K.

Simple precautions for a safe home

While the risk is low, most incidents in Fayette are property-related. Residents can further reduce risk by installing motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Six Districts Serving Fayette's Student Community

Fayette County operates 15 public schools, including four elementary, four middle, and seven high schools. These facilities serve 2,896 students through a system of six active school districts. The infrastructure focuses heavily on secondary education, featuring more high school campuses than any other level.

Targeted Investment Near State Funding Levels

The county invests $9,252 per pupil, nearly identical to the Illinois state average of $9,250. Although the 86% graduation rate sits slightly below the national 87% average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 56.3. This investment level shows a commitment to providing resources comparable to statewide standards.

Vandalia and South Central Drive Enrollment

South Central CUD 401 is a major local provider with 629 students across three schools, while Brownstown CUSD 201 serves 414 students. Traditional public districts account for 100% of the county's educational landscape, as no charter schools currently operate in the area. Vandalia Elementary remains a central hub as the largest primary school with 542 students.

Intimate Rural Campuses Define the Region

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 241 students across nine rural and six town locales. The largest campus is Vandalia Elementary with 542 students, while the smallest schools offer highly individualized attention. This rural-leaning mix creates a tight-knit atmosphere where students are well-known by faculty.

Discover Rural Living with Accessible Schools

Fayette County offers a peaceful lifestyle paired with school districts that maintain state-level funding. Families searching for homes will find that the smaller school sizes provide a sense of security and community involvement. Secure a property near Vandalia or Brownstown to benefit from the area's stable educational network.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette slightly below U.S. median risk

Fayette County's composite score of 48.76 places it comfortably below the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county faces natural hazards that are generally more manageable than most U.S. counties.

Among Illinois's safer counties

At 48.76, Fayette scores notably below Illinois's state average of 54.46, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This 5.7-point gap reflects Fayette's more favorable risk profile relative to typical Illinois communities.

Less risky than most surrounding areas

Fayette's 48.76 score beats Franklin County (80.95) and Fulton County (59.00) significantly, though Ford County's 26.21 remains considerably lower. Fayette residents enjoy better odds than most of southern-central Illinois.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead concerns

Earthquake risk (86.07) and tornado risk (53.44) represent Fayette's dominant hazards, though both remain below peak danger levels. Flood risk (49.52) and hurricane risk (42.34) pose secondary but meaningful threats.

Add earthquake coverage to standard policy

Most homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making separate earthquake insurance essential in Fayette County given its 86.07 score. Verify your policy includes tornado and wind coverage, which is standard but worth confirming.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fayette County

via WaterByCounty

Fayette County Struggles with Drinking Water Violations

Fayette County carries an F grade for drinking water compliance with 13 health violations recorded recently. Its rate of 69.4 violations per 100,000 residents remains significantly higher than the Illinois average of 48.7.

One-Third of Fayette Water Bodies Impaired

The 2022 assessment shows that 33.7% of assessed water bodies in the county fail to meet health standards. Top impairment causes include mercury and phosphorus, though the county fares slightly better than the 38% state average impairment rate.

Extensive Inorganic and Pesticide Monitoring

A network of 14 monitoring sites has logged 5,719 measurements over the last five years. Data collection emphasizes physical properties, metals, and pesticide presence to ensure comprehensive water quality oversight.

Kaskaskia River Running Slightly Above Normal

At Vandalia, the Kaskaskia River flows at 1,990 cfs, reaching 114% of its long-term mean discharge. This healthy flow helps maintain water levels for the massive 1,940-square-mile drainage basin it serves.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Reports

Residents should remain vigilant about the county's F grade by reviewing annual water quality reports from their local utility. While streamflow is healthy, mercury in the watershed suggests caution for those who consume local fish.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Fayette's Warm Humid Continental Climate

Fayette County averages 53.8°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. This typical humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts and moderate precipitation.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county's annual average temperature of 53.8°F is one degree higher than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It sits among the warmer tier of counties in the central part of the state.

Rainier Than Northern Neighbors

Fayette receives 42.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly more than the 41.7-inch state average. This puts it in line with its southern neighbors while being wetter than counties further north.

A Month of Intense Summer Heat

Summers are hot with 29 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or more, while winters remain relatively mild with only 12.8 inches of snow. The January average of 28.3°F is significantly warmer than northern Illinois counties.

Prepare for Heat and Humidity

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the frequent 90°F days. While snowfall is moderate, keeping a basic winter kit is still necessary for the sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

A Balanced pH Profile

Fayette County maintains a soil pH of 6.40, aligning almost perfectly with the Illinois state average of 6.39. This measurement sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a balanced environment for native plants.

Silt-Rich Foundation for Local Farms

This soil features a heavy 67.9% silt concentration paired with 20.3% clay and 11.8% sand. The high silt content offers a silky feel and provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity for local farmers and gardeners.

Superior Moisture Storage Capacity

Organic matter stands at 2.46%, which outperforms the national average but remains lower than the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity of 0.216 in/in is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 0.204.

Moisture Retention in Heavy Soils

While specific drainage class data is limited for this county, the high available water capacity suggests strong moisture retention. The silt-heavy profile typically indicates moderate drainage that requires careful management during wet seasons.

Lush Summers in Zone 6b

Falling within Zone 6b, Fayette County is ideal for growing fruit trees and robust summer vegetables. The high water capacity ensures your garden stays hydrated even during dry Illinois spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette County Meets the State Average

Fayette County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.2, placing it right in line with the Illinois average of 69.8. This score indicates a relatively straightforward maintenance routine for homeowners in Hardiness Zone 6b. You will find it significantly easier to keep a green lawn here than in many other parts of the country.

High Heat Impacts Growing Schedules

With 29 extreme heat days per year, Fayette experiences slightly more summer stress than the state average of 27 days. The county records 3,760 growing degree days and receives 42.5 inches of annual rain, providing a long and productive growing season. These 90°F+ days mean you should monitor your grass closely for heat dormancy in July.

Balanced Soils Support Strong Roots

The soil pH in Fayette County is a near-perfect 6.40, which falls well within the ideal 6.0-7.0 window for turf. While drainage data is limited, a composition of 20.3% clay and 11.8% sand suggests a soil that holds nutrients well. Minimal lime or sulfur amendments are typically required for standard grass types.

Facing Significant Severe Drought

Currently, 78.5% of the county is under severe drought conditions, and the area has faced 32 weeks of drought in the last year. Despite the 100% dry area coverage, the ideal pH levels help plants maximize whatever moisture they can find. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation during these severe cycles.

Timing Your Spring and Fall Care

Your last spring frost typically occurs around April 10, with the first fall frost arriving by October 24. This gives you a wide window to establish cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue. Target the late summer window for the most effective seeding results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Illinois has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Illinois?
Fayette County ranks #53 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $1,740, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Illinois is $57,113 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Illinois a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Illinois. 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.