CountyScore

Fayette County

Indiana · IN

#61 in Indiana
70.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Indiana

Fayette Ranks Above National Median

Fayette County's composite score of 70.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 41st percentile nationally. This solid performance reflects exceptional housing affordability and low tax burden despite lower income levels.

Essentially At State Average

Fayette scores 70.5, just below Indiana's state average of 71.2, positioning it squarely in the middle tier of Indiana counties. The county's profile mirrors state norms across most dimensions, with standout affordability offsetting weaker income metrics.

Exceptionally Affordable Housing

Fayette excels with a cost score of 83.4, featuring the lowest median home value in this county sample at just $114,800 and monthly rent of $779. A tax score of 80.8 and effective tax rate of 0.765% add to the budget-friendly appeal.

Lowest Incomes in Sample

Fayette's income score of 20.4 and median household income of $56,659 represent the lowest in this county group, limiting purchasing power despite low costs. Health outcomes score just 61.2—among the lowest here—while school and safety data remain unavailable.

For Retirees and Fixed-Income Households

Fayette County is ideal for retirees, pensioners, and fixed-income households seeking maximum affordability in rural Indiana. It offers an exceptionally low cost of living and minimal tax burden, making it perfect for those whose income comes from sources outside the local labor market.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.8Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth61.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.4Risk66.5WaterComing Soon
🏛80.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.5
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

Franklin County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $51,493
Lauderdale County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $59,082
Holmes County
Florida
70.5
Median income: $48,236
Smith County
Kansas
70.5
Median income: $57,024
Clark County
Kentucky
70.5
Median income: $67,824

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 ranks among lowest-taxed U.S. counties

Fayette County's 0.765% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom 40% nationally. The median property tax of just $878 is one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting extremely affordable local property ownership.

Above state average but lowest dollar amounts

Fayette County's 0.765% rate exceeds Indiana's 0.671% state average, yet residents pay only $878 in median annual property taxes—the lowest among all profiled counties. This paradox reflects Fayette's significantly lower median home values of $114,800.

Fayette's lowest median home values drive low taxes

While Fayette's 0.765% rate ranks higher than DeKalb (0.628%) and Fountain (0.616%), its median annual tax of $878 is the state's lowest. This dramatic difference is driven by Fayette's $114,800 median home value—substantially less than neighboring counties like Elkhart ($194,400).

What a typical Fayette homeowner pays

The median home in Fayette County is valued at $114,800, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $878. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($909) than those without ($802).

Even small savings matter in Fayette County

Because Fayette homeowners already enjoy the state's lowest tax bills, a successful assessment appeal might save $150–300 annually. If your home's assessed value seems inflated, filing a free appeal with the assessor is still worth your time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette offers budget-friendly housing

Fayette County renters spend 16.5% of their income on rent, above the national ideal but still within manageable range for working families. This southeastern Indiana county delivers genuine affordability, especially compared to high-cost metro areas nationwide.

Below-average rental costs statewide

Fayette's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Indiana's affordability spectrum. The county offers reasonable housing costs without ranking among the state's cheapest options.

Among the region's most affordable

Fayette's median rent of $779 is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, beating the state average of $883 considerably. The county's low-cost housing combines with modest incomes to create genuine small-town affordability.

Housing costs stay manageable

Renters pay $779 monthly while homeowners spend $727 against a median income of $56,659, keeping housing at roughly 17% of household budget. This affordable structure works well for fixed-income households and young families.

Fayette welcomes budget-conscious movers

If you're seeking genuine affordability in a rural Indiana setting, Fayette's $779 median rent and 16.5% cost ratio deserve your attention. Use this county's metrics as a benchmark for evaluating other small-town options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette households earn significantly below national

Fayette County's median household income of $56,659 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $18,000, placing it among the lower-income counties nationally. This substantial gap reflects deeper economic challenges in the county.

Among Indiana's lowest-income counties

Fayette County's median household income of $56,659 falls well below Indiana's state average of $68,681 by roughly $12,000, placing it in the bottom tier of state counties. This represents one of the state's most economically disadvantaged regions.

Fayette matches Delaware in earnings struggle

Fayette ($56,659) nearly ties Delaware County ($56,932) as the lowest-earning measured county, significantly lagging all others including Fountain ($62,526), Elkhart ($65,617), and Franklin ($79,702). This county faces acute regional income disadvantages.

Affordable housing, tight overall budgets

Fayette's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% suggests monthly housing costs around $780, which is reasonable, and the median home value of $114,800 is the lowest measured. However, lower overall incomes limit ability to save or invest after basic expenses.

Build resilience through small steps

Fayette households should prioritize establishing a $500–1,000 emergency fund first, then explore no-cost or low-cost wealth tools like community action agencies or nonprofit credit counseling. Even modest wealth-building—like using a high-yield savings account—protects against future shocks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Fayette faces acute health crisis

At 70.2 years, Fayette County residents live 4.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.8 years—one of the lowest life expectancies in the nation. A staggering 24.5% report poor or fair health, far exceeding the national average of 17%, reflecting severe underlying health challenges.

Indiana's lowest life expectancy county

Fayette's 70.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in Indiana, falling nearly 5 years below the state average of 75.1 years. At 24.5% in poor/fair health, the county also ranks worst statewide, indicating a public health emergency demanding immediate intervention.

Vastly worse than regional peers

Fayette's 70.2-year life expectancy trails every neighboring county by a significant margin, falling 7.6 years behind Dubois (77.8). The county's 24.5% poor/fair health rate stands alone as the worst in its region, reflecting a distinct public health crisis.

Limited providers, unmet health needs

Fayette has just 43 primary care providers and 128 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, below averages for the region. At 7.5% uninsured—near state average—coverage is less the barrier; instead, the challenges likely stem from poverty, substance abuse, and limited economic opportunity.

Coverage is step one for Fayette

Fayette County's health crisis demands urgent action, starting with ensuring every resident has coverage. Enroll at healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to secure Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace insurance—your first step toward accessing care and building healthier futures.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette Ranks Among Safest U.S. Counties

Fayette County's composite risk score of 33.49 places it in the Very Low category, well below Indiana's average of 45.52 and among the safest counties nationwide. Residents benefit from relatively modest exposure across most natural disaster types.

Indiana's Lowest-Risk County Profile

Fayette ranks as one of Indiana's safest counties by composite risk measure, with only a few peers scoring lower. The county's Very Low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure relative to state and national benchmarks.

Safest in Its Region by Far

Fayette's score of 33.49 sits below nearby Franklin (34.22) and significantly below Delaware (76.34) and Elkhart (83.75), making it the safest county in east-central Indiana. Its low-risk profile is among the most favorable in the state.

Tornadoes Pose Minimal Threat Here

Even Fayette's highest hazard—tornado risk at 68.19—remains moderate compared to neighboring counties and the nation. Earthquake risk at 49.24 and flood risk at 48.73 are secondary concerns with low expected impact.

Standard Homeowners Coverage Sufficient

Fayette residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage as their primary protection strategy. Flood insurance remains optional but prudent for properties in mapped flood zones.

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.