countyscore
59.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Lawn Care 86.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Indiana

Superior Peace and Quiet

Fayette County achieves a composite score of 59.8, beating the national median of 50.0 by nearly ten points. It offers a quality of life that stands out on the national stage.

Exceeding Indiana Expectations

Fayette's score of 59.8 puts it ahead of the 55.9 state average for Indiana. This indicates that the county provides a better overall experience than many of its state peers.

Exceptional Safety and Value

With a safety score of 97.5, Fayette is nearly peerless in security, while a 66.8 cost score makes it highly affordable. A median home value of $114,800 makes homeownership a reality for many.

Economic and Health Gaps

The county faces hurdles in income and health, with scores of 29.4 and 30.3 respectively. Median household income sits at $56,659, suggesting a need for more high-paying local employment.

A Dream for Retirees

Fayette County is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme safety and ultra-low housing costs. It offers peace of mind and financial breathing room.

2040608010056.266.897.530.336.729.466.58659.8Tax56.2Cost66.8Safety97.5Health30.3Schools36.7Income29.4Risk66.5Water86Weather59.859.8/100
This county
National avg
4 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 Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (29.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.2
Cost
66.8+18.799999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
30.3-19.7
Schools
36.7-17.299999999999997
Income
29.4-21.6
Risk
66.5+19.5
Water
86+28
Weather
59.8
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

$114,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,659/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.7

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
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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Indiana
55.2
Union County
Indiana
67.1
Rush County
Indiana
64.3
Henry County
Indiana
61.3
Franklin County
Indiana
61.1
Preble County
Ohio
57.4
Randolph County
Indiana
56.1
Hancock County
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52.8

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 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

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Reporting gaps limit Fayette County data

Fayette County shows a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 and a safety score of 100.0, but this reflects limited data reporting. These figures do not necessarily mean the county is crime-free.

Incomplete data for state-wide comparison

While the safety score is listed as 100.0, it should be viewed cautiously against the state average of 98.9. Only two agencies reported data for the 2022 cycle, leaving an incomplete picture.

Limited insights compared to Indiana neighbors

The reported rate of 0.0 stands in stark contrast to the Indiana state average of 693.8. Neighboring counties with more robust reporting provide a more typical view of regional safety.

Breakdown of reported crime categories

Available records show zero reported violent or property crimes, indicating a significant data collection gap. Actual incident rates are likely closer to regional norms once all agencies report.

Stay informed despite limited local data

When official data is incomplete, community awareness becomes even more important. Maintaining high standards of home security is the best way to protect your property in any environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified Education in Fayette County

Fayette County operates a streamlined system of eight public schools serving 3,253 students. These facilities include five elementary schools and two high schools, all managed by a single county-wide district.

Solid Graduation Rates and Efficient Funding

Fayette County maintains a 92% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the national average of 87%. The county spends $5,603 per pupil, keeping investment slightly above the state average of $5,507.

The Fayette County School Corporation

The Fayette County School Corporation manages 100% of the public enrollment with its 3,253 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience.

Town-Centered Schooling and Average Class Sizes

Six of the county's eight schools are located in town settings, creating a centralized feel for students. Connersville Senior High School is the largest facility with 966 students, while the county average is a manageable 465.

Find Your Community in Fayette County

With a unified district and solid academic performance, Fayette County offers a consistent experience for new residents. Explore local homes to see how school proximity can enhance your quality of life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Fayette County

via WaterByCounty

Fayette County Secures a Grade A

The county has recorded zero health violations over the last five years, a perfect record compared to the state average violation rate of 42.3. This signifies excellent management of public drinking water systems. Residents can have high confidence in the safety and compliance of their tap water.

Fayette Watersheds Healthier Than State Average

Only 23.8% of the 84 assessed water bodies are listed as impaired in the 2022 cycle. This is significantly better than the Indiana state average of 40.9%. However, E. coli and mercury in fish tissue remain active concerns for these waterways.

Strategic Monitoring Tracks Fayette Water Quality

There are 12 active monitoring sites that have provided 5,269 readings in recent years. Testing focuses on biological counts, metals, and physical water properties. This consistent data stream helps verify that the county’s watersheds remain relatively healthy.

Whitewater River Nears Typical Flow Levels

The Whitewater River near Alpine is flowing at 496 cfs, representing 82% of its long-term mean. These stable levels support both the local ecosystem and recreational activities. It is a healthy signal for the county's primary drainage system.

Maintaining Excellence in Fayette Water Quality

Fayette County shows strong results across compliance and watershed health, but residents should still be mindful of mercury levels in fish. With streamflow near normal, the system is currently well-balanced. Continued protection of riparian zones will help maintain these superior water quality marks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Ideal pH Levels

Fayette County features Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture and a pH of 6.39. This pH is very close to the national median of 6.5 and well above the Indiana average. These forest-derived soils are known for their natural productivity and balanced chemistry.

Silt Loam: The Ideal Balance

With 60.2% silt and 18.8% clay, the soil offers a classic silt loam profile that is highly prized by farmers. The 21.0% sand content provides just enough aeration to prevent compaction. This mix ensures excellent nutrient retention and a stable root environment.

Strong Water Storage, Lower Matter

Available water capacity is high at 0.214 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.202. However, organic matter is relatively low at 2.28% compared to the 4.90% state average. This gives the county a respectable soil score of 75.2, indicating solid agricultural potential.

Reliable Well-Drained Landscapes

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This means the ground effectively absorbs rainfall and limits surface runoff. For homeowners and farmers alike, this reduces the risk of standing water and basement flooding.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

Fayette County’s well-drained silt loam is perfect for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers in zone 6a. The high water capacity will keep your plants hydrated even during the dog days of summer. Consider adding compost to boost the organic matter and unlock the soil's full potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette County Leads in Lawn Ease

Boasting a remarkable lawn score of 86.4, Fayette County is one of the best locations for effortless lawn care. The Zone 6a climate is perfectly suited for lush, green landscapes that require minimal intervention.

Ideal Rainfall and Low Heat

The county receives 42.9 inches of rain annually, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for turf. Only 11 days of extreme heat per year mean your grass faces very little summer stress compared to the rest of the state.

Premium Silt Loam Soil

The well-drained silt loam soil provides an elite foundation for root systems. With a near-perfect pH of 6.39, the soil is naturally optimized for nutrient uptake without heavy amendments.

Strong Resilience to Dry Spells

Fayette spent only 5 weeks in drought last year and currently has very few dry areas. Maintaining this health is easy with simple, consistent watering during the peak of summer.

Perfect for Kentucky Bluegrass

Because the climate and soil are so favorable, a high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass mix will thrive here. Follow standard Indiana seeding times in late spring or early fall for a thick, resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Indiana has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Indiana?
Fayette County ranks #40 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $878, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 56.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Indiana is $56,659 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 29.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Indiana a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Indiana. 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.