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Fayette County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#55 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.7
County Score
Cost of Living 65.9Lawn Care 64.1Schools 59.1

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Pennsylvania

Competitive with Rural National Peers

Fayette earns a 45.7 composite score, sitting just under the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable option for those looking for typical rural American living standards.

Below the Pennsylvania State Baseline

The county's 45.7 score falls below the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It occupies a middle-to-lower ranking compared to other counties in the Keystone State.

Affordable Housing and Stable Schools

Housing affordability is a major draw, boasting a cost score of 65.9 and a low median home value of $126,900. Local schools also perform respectably with a dimension score of 59.1.

Improving Income and Environmental Stability

Economic growth remains a hurdle, as the income score sits at 28.0 with a median household income of $56,093. Low risk scores of 17.8 suggest vulnerability to environmental or economic disruptions.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Fayette suits families who value low-cost homeownership and stable schools over high income potential. It is a practical choice for those seeking a traditional, affordable Pennsylvania lifestyle.

2040608010025.865.937.74759.12817.844.358.5Tax25.8Cost65.9Safety37.7Health47Schools59.1Income28Risk17.8Water44.3Weather58.545.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Fayette County DNA

Foverall

How Fayette County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fayette County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (17.8/100), though Cost of Living (65.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.8-26.2
Cost
65.9+17.900000000000006
Safety
37.7-17.299999999999997
Health
47
Schools
59.1
Income
28-23
Risk
17.8-29.2
Water
44.3-13.700000000000003
Weather
58.5
Sponsored

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$126,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$771/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$126,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,093/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.5

per 100K

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

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Nearby counties

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57
Monongalia County
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51.4
Greene County
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Somerset County
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Washington County
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Allegheny County
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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 offers below-average property taxes

Fayette's effective tax rate of 1.195% sits below the national median of 1.317%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. Despite moderate home values ($126,900), the county's $1,516 median tax bill is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690.

Fayette ranks in the lower tier statewide

With an effective rate of 1.195%, Fayette runs below Pennsylvania's average of 1.317%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax of $1,516 is roughly $1,141 lower than the state median, reflecting both lower home values and a lower tax rate.

Fayette taxes are among the region's lowest

Fayette's 1.195% rate is lower than Greene County (1.295%) and Erie County (1.625%), though slightly higher than Forest County (1.038%). A Fayette homeowner pays roughly $300–$600 less annually than neighbors in higher-taxing counties.

Median Fayette home costs about $1,516 yearly

A typical Fayette home worth $126,900 carries an annual property tax bill of $1,516. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,737; without one, it drops to $1,371.

Even low-tax Fayette homeowners should check assessments

Overassessment affects properties across the state, regardless of county tax rates. A successful assessment appeal in Fayette could save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette Renters Enjoy Below-National Affordability

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% matches Pennsylvania's state average and sits comfortably below the national average of 15.8% when adjusted for lower local incomes. With a median household income of $56,093—significantly below the national median of $74,755—affordable housing here means stretching dollars further.

Fayette Ranks Among PA's Most Affordable

At 16.5%, Fayette's rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $771 per month undercuts the state median of $960 by nearly $200, a meaningful difference for tight budgets.

Fayette Offers the Region's Cheapest Rent

Fayette's $771 monthly rent is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Erie ($876), Indiana ($786), and Greene ($754) counties, though Greene edges it slightly lower. The median home value of $126,900 represents the most affordable homeownership entry point in this comparative group.

Renters Keep More of Their Income

Fayette's median household income of $56,093 paired with $771 rent means renters spend just 16.5% on housing—among the lowest burdens regionally. Homeowners pay $752 monthly, creating an unusually affordable ownership option where rental and ownership costs nearly converge.

Fayette Delivers Genuine Affordability

Job seekers and families moving to southwestern Pennsylvania should seriously consider Fayette County's combination of low rent ($771), minimal ownership costs ($752 monthly), and the state's lowest median home values. Your housing dollar stretches furthest here compared to neighboring Erie, Franklin, and Greene counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette lags well behind national norm

Fayette County's median household income of $56,093 falls $18,662 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This income gap reflects structural economic challenges that many rural Pennsylvania counties face.

Among Pennsylvania's lowest earners

At $56,093, Fayette's median household income ranks significantly below Pennsylvania's $69,614 state average, with a $13,521 shortfall. The county ranks in the lower quarter of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, signaling concentrated economic stress.

Fayette outearns only Forest County

Fayette's $56,093 edges above Forest County's $50,061, but trails Indiana County ($58,739) and substantially lags Franklin County ($74,946). Among this group of southwestern and western counties, Fayette faces the steepest income challenges.

Housing costs remain manageable

Fayette's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% signals that housing remains reasonably affordable despite lower overall earnings. With a median home value of $126,900, the housing market presents one of the region's more accessible entry points for first-time buyers.

Strategic planning stretches limited income

Fayette households earning $56,093 benefit from maximizing employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged savings accounts like HSAs. Seeking higher-wage employment, skill development, and side income streams can meaningfully accelerate wealth building in a lower-income region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County Ranks High for National Safety

Fayette County earns a safety score of 97.7, significantly higher than many areas across the country. Its total crime rate of 1436.7 per 100K is over 900 points lower than the national average.

How Fayette Measures Up in Pennsylvania

The county's crime rate of 1436.7 per 100K is higher than the state average of 932.4. Its safety score of 97.7 stays close to the Pennsylvania average of 98.5.

Comparing Fayette and Greene County Safety

Fayette County sees more activity than neighboring Greene County, which reports a low rate of 740.6 per 100K. However, Fayette remains much safer than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Breaking Down Fayette's Local Crime Statistics

Property crime accounts for 1214.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 222.7. These 2022 figures reflect a community where most reported issues involve theft rather than physical harm.

Simple Ways to Enhance Residential Safety

Securing your property remains the most effective way to lower local crime rates even further. Smart lighting and visible cameras can help protect your home from the most common local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fayette County's Broad School Infrastructure

Fayette County manages 39 public schools across eight districts, providing education for 15,750 students. The system is primary-focused with 22 elementary schools, supported by nine middle schools and eight high schools. No charter schools currently operate in the county, making traditional public districts the central focus for local families.

Performance and Spending in Fayette Schools

The county reports an 87.6% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87% but falls short of the state's 90.3% benchmark. Local districts spend an average of $9,285 per pupil, trailing both state and national spending levels. However, the county's school score of 57.2 remains higher than the national median score of 50.0.

The Leading Districts of Fayette County

Connellsville Area School District is the county's largest, serving 3,732 students across six schools. Albert Gallatin Area School District follows closely with 3,046 students in eight schools, while Uniontown Area operates the most campuses with nine schools. These districts represent the backbone of the county's academic and extracurricular life.

The Rural and Suburban Feel of Fayette Schools

Education in Fayette is largely rural and suburban, with 20 schools located in rural settings and 18 in suburbs. Connellsville Area Senior High is the largest single campus with 1,001 students, while the average school size across the county is 404 students. This environment offers students a sense of community typical of smaller, tightly-knit school systems.

Settle Near Fayette's Family-Friendly Schools

When looking for your next home, Fayette County offers a variety of suburban and rural settings close to well-established schools. Investing in a home near top-performing districts like Connellsville or Uniontown ensures access to vital community resources. Start your real estate search where school quality meets quiet, scenic living.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette faces above-average disaster risk

Fayette County's composite risk score of 82.22 places it in the upper tier nationally, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The county's flood risk of 90.59 alone exceeds 90% of comparable U.S. counties, signaling substantial vulnerability.

Fourth-highest risk in Pennsylvania

At 82.22, Fayette ranks among Pennsylvania's most at-risk counties—significantly above the state average of 67.45. Only three other counties statewide carry comparable composite disaster risk.

Greene and Westmoreland present lower risk

Fayette's 82.22 score substantially exceeds neighboring Greene County (55.12) and Westmoreland County to the east. This makes Fayette a relative hotspot for natural disaster vulnerability in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Floods dominate, tornadoes follow close

Flooding tops Fayette's hazard list at 90.59, with tornado risk at 68.83 and wildfire risk at 45.23 also posing significant threats. The county's river systems and topography create ideal conditions for both flash flooding and severe convective storms.

Bundle flood and storm coverage now

Fayette residents should secure both flood insurance and comprehensive homeowner's coverage immediately given the 90+ flood risk score. Consider a policy review with your agent, focusing on basement protection and emergency preparedness for tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fayette County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Violation Rates for Fayette Systems

Fayette County holds a D grade after recording 63 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 24.9 per 100,000 people is much lower than the statewide average of 86.5. This data suggests that while systems face challenges, they outperform many neighboring regions.

Clean Bill for Assessed Watersheds

During the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of the 13,101 assessed water bodies in the county met Clean Water Act standards. No impairments were identified across the surveyed segments, matching the current Pennsylvania average. Constant assessment is required to maintain this high level of watershed health.

Metals and Inorganics Under Constant Surveillance

Local agencies maintain 67 monitoring sites that generated 16,031 measurements over the last five years. The data portal shows a heavy focus on inorganics, metals, and physical water characteristics. This monitoring footprint provides critical data for the 13,101 assessed water bodies in the region.

Monitoring Gaps in Local Stream Gauging

The primary gauge on the Monongahela River at Point Marion currently lacks live flow data. This representative station monitors a large 2,720-square-mile drainage area. Without current flow percentages, residents must rely on drinking water compliance records as their primary safety signal.

Focus on Filtration and Testing

Given the lack of live streamflow data, residents should pay closer attention to drinking water compliance reports. The county's D grade indicates that health violations occur more frequently than ideal. Consider using certified water filters to address potential contaminants identified in the SDWIS records.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Continental Shifts

Fayette's 50.6°F annual average is slightly cooler than the national median but highlights a classic temperate continental climate. This balance provides distinct, predictable seasonal shifts common to the Mid-Atlantic.

Warmer Than the State Norm

The county is warmer than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F, placing it among the state's more temperate southern regions. It receives 47.3 inches of precipitation, which is two inches higher than the state mean.

A Southern Pennsylvania Gateway

Fayette’s 50.6°F average is significantly warmer than Jefferson’s 47.7°F but stays cooler than neighboring Greene’s 51.5°F. It bridges the gap between the colder northern highlands and the warmer southern border.

Balanced Heat and Snow

July highs reach a comfortable 71.6°F, though the area sees 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are manageable compared to the north, with 39.9 inches of annual snow.

Manage the High Rainfall

Homeowners should maintain versatile HVAC systems for humid summers and prepare for 47 inches of rain. Ensure proper basement drainage and gutter maintenance to handle the higher-than-average precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Highlands Soil

Fayette County presents a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.17, falling below the state average of 5.22. This level is sharply lower than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime adjustments for most traditional garden crops.

Low Clay and Silt-Rich Mix

The soil is comprised of 42.5% silt and 21.3% sand, creating a medium-textured ground. With a relatively low clay content of 12.8%, the soil avoids the heavy, sticky characteristics found in more clay-dense Pennsylvania regions.

Unusually High Organic Matter

Fayette boasts a massive 31.03% organic matter content, nearly triple the state average of 12.14%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.098 in/in, meaning the soil may dry out faster than expected.

Managing Rapid Moisture Loss

The combination of high organic matter and low water capacity suggests a soil that is porous but struggles to hold onto deep reserves. Proper irrigation is essential in Fayette to support plant life during dry spells.

Hardy Planting in Zone 6b

Zone 6b temperatures and rich organic soils support a variety of hardy perennials and vegetables. Consider adding mulch to help your garden retain moisture despite the naturally low water capacity of the soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette County Tops State Lawn Benchmarks

Fayette County earns a 64.1 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 59.2. This Zone 6b rating indicates a generally favorable environment for residential turf management compared to the national median.

Abundant Rain Supports Vigorous Grass Growth

At 47.3 inches, annual precipitation in Fayette exceeds the state average of 45.2 inches. While 11 extreme heat days match the state benchmark, the 2899 growing degree days ensure a robust and active growing season for local yards.

Managing Low pH in Silt-Heavy Soils

The average soil pH of 5.17 is quite acidic, meaning most lawns will require lime to unlock essential nutrients. The soil composition is 12.8% clay and 21.3% sand, which generally provides moderate drainage despite the lack of a specific drainage classification.

Minimal Drought Impact on Local Turf

Fayette County experienced only 6 weeks of drought in the last year, keeping most lawns green through the summer. Currently, only 4.0% of the county is considered abnormally dry, requiring very little conservation-based watering.

Planting Windows for Zone 6b Lawns

For the best results, start seeding cool-season mixes after the spring frost risk passes on April 30th. You have until October 21st to finish major projects before the winter dormancy period begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 45.7 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 Pennsylvania?
Fayette County ranks #55 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $1,516, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 25.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Pennsylvania is $56,093 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 28/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 45.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Pennsylvania. 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

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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.