CountyScore

Fayette County

Tennessee · TN

#38 in Tennessee
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Tennessee

Fayette County ranks among nation's best

Fayette County's composite score of 77.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties for livability. Its strength lies in strong incomes paired with low taxes.

Outperforms most Tennessee counties

With a score of 77.8, Fayette County exceeds Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking among the state's highest-performing counties. It represents the state's best combination of income and affordability.

Highest incomes paired with exceptional taxes

Fayette County leads all eight counties with a median household income of $84,764 and an income score of 38.7, while maintaining an outstanding tax score of 92.5 (effective rate of 0.346%). This rare combination delivers strong economic opportunity.

Housing costs moderate but notably higher

The cost score of 76.6 reflects median home values of $316,000 and monthly rents of $883, which are elevated compared to more rural counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain incomplete.

Perfect for affluent professionals seeking value

Fayette County is ideal for higher-income professionals, executives, and successful entrepreneurs seeking quality living without excessive property taxes. Its combination of strong incomes, low taxes, and suburban comfort makes it Tennessee's best overall performer.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.5Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.7Risk24.1WaterComing Soon
🏛92.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24.1
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

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

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 County offers very low property taxes

Fayette County's effective tax rate of 0.346% is among the nation's lowest, producing median property taxes of just $1,092 despite higher home values—less than 41% of the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 10% nationally for property tax burden.

Second-lowest rate in Tennessee

Fayette County's effective rate of 0.346% ranks second-best in Tennessee among all 95 counties, surpassed only by Cumberland County's 0.307%. This exceptional position gives Fayette residents among the most favorable property tax treatment in the entire state.

Lowest taxes in the greater Memphis region

Fayette County's 0.346% rate substantially undercuts DeKalb County (0.362%), Decatur County (0.488%), and all other surrounding jurisdictions. Among the Memphis-area counties, Fayette stands alone as the most tax-friendly destination for homebuyers seeking low property tax burdens.

What a typical Fayette County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $316,000, Fayette County homeowners pay approximately $1,092 annually in property taxes. Mortgaged properties typically run $1,144, while outright owners average $1,009 per year.

Fayette homeowners should still verify assessments

Even in this low-tax county, some properties may be overassessed relative to current market conditions. Filing an appeal ensures your assessment reflects comparable recent sales, potentially lowering your already favorable tax position further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette County's wealth powers housing relief

Fayette County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all comparison counties, delivering exceptional housing affordability fueled by the state's highest median household income of $84,764. At $883 monthly rent against this strong earning base, Fayette residents enjoy the greatest financial breathing room for non-housing expenses.

Fayette leads Tennessee on housing relief

Fayette's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most affordable county by this measure. The $883 median rent sits modestly above the state average of $860, but Fayette's $84,764 median income—the state's highest—transforms this into genuine relief.

Fayette towers above peers on income

Fayette's $883 rent sits mid-range among its cluster, but its $84,764 median income dwarfs all comparables—Dickson ($73,223), Crockett ($59,049), and Dyer ($54,973). This income advantage makes Fayette's slightly higher nominal rent feel like a bargain proportionally.

Fayette's income covers housing easily

Renters dedicate $883 monthly while owners pay $1,042 for mortgages, both consuming just 12-15% of the $84,764 median household income—leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $316,000 sits within comfortable reach for dual-income households or single earners at or above county median.

Fayette suits high-earning relocators

Relocating to Fayette makes sense for professionals earning $84,000+ seeking Tennessee's best housing affordability ratio alongside strong income stability. Compare Fayette's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio against stressed Davidson (23.6%) or income-poor Decatur (18.6%) to confirm it represents Tennessee's most financially sustainable housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette County exceeds national income levels

Fayette County's median household income of $84,764 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $10,009—a 13% advantage. This premium places Fayette among the most prosperous counties nationally and reflects strong regional economic conditions.

Fayette leads Tennessee's income rankings

At $84,764, Fayette's median household income towers 44% above Tennessee's state average of $58,994, making it one of the state's highest-income counties. This substantial premium reflects Fayette's position as a relative economic anchor within rural Tennessee.

Fayette significantly outearns all rural peers

Fayette's $84,764 substantially exceeds every comparison county, including Dickson ($73,223), Davidson ($75,664), and all other rural neighbors. Fayette stands alone as the income leader among examined Tennessee counties.

Highest income paired with lowest housing burden

Fayette's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all examined counties, signaling exceptional housing affordability. Median home values of $316,000 are substantial but well-supported by household income of $84,764, enabling wealth accumulation through real estate.

Fayette County's wealth-building advantage

With the highest household income and lowest housing burden among comparison counties, Fayette residents possess exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation. Maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and consider real estate or business ownership to leverage Fayette's economic advantages for generational wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Best life expectancy in eight-county group

Fayette County residents live to 75.2 years on average, matching or exceeding many U.S. counties and approaching the national average of 78.1 years. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate is nearly identical to the national average, indicating broadly good health outcomes.

Leads Tennessee in health outcomes

Fayette County's 75.2-year life expectancy ranks among Tennessee's highest, exceeding the state average of 72.4 years by nearly 3 years. The county demonstrates that strong health outcomes are achievable within the state.

Lowest uninsured rate drives outcomes

Fayette County's 9.9% uninsured rate is the lowest in the eight-county group, well below the state average of 11.9%. While primary care providers at 30 per 100,000 are modest, high coverage rates ensure residents can access available care.

Coverage and health align positively

Fayette County's combination of low uninsured rate (9.9%) and solid life expectancy (75.2 years) shows how coverage supports health outcomes. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in this group, suggesting residents successfully access preventive and ongoing care.

Maintain your county's strong coverage

Fayette County's 9.9% uninsured rate is a success story, but ensuring universal coverage strengthens the whole community's health. If you're part of the uninsured minority, visit healthcare.gov to find affordable plans and keep Fayette's strong health trajectory on track.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette's Risk Substantially Above National

Fayette County's composite risk score of 75.95 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds national averages significantly, reflecting vulnerability across multiple hazard types. This elevated profile places Fayette among the nation's higher-risk counties.

Fayette Ranks High in Tennessee Risk

At 75.95, Fayette ranks 23 points above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Davidson (97.17) and Dyer (86.58) carry higher composite risk scores in Tennessee.

Notably Higher Risk Than Most Peers

Fayette's 75.95 composite risk substantially exceeds surrounding counties like DeKalb (25.48), Dickson (53.47), and Crockett (52.58). Only Dyer County (86.58) approaches Fayette's elevated exposure level within the region.

Tornado and Wildfire Drive Exposure

Tornado risk peaks at 89.44 and wildfire risk reaches 61.42—both well above state averages and representing Fayette's primary hazards. Earthquake risk of 95.26 adds significant secondary concern.

Multi-Layered Coverage Strategy Essential

Fayette's composite risk of 75.95 demands comprehensive protection: add wildfire and tornado riders, plus separate earthquake coverage not included in standard policies. Ensure your policy covers reconstruction costs given elevated multi-hazard exposure.

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.