countyscore
55.6
County Score
Property Tax 96.4Income & Jobs 88.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Tennessee

Beating the National Median Score

Fayette County earns an impressive composite score of 55.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high tier of livability on the national stage.

Leading the Tennessee Average

The county's 55.6 score outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands out as one of the state's most desirable suburban and semi-rural areas.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

Fayette shines with a tax score of 96.4 and an income score of 88.3, fueled by a median household income of $84,764. Taxes remain remarkably low with an effective rate of just 0.346%.

School Quality and Environmental Risk

The school score of 29.4 and a risk score of 24.1 suggest that education and disaster resilience are current weak points. Improving local school outcomes is the next logical step for this affluent area.

Top Choice for High Earners

Fayette County is the premier destination for professionals seeking low taxes and high household incomes. It is perfect for those who want a high-quality lifestyle while avoiding urban congestion.

2040608010096.436.160.650.929.488.324.18659.5Tax96.4Cost36.1Safety60.6Health50.9Schools29.4Income88.3Risk24.1Water86Weather59.555.6/100
This county
National avg
3 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 Property Tax (96.4/100) but notably weak in Schools (29.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96.4+44.400000000000006
Cost
36.1-11.899999999999999
Safety
60.6
Health
50.9
Schools
29.4-24.6
Income
88.3+37.3
Risk
24.1-22.9
Water
86+28
Weather
59.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$316,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$883/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$316,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,764/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.0

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

Haywood County
Tennessee
41.8
Hardeman County
Tennessee
40.7
Tipton County
Tennessee
46.7
Benton County
Mississippi
57.3
Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.3
Lauderdale County
Tennessee
45.3
Crockett County
Tennessee
48.9

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 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

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Public Safety in Fayette

Fayette County is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 909.4 per 100,000 is one of the lowest, far below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Tennessee Safety

Fayette’s safety score of 98.6 easily beats the Tennessee average of 97.2. Nine reporting agencies work across the county to maintain this high level of security.

Lowest Crime Rates in the Region

The county's total crime rate of 909.4 is roughly half of the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. This makes Fayette one of the most secure counties in the state.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is low at 298.4, and property crime is exceptionally low at 611.0 per 100,000 residents. These figures represent a very low-risk environment for families.

Protect Your Peaceful Environment

While crime is very low, maintaining awareness helps keep it that way. Simple home security habits ensure Fayette County remains a safe haven for all residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Rural Education Infrastructure

Fayette County operates eight public schools serving a total of 3,271 students across two districts. The system is composed of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This compact infrastructure is designed to serve a primarily rural population with centralized academic centers.

Solid Graduation Success Above National Average

The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87% but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,685, which is lower than the state average of $6,215. The school score of 50.7 indicates the county is performing right at the national median for school quality.

Fayette County Public Schools Dominance

Fayette County Public Schools is the primary district, managing seven schools and 3,238 students. A much smaller specialized district under the Department of Children's Services serves 33 students in a single school. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring that community resources are concentrated in the traditional public system.

Rural Schools with Wide Enrollment Variation

Six of the county's schools are located in rural areas, with two in small towns, creating a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. Fayette Ware Comprehensive High is the largest school with 833 students, while Southwest Elementary is the smallest with 297 students. The average school size is 409, offering students a more intimate learning environment than larger neighboring counties.

Join a Community with Small, Focused Schools

Fayette County's smaller school sizes and 90% graduation rate make it a compelling choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle. As you explore local homes, consider the advantages of a school system where the average enrollment is just over 400 students. School quality is a lasting value-driver for property in this growing part of Tennessee.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Fayette County

via WaterByCounty

Fayette County Earns Top Marks

Drinking water in Fayette County receives a Grade A with no health violations in the five-year lookback. This outpaces the state average violation rate of 34.6 per 100,000 residents. The local water supply remains reliable and fully compliant with federal standards.

Impairment Rate Exceeds State Average

Nearly half of the county's 91 assessed water bodies are impaired, with a rate of 48.4%. This is notably higher than the Tennessee average of 30.2% for the 2022 reporting cycle. E. coli and habitat alterations are the most significant threats to local stream health.

Strong Monitoring Presence Along Waterways

Fayette County utilizes 48 monitoring sites that have recorded 7,384 measurements over five years. Data collection focuses on physical parameters, nutrients, and inorganic substances. This active monitoring footprint provides a detailed look at the chemical health of the county's rivers.

Wolf River Flowing at Normal Levels

The USGS gauge on the Wolf River at Rossville shows a current discharge of 632 cfs. This is 94% of its long-term mean, indicating very stable and typical flow conditions for the area. The gauge monitors a drainage area of 503 square miles.

Managing E. Coli and Habitat Risks

High impairment rates from E. coli suggest that residents should be cautious of runoff into local streams. While the Wolf River flow is currently stable, protecting its banks from habitat alteration is vital for long-term health. Avoid contact with streams after heavy rains when bacteria levels typically spike.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Climate

Fayette County averages 61.2°F annually, placing it among the warmer regions in the United States. Its climate is defined by high humidity and substantial annual rainfall of 55.5 inches.

One of Tennessee's Warmest Spots

The county's 61.2°F average is 3.1 degrees higher than the state average of 58.1°F. Its annual precipitation of 55.5 inches sits very close to the state average of 55.9 inches.

Leading the Region in Heat

Fayette is warmer than Crockett County, recording 61 extreme heat days compared to Crockett's 43. The county's 61.2°F average reflects the broader heat trends of the West Tennessee border region.

Intense Summers and Soft Winters

Summers are long and hot with a July average of 80.5°F and two full months of 90-degree days. Winters are brief and mild, seeing only 2.6 inches of snowfall annually.

Energy Efficiency for Cooling

High-performance home cooling is vital to manage 61 days of extreme heat. Since winters stay relatively warm at 42.5°F, focus your home improvement budget on solar shading and ventilation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

Silky Alfisols of Southwest Tennessee

Fayette County is defined by its silt loam texture and Alfisols taxonomic order. The pH of 5.28 is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and well below the national 6.5 median.

High silt levels provide a soft texture

This soil is 65.9% silt and 16.4% clay, giving it a very smooth, flour-like feel. With 17.7% sand, it maintains a good structural balance for various types of vegetation.

Elite water storage capacity

The available water capacity is a remarkable 0.208 in/in, significantly higher than the 0.171 state average. Organic matter is 1.36%, suggesting that adding compost could further enhance these already thirsty soils.

Moderate drainage in hydrologic group C

The soil is moderately well drained, meaning it holds onto moisture but eventually lets it pass through. It provides a reliable moisture source for plants while staying stable enough for construction.

Extended growing season in zone 8a

Fayette's warmer climate and high water storage are perfect for heat-loving crops like okra and sweet potatoes. Take advantage of the long growing season to start a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Deep Southwest Tennessee

Fayette County is a difficult environment for lawns, scoring just 34.6 on the ease-of-growth scale. As the only county in this group in zone 8a, it faces more intense southern heat than its neighbors.

Combating 61 Days of Summer Heat

The county experiences 61 extreme heat days, far exceeding the state average of 36. High heat and 5152 growing degree days mean lawns can quickly become overgrown or heat-stressed without constant care.

Treating Acidic Silt Loam Soil

A soil pH of 5.28 means the ground is naturally too acidic for many grass types to thrive. This silt loam is moderately well-drained, but the low sand content (17.7%) suggests that compaction can still be an issue.

Irrigating Through 19 Weeks of Drought

Lawns faced 19 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a taller mowing height can help shade the soil and reduce water loss during these intense dry periods.

Best Grasses for the 8a Zone

St. Augustine or Centipede grass are strong options for this warmer climate zone. Ensure your lawn is established after the April 1 frost and remains healthy through the first fall frost on November 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Tennessee?
Fayette County ranks #23 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $1,092, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Tennessee is $84,764 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Tennessee. 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.