countyscore
47.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.4Schools 67.8Cost of Living 49.5

County Report Card

About Fayette County, Texas

Approaching the National Median Score

Fayette County earns a 47.3 composite score, nearing the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural county with strong economic foundations.

Leading Among Texas Peer Counties

With a score significantly higher than the Texas average of 41.9, Fayette is a regional leader. It offers a higher quality of life than many other rural jurisdictions in the state.

Strong Incomes and Quality Schools

The county boasts an impressive income score of 79.4, supported by a median household income of $76,541. Education is also a highlight, with a school score of 67.8.

Water Infrastructure and Health Needs

Water quality is the primary challenge here, scoring a very low 9.1. Additionally, health and risk scores in the 40s suggest room for improvement in local services.

Ideal for Families Seeking Opportunity

Fayette County is a top pick for families who prioritize high-earning potential and solid public schools. It provides a premium rural lifestyle for those who value economic stability.

Score breakdown

Tax37.5Cost49.5Safety44.3Health40.9Schools67.8Income79.4Risk42Water9.1Weather23.5
🏛37.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤23.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lee County
Texas
42.6
Bastrop County
Texas
29.9
Lavaca County
Texas
55.2
Colorado County
Texas
39.3
Caldwell County
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Gonzales County
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Washington County
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Austin County
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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 County offers exceptional tax relief

Fayette County's effective tax rate of 1.008% is essentially at the national median of 1.026%, making it one of the most tax-competitive counties in America. The median property tax of $2,734 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, but on a lower effective rate due to the county's reasonable home valuations.

Texas's lowest-tax county in this analysis

Fayette County's 1.008% effective rate is the lowest among Texas counties examined here and well below the state average of 1.276%, placing it in Texas's most tax-friendly tier. Homeowners here enjoy one of the best tax-to-value ratios in the state.

Clear winner in regional tax competition

Fayette County's 1.008% rate significantly undercuts Falls County (1.469%) and Fisher County (1.705%), and even beats Franklin County (0.912%) slightly on effective burden. It's the standout for homeowners seeking lower property taxes in Central Texas.

Annual tax on typical home: $2,734

A homeowner with the median home value of $271,100 in Fayette County pays approximately $2,734 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes may reach $2,997; without one, they drop to about $2,525.

Don't assume your assessment is fair

Even in tax-friendly Fayette County, some homeowners face inflated assessments. Filing an appeal with the county appraisal district costs nothing and could reduce your tax liability if comparable sales data supports a lower valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette County delivers above-average affordability

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% ranks among the best in the nation, meaning renters keep more of their paychecks than average Americans. With a median household income of $76,541—above the national average—this county combines strong earning power with manageable housing costs.

Most affordable in this Texas cluster

At 14.3%, Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1% by nearly 4 percentage points, ranking it among the state's most housing-affordable counties. This performance reflects a rare combination of higher incomes and moderate rents.

Best rent-to-income ratio in the region

Fayette County's $909 median rent paired with $76,541 median income produces the lowest housing burden (14.3%) among its peers—better than Falls County (16.2%), Fannin County (17.4%), and Franklin County (17.0%). Yet home values at $271,100 remain accessible compared to Fort Bend County ($350,300).

Strong incomes absorb higher home prices

Fayette County renters pay $909 monthly and homeowners pay $769 from a median household income of $76,541, dedicating just 14.3% to rent. Median home values of $271,100 reflect a stable market where higher incomes support sustainable housing costs.

Fayette scores high on housing metrics

If you earn near $76,000 and seek strong housing affordability, Fayette County ranks among Texas's best bets with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio. Compare your current burden against Fayette's benchmark to measure potential savings and quality-of-life improvements.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette County outearns the national average

Fayette County's median household income of $76,541 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,786, placing county residents in the upper-middle-income bracket. This positions Fayette in roughly the top 40% of U.S. counties by household earnings.

Tops Texas average by meaningful margin

At $76,541, Fayette County's median household income surpasses the Texas state average of $64,737 by nearly $12,000 per year. The county's per capita income of $41,964 also exceeds the state average of $33,197 by 26%, reflecting a prosperous community.

Clear economic leader in the region

Fayette County's $76,541 income outpaces all nearby F-counties, including Fannin ($68,377), Franklin ($66,800), Fisher ($64,700), Falls ($55,372), and Floyd ($55,461). As the regional income leader, Fayette demonstrates sustained economic strength.

Strong income-to-housing ratio

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is the lowest in the F-county group, indicating housing costs are well-controlled despite the median home value of $271,100. The ratio suggests 3.5 years of median income buys a median home—a healthy multiple for long-term equity building.

Opportunity to diversify wealth sources

With above-average income and manageable housing costs, Fayette County households should pursue diversified wealth strategies: maxing out retirement accounts, building investment portfolios, and considering real estate beyond primary residence. The county's strong income base creates an ideal foundation for compound wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety ratings in Fayette County

Fayette County maintains a safety score of 98.0, indicating a high level of security compared to national figures. Its total crime rate of 1,249.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing the Texas safety average

Six reporting agencies monitor the county, which achieves a safety score higher than the Texas average of 96.8. The local crime rate sits well below the state's average of 2,052.5 incidents per 100,000 people.

Regional comparisons show low activity

Fayette County records 1,249.8 crimes per 100,000, which is lower than nearby Floyd County at 1,318.3. It presents a significantly safer profile than Franklin County, where the rate rises above 2,000.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 1,034.0 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains low at 215.8. Residents face a lower risk of violent encounters here than in the average American community.

Vigilance maintains local safety

Homeowners can help keep Fayette County safe by installing smart cameras and ensuring property is well-lit at night. These simple steps protect against the property crimes that make up the majority of local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Fayette County outpaces national health

At 76.4 years, Fayette County's life expectancy exceeds both the U.S. average of 79 years and most Texas peers. Its 18.4% poor or fair health rate also beats the national average of 19%.

Fayette leads Texas on longevity

Fayette County's 76.4-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in Texas, 2.1 years above the state average. This places it in the top tier of Texas counties for life expectancy.

Best primary care in the region

Fayette County leads its peers with 32 primary care providers per 100K residents, more than five times Falls County's 6 per 100K. Combined with 51 mental health providers per 100K, Fayette offers strong healthcare infrastructure.

Well-insured, well-served population

Fayette County's 19.0% uninsured rate is at the state average, and abundant providers mean most residents can access timely care. The combination of strong provider supply and moderate insurance gaps creates a stable healthcare environment.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Fayette County's healthcare strength depends on keeping residents insured; visit Healthcare.gov if you lack coverage or want to explore better options. Your county's provider network is robust—make sure you're positioned to use it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Central Texas

Fayette County provides education through 11 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 3,787 students. The landscape features four elementary schools and four high schools, primarily serving rural communities.

Exceptional Graduation Performance

Fayette County excels with a 95.3% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. This high achievement comes with a lean $7,266 per-pupil expenditure, which stays just below the Texas state average.

La Grange ISD Leads the Region

La Grange ISD is the dominant district, enrolling 1,883 students across three schools. Other key districts include Flatonia ISD and Round Top-Carmine ISD, though no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Mid-Sized Schools in a Rural Setting

Most schools here are rural, though La Grange Elementary stands out as a significant town-based hub with 998 students. The average campus size is 344 students, offering a balance between scale and community connection.

Settle Near High-Achieving Schools

Fayette County is a premier choice for families prioritizing high graduation rates and community-focused schools. Explore properties in La Grange or Flatonia to take advantage of these strong local education metrics.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette County sits near national average

With a composite risk score of 57.98, Fayette County ranks slightly above the national average, classified as relatively low risk overall. Residents face moderate disaster exposure—higher than many Americans but manageable with proper planning and insurance.

Mid-range risk for Texas

Fayette County's score of 57.98 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's risk distribution. This reflects the county's particular vulnerability to hurricane and tornado events affecting the region.

More exposed than Falls County to the north

Fayette County's risk score of 57.98 significantly exceeds Falls County (26.24) but remains lower than Fort Bend County (97.46) to its southeast. Its hurricane risk (80.56) stands out as notably higher than neighboring counties, reflecting coastal proximity.

Hurricanes and tornadoes create dual threat

Hurricane risk (80.56) and tornado risk (70.80) dominate Fayette County's hazard landscape, while flood risk (64.82) also merits attention. Earthquake (22.14) and wildfire (49.71) risks remain secondary concerns for residents.

Prepare for wind, water, and storms

Fayette County residents should verify comprehensive wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies, given dual tornado and hurricane exposure. Flood insurance deserves particular attention given the county's 64.82 flood score; standard policies typically exclude flood damage, requiring separate NFIP coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Central Texas Weather

Fayette County maintains an annual average temperature of 68.4°F, significantly higher than the national median. This warm, humid subtropical climate provides mild winters but consistently hot summers compared to most of the country.

Outpacing the Texas Average

The county's average temperature sits nearly 3 degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 39.3 inches of rain annually, making it notably wetter than the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

A Bridge to the Gulf

Fayette stays slightly cooler than its coastal neighbors to the southeast but remains warmer than the hill country counties to the west. While regional precipitation varies, its 39.3 inches of annual rainfall reflects its position between the arid west and the damp gulf coast.

Extended Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 111 days of extreme heat where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. In contrast, winters are gentle with a December-February average of 52.7°F and zero recorded annual snowfall.

Prepare for the Humidity

With over 110 days of intense heat, efficient HVAC systems and reliable attic insulation are essential for comfort. Outdoor activities are best planned for the mild winter and spring months to avoid the sustained summer humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Alfisols Define the Landscape

Fayette County's soils are primarily Alfisols characterized by a fine sand texture. The average pH of 6.67 is incredibly close to the national median of 6.5, making it more acidic than the typical Texas soil average of 7.09.

Dominant Sand Leads to Easy Working

With a high sand content of 52.5% and only 20.9% clay, these soils are exceptionally easy to work and till. This mix allows for rapid root penetration and air circulation but may require more frequent fertilization. The 22.3% silt provides just enough body to prevent the soil from being purely skeletal.

Low Organic Matter and Quick Drainage

Organic matter is modest at 1.44%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also lower than average at 0.125 in/in, meaning the soil dries out faster than in neighboring counties. Frequent small waterings are often more effective here than occasional deep soaking.

Exceptional Infiltration in Group A

The county is well drained and falls into hydrologic group A, indicating a very low runoff potential. Water moves quickly through the sandy profile, which is ideal for preventing root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching. This makes the land excellent for development and septic systems.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 9a

The sandy, near-neutral soils are perfect for blackberries, dewberries, and various native wildflowers. Zone 9a offers a nearly year-round growing season for those who manage the lower water retention. With a soil score of 36.8, your land has great potential for a thriving home orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Fayette County Growing Challenges

Fayette County presents a challenge for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 40.8, which is lower than the national average. Being in Zone 9a means winters are mild, but the summer heat is intense and demanding. Success here depends on selecting the right turf and managing limited water resources effectively.

Intense Heat and Long Seasons

The region experiences 111 extreme heat days per year, exceeding the state average of 105. With 7,050 growing degree days and an average July temperature of 83.9°F, heat stress is a constant factor for lawns. While 39.3 inches of rain falls annually, high evaporation rates mean supplemental watering is usually necessary.

Sandy Soil and Nutrient Management

The soil is characterized as fine sand with a sand content of 52.5% and a pH of 6.67. This well-drained foundation is excellent for preventing root rot but can struggle to hold onto water and nutrients. Regular applications of compost are recommended to increase the water-holding capacity of the 20.9% clay profile.

Severe Drought Conditions Prevail

Fayette County has faced 44 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is in severe drought. These conditions make water conservation critical, necessitating the use of drought-tolerant grass and mulching. Homeowners should prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize loss from wind and heat.

Growing in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bermudagrass are the best performers for Fayette County's sandy soils and high heat. The growing window is long, starting after the last frost on March 4 and extending until November 27. Start early in the spring to ensure the root system is deep enough to survive the brutal July and August sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Texas?
Fayette County ranks #86 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $2,734, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, Texas is $76,541 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, Texas a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Texas. 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.

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.