Fayette
Tennessee

What stands out

Three things set Fayette County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.21 where 3.0 is grade level), the property tax rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0.35%), and rainfall is in the top 4% of American counties (58 inches a year). Within Tennessee it ranks 1st of 94 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Fayette County, Tennessee. 42,228 people live here with you. The population grew 1.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +926).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $81,074 a year, higher than 88% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,079. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 54% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $376K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $808 a month. Property tax is 0.35% of home value, roughly $996 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.2 years, longer than 54% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 11.1 per 10,000 people. 10.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.40 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 71% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 73 and lows near 52, warmer than 74% of American counties. About 58 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 75% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 229 Mbps down, faster than 64% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.