Demographics
As of 2022, Fayette County, TN, has a population of approximately 41,990. The median age is about 45 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county is 71% White, 23% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 3% identifying with two or more races. The population is largely concentrated in rural areas, with a steady but slow growth rate over the past decade.
Elections
Fayette County, TN, had 25,326 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections; in the 2020 presidential election, 67.4% voted Republican and 31% Democrat. The county has 10 polling locations, managed by the Fayette County Election Commission. Major issues include education funding and rural infrastructure. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active locally, with GOP dominance in recent results. Voter turnout in the 2022 midterms was 48%. Registration requires proof of residency. Early voting and absentee ballots are available to increase participation and accessibility.
Education, Employment and Housing
Fayette County, TN, operates 10 public schools, including Fayette-Ware High School, serving around 3,400 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 90%, while about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are prioritized, with resource officers on campuses. The district’s average state test scores are slightly below the Tennessee average, but numerous educational programs—including STEM and dual-enrollment options—support student success. Adult education and GED programs are also available through local agencies, aiming to boost educational attainment in the county.
As of 2023, Fayette County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Leading industries include healthcare and social assistance (22%), retail trade (13%), and education services (10%). Most residents work in management, sales, and office support occupations. About 80% of employed residents commute outside the county, with a median travel time of 37 minutes, primarily to Memphis and Shelby County. Local government, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing firms are key employers in the area.
Fayette County, TN boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 85%, with a median home value near $325,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is around $1,300. The county features a mix of single-family homes, new subdivisions, and some rural properties, with recent market trends showing steady value appreciation of 6% annually. Popular neighborhoods include Oakland, Piperton, and Somerville. Property taxes are relatively low, with rates averaging about $1.60 per $100 of assessed value, making Fayette County attractive for both buyers and renters seeking affordability and suburban-rural charm close to the Memphis metropolitan area.
County Crime & Safety
Fayette County, TN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the latest FBI data, the violent crime rate is approximately 174 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly below Tennessee’s average of 595 per 100,000. Property crime rates are also lower, at about 730 per 100,000 compared to the state’s 2,400. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office actively reports crime statistics, ensuring transparency and community awareness, while ongoing safety initiatives contribute to the county’s reputation as a safe place to live.
Popular names
- David Hall
- Jason Stevens
- James Williams
- Charles Johnson
- Holly Johnson
- Holly Jones
- James Smith
- James Woods
- William Smith
- Angela Johnson
- Christopher Williams
- Jason Terry
- Jessica Jones
- Kimberly Smith
- Mary Davis
- Mary Smith
- Michelle Jones
- Patricia Smith
- Richard Smith
- Robert Moore
- Robert Williams
- William Stewart
- William Taylor
- David Smith
- David Williams
- James Davis
- James Martin
- Jason Stephenson
- Jerry Jones
- Mary Jones
- Melissa Smith
- Robert Taylor
- William Johnson
- William Thomas
- Angela Williams
- Barbara Smith
- Brian Smith
- Carolyn Williams
- Charles Allred
- Charles Oliver
- Charles Smith
- Christopher Jones
- Christopher Smith
- Cynthia Jones
- David Wilson
- Donna Reed
- James Bailey
- James Clark
- James Johnson
- James Jones
- Jason Todd
- Jennifer Jones
- Jennifer Wilson
- Jerry Johnson
- John Jones
- John Sanders
- John Smith
- John Walker
- Jonathan Walker
- Kim Parker
Other Counties in Tennessee
- Anderson
- Bedford
- Benton
- Bledsoe
- Blount
- Bradley
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cheatham
- Chester
- Claiborne
- Clay
- Cocke
- Coffee
- Crockett
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Decatur
- Dekalb
- Dickson
- Dyer
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Gibson
- Giles
- Grainger
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis