Fayette, IA
Population 1,242 · Iowa
About Fayette, IA
Fayette is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,242 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,297 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fayette features a median home value of $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fayette one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $963, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 542 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (225 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (250 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fayette shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fayette have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.5% of Fayette residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 15.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fayette, IA
Compared to national averages, Fayette has a median household income of $39,297 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $963 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fayette's income is 42% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 7% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fayette, IA?
Fayette offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $963/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,297) that falls below the national average. However, Fayette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fayette has a population of 1,242 with a median age of 28.3 years. Compare Fayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Fayette
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Elkader | 1,249 | $61,786 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Laurens | 1,234 | $56,354 | $71,000 | Compare |
| Baxter | 1,251 | $60,625 | $162,300 | Compare |
| University Heights | 1,232 | $105,172 | $393,200 | Compare |
| Melcher-Dallas | 1,228 | $72,824 | $94,600 | Compare |
| Treynor | 1,228 | $132,679 | $250,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fayette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fayette
What is the population of Fayette, IA?
The population of Fayette, IA is 1,242 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Fayette?
The median household income in Fayette, IA is $39,297 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fayette?
The median home value in Fayette, IA is $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fayette?
The median monthly rent in Fayette, IA is $963, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fayette?
The unemployment rate in Fayette, IA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fayette, IA a good place to live?
Fayette offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,242 and a median age of 28.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fayette, IA?
28.5% of residents in Fayette aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fayette, IA: median home value is $123,300 (50% below national), median rent is $963/month, and median household income is $39,297. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fayette?
The poverty rate in Fayette, IA is 25.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fayette, IA?
Fayette's population is 2.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 8.5% two or more races. 15.4% of residents are foreign-born.