Lafayette, TN
Population 5,643 · Tennessee
About Lafayette, TN
Lafayette is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 5,643 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,924 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.6 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 Lafayette features a median home value of $189,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lafayette in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $847, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,348 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (1,005 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (1,042 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 Lafayette shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lafayette have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.5% of Lafayette residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 9.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lafayette, TN
Compared to national averages, Lafayette has a median household income of $44,924 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,800, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $847 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Lafayette's income is 29% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 11% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Lafayette, TN?
Lafayette offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $847/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,924) that falls below the national average. However, Lafayette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lafayette has a population of 5,643 with a median age of 32.6 years. Compare Lafayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Lafayette
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKenzie | 5,706 | $35,988 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Dunlap | 5,546 | $38,666 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Rockwood | 5,510 | $37,867 | $132,100 | Compare |
| Mount Carmel | 5,504 | $71,336 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Eagleton Village | 5,849 | $67,596 | $169,700 | Compare |
| Millersville | 5,885 | $70,411 | $280,800 | Compare |
| Ashland City | 5,318 | $73,921 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Erwin | 6,001 | $45,422 | $165,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lafayette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lafayette
What is the population of Lafayette, TN?
The population of Lafayette, TN is 5,643 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, TN is $44,924 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette, TN is $189,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in Lafayette, TN is $847, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in Lafayette, TN is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lafayette, TN a good place to live?
Lafayette offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,643 and a median age of 32.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lafayette, TN?
12.5% of residents in Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lafayette, TN: median home value is $189,800 (22% below national), median rent is $847/month, and median household income is $44,924. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lafayette?
The poverty rate in Lafayette, TN is 17.6%, 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 Lafayette, TN?
Lafayette's population is 9.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.