Cost of Living in Fayette County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fayette County ranks #607 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fayette County, Indiana
Fayette offers budget-friendly housing
Fayette County renters spend 16.5% of their income on rent, above the national ideal but still within manageable range for working families. This southeastern Indiana county delivers genuine affordability, especially compared to high-cost metro areas nationwide.
Below-average rental costs statewide
Fayette's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Indiana's affordability spectrum. The county offers reasonable housing costs without ranking among the state's cheapest options.
Among the region's most affordable
Fayette's median rent of $779 is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, beating the state average of $883 considerably. The county's low-cost housing combines with modest incomes to create genuine small-town affordability.
Housing costs stay manageable
Renters pay $779 monthly while homeowners spend $727 against a median income of $56,659, keeping housing at roughly 17% of household budget. This affordable structure works well for fixed-income households and young families.
Fayette welcomes budget-conscious movers
If you're seeking genuine affordability in a rural Indiana setting, Fayette's $779 median rent and 16.5% cost ratio deserve your attention. Use this county's metrics as a benchmark for evaluating other small-town options.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fayette County
Affordability Verdict
Fayette County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $779/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Fayette County pay $779/month on average, compared to $727/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,157/year. With a median household income of $56,659, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Fayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Fayette County is less affordable than Rush County by roughly 6% ($779/mo vs $831/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fayette County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,322
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fayette County
Median home value is $114,800. Estimated monthly cost: $916 vs. your max of $1,322.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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