Charlotte, North Carolina and Fayette, Kentucky are two diverse American cities with their unique charms and differences. Charlotte is a bustling metropolis known for its thriving industries and vibrant lifestyle, while, Fayette carries a smaller-town charm, with agriculture playing a significant role in its economy. This comparison aims to shed light on the many different factors that define the quality of life in these two cities and may aid your decision on whether to relocate or simply visit.
Charlotte, NC's crime rate, as in many larger cities, is somewhat higher compared to the national average. Most crimes are property-related, including burglary or theft. On the other hand, Fayette, KY, a smaller and more rural area, tends to have a lower crime rate. Neighborhoods in both cities are generally safe, but it's always good practice to stay informed about local crime trends by consulting with local law enforcement or community information sources.
Cost of Living
Living cost is generally higher in Charlotte, NC due to its status as a major city. Housing stands as the most significant cost factor. Fayette, KY, being more rural, has a lower cost of living, with housing costs significantly lower than those in Charlotte. However, salaries in Charlotte are typically higher to accommodate for the increased cost of living.
Income Tax
Both North Carolina and Kentucky follow a progressive state income tax system. However, North Carolina's highest rate is currently at 5.25%, while Kentucky's is a flat rate of 5% for all taxpayers.
Property Tax
Charlotte homeowners generally pay higher property taxes due to higher real estate values, while Fayette offers lower property taxes due to its more rural nature and less expensive homes.
Sales Tax
North Carolina imposes a combined state and county sales tax that varies from 6.75% to 7.5%, whereas Kentucky has a flat sales tax rate of 6%.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $50,751 in Fayette to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte sits atop the Piedmont region and is flanked by the Appalachian mountains and Atlantic coast. Fayette is characterized by rolling pastures and is part of the Bluegrass region, known for its fertile soil ideal for horse farms.
Geographical information
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Land area
242.3 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
3,631.1 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Charlotte, NC Fayette, KY
Education
Both cities offer high-quality education options. Charlotte boasts several highly-ranked public schools and prestigious private schools. It is further home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. However, Fayette, despite being smaller, offers exceptional education at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Charlotte's economy is stalwart and highly diversified, with strong job markets in banking, energy, and healthcare. High wages are prevalent in these industries. Fayette's economy is driven largely by agriculture and manufacturing, although it also houses the University of Kentucky, one of the largest employers in the state.
Biggest Employers
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Carolinas Healthcare System are among the largest employers in Charlotte. Fayette's largest employers include the University of Kentucky, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fayette (Fayette County), 49.3% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
2020
66.8%
59.4%
31.6%
38.6%
1.6%
1.9%
2016
62.3%
51.3%
32.9%
41.8%
4.8%
6.9%
2012
60.8%
49.3%
38.3%
48.3%
0.9%
2.3%
2008
62.0%
51.7%
37.6%
46.9%
0.5%
1.3%
2004
51.7%
46.3%
48.0%
53.1%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
48.4%
45.0%
51.1%
51.8%
0.5%
3.2%
1996
48.6%
47.1%
45.9%
46.3%
5.5%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
13.7%
19.0%
19.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
8.8%
1.8%
3.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.0%
1.1%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.9%
1.3%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.4%
1.8%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.3%
1.9%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.5%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.2%
1.2%
0.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
0.4%
Weather
Weather characteristics differ noticeably. Charlotte, NC enjoys a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters with minimal snowfall. Fayette, KY, experiences a more temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. These climates can impact both lifestyle and the industries prevalent in these areas.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Temperature - Average
61°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Fayette
Charlotte
Fayette
2018
75
63
0.24
N/A
6.3
3.1
27.8
31.6
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
8.2
9.7
0.2
0.1
2017
77
64
0.25
N/A
7.0
4.9
28.0
32.1
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
8.8
7.2
0.2
0.1
2016
82
68
0.25
N/A
7.6
6.6
28.7
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.9
0.2
0.1
2015
76
71
0.25
N/A
8.1
6.7
27.6
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.3
0.2
0.1
2014
76
68
0.26
N/A
8.5
6.8
26.3
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
7.6
0.3
0.3
2013
71
69
0.29
N/A
8.4
7.3
25.5
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
10.0
0.3
0.2
2012
95
81
0.28
N/A
8.7
8.1
27.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.6
0.3
0.8
2011
94
78
0.34
N/A
10.1
8.3
28.9
34.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
11.3
0.6
2.1
2010
97
76
0.33
N/A
11.8
9.5
28.0
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
10.0
1.0
2.2
2009
82
75
0.30
N/A
10.0
8.5
25.4
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.2
0.9
2.7
2008
102
72
0.32
N/A
11.2
7.8
27.6
36.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
9.1
2.1
2.4
2007
108
92
0.37
N/A
13.9
10.9
29.1
37.9
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
12.9
3.0
4.0
2006
107
65
0.44
N/A
13.9
11.8
27.3
32.8
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
N/A
3.3
3.8
2005
109
77
0.53
N/A
14.6
12.1
30.6
34.0
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
2.7
4.4
2004
89
60
0.53
N/A
14.6
11.6
28.9
28.6
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
3.2
2003
85
67
0.57
N/A
15.6
12.2
27.6
30.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
3.5
2002
103
76
0.63
0.04
15.3
12.1
32.6
31.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
3.6
2001
108
69
0.72
0.07
17.5
13.2
32.3
30.9
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
4.4
2000
107
79
0.79
0.14
18.0
13.4
32.6
32.7
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
14%
Transportation
Charlotte's developed infrastructure supports easy commuting with a light rail system, bus transit, and well-maintained roads. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, leading to longer commute times. Fayette, meanwhile, relies more heavily on personal vehicles, but its smaller size usually leads to shorter commute times.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
0
FAA registered aircraft
439
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Bicycle
0.1%
0.6%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
11.2%
Car alone
86.2%
79.9%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Average
29.6 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate market in Charlotte is much larger and more diverse, offering everything from condos to single-family homes. Fayette, with a smaller population, has a more limited yet affordable selection of properties, most of them being single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Charlotte offers a broad range of neighborhoods that cater to young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Fayette, while smaller, boasts a variety of communities that blend urban conveniences with rural charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
Houses
393,631
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
408.3
Household income disparities
44.1%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
6,793
State government workers
16,519
13,814
Unpaid family workers
1,214
385
Industries and Occupations
Banking and financial services dominate Charlotte with the presence of Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Healthcare is another substantial sector. In contrast, Fayette's economy leans heavily on agriculture, specifically horses and cattle, and manufacturing.
For healthcare services, Charlotte boasts large medical centers like Atrium Health and Novant Health. Fayette residents rely on the University of Kentucky health system and several other smaller providers. Both cities offer comprehensive healthcare covering many specialties.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte houses a superior infrastructure, including a rapidly growing light rail system and numerous highways. Similarly, Fayette possesses an efficient road network and access to commercial rail service, though it lacks the extensive public transit found in Charlotte.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Fayette
TV stations
16
6
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Culture and Food
Both cities have unique cultural offerings. Charlotte touts a blend of Southern charm and cosmopolitan lifestyle with a vibrant music scene, art galleries, and culinary variety. Fayette offers traditional Southern hospitality, with an emphasis on its horse racing traditions, Bourbon crafting, and rich history.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty in both cities. Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Hornets(Basketball) and Carolina Panthers(Football). Fayette, while not having its own major league team, has a strong connection to University of Kentucky sports, with the Kentucky Wildcats providing football and basketball excitement.
Charlotte, NC
Fayette, KY
Charlotte, NC and 
Fayette, KY : 281.6 miles
