When comparing living between Lexington-Fayette and Fayette, KY, several key areas play a vital role in shaping lifestyle choices and experiences. The two cities, while sharing names, display contrasting characteristics across factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxation, culture and food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare.
In terms of crime and safety, Lexington-Fayette has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. However, it's essential to note that crime rates vary significantly between different areas of the city. On the other hand, Fayette is a small and peaceful community, with a lower crime rate compared to Lexington-Fayette, making it safer for both residents and tourists.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette can be relatively high compared to small towns like Fayette due to the city's urban setting. This extends to essentials like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. In contrast, Fayette's cost of living is generally lower with affordable housing and utility costs.
Income Tax
Both cities follow the Kentucky state income tax bracket, which varies progressively from 2% to 5%. And neither city levies additional local income taxes.
Property Tax
Property taxes tend to be higher in Lexington-Fayette due to the urban environment and high property valuations. Fayette generally has lower property taxes, reflecting its rural nature and lower property values.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, both Lexington-Fayette and Fayette have the same state sales tax rate of 6% since they're within the same state—Kentucky. However, neither city has an additional local sales tax.
Income
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$60,942
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$37,011
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
89.3
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Lexington-Fayette, you will have to make $52,968 in Fayette to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Lexington-Fayette, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," is characterized by fertile soil and rolling pastures, perfect for horse breeding. Fayette, more rural, offers beautiful landscapes dotted with small, family-owned farms.
Geographical information
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Land area
284.5 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
1,131 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Lexington-Fayette, KY Fayette, KY
Education
Lexington-Fayette provides a wide range of quality educational opportunities, from public to private schools, and is home to institutions like the University of Kentucky. On the flip side, Fayette has limited schooling options, but features a smaller teacher-student ratio in its schools, promising more individual attention.
In terms of the economy, Lexington-Fayette is much more robust and offers more employment opportunities, particularly in the healthcare, professional services, and educational sectors. Fayette's economy is smaller and more rural, with farming being a significant contributor.
Biggest Employers
The University of Kentucky, Baptist Health, Amazon, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing are among the largest employers in Lexington-Fayette. In Fayette, local businesses and family-owned farms generally employ most of the residents.
Weather
The two cities share similar weather patterns, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers can get hot and humid, while winters are usually cold and wet, with occasional snow. It’s common for both cities to experience rain throughout the year, making the environment beautifully green.
Weather and climate
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Temperature - Average
55.3°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.8%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.9 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
35.2 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.9%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
25.5%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66.2%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
40.7%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM25
SO2
Year
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
2018
63
63
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.1
31.6
31.6
9.7
9.7
0.1
0.1
2017
64
64
N/A
N/A
4.9
4.9
32.1
32.1
7.2
7.2
0.1
0.1
2016
68
68
N/A
N/A
6.6
6.6
33.3
33.3
6.9
6.9
0.1
0.1
2015
71
71
N/A
N/A
6.7
6.7
31.4
31.4
7.3
7.3
0.1
0.1
2014
68
68
N/A
N/A
6.8
6.8
34.1
34.1
7.6
7.6
0.3
0.3
2013
69
69
N/A
N/A
7.3
7.3
31.7
31.7
10.0
10.0
0.2
0.2
2012
81
81
N/A
N/A
8.1
8.1
34.9
34.9
10.6
10.6
0.8
0.8
2011
78
78
N/A
N/A
8.3
8.3
34.6
34.6
11.3
11.3
2.1
2.1
2010
76
76
N/A
N/A
9.5
9.5
34.9
34.9
10.0
10.0
2.2
2.2
2009
75
75
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.5
31.1
31.1
9.2
9.2
2.7
2.7
2008
72
72
N/A
N/A
7.8
7.8
36.4
36.4
9.1
9.1
2.4
2.4
2007
92
92
N/A
N/A
10.9
10.9
37.9
37.9
12.9
12.9
4.0
4.0
2006
65
65
N/A
N/A
11.8
11.8
32.8
32.8
N/A
N/A
3.8
3.8
2005
77
77
N/A
N/A
12.1
12.1
34.0
34.0
N/A
N/A
4.4
4.4
2004
60
60
N/A
N/A
11.6
11.6
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
3.2
3.2
2003
67
67
N/A
N/A
12.2
12.2
30.3
30.3
N/A
N/A
3.5
3.5
2002
76
76
0.04
0.04
12.1
12.1
31.3
31.3
N/A
N/A
3.6
3.6
2001
69
69
0.07
0.07
13.2
13.2
30.9
30.9
N/A
N/A
4.4
4.4
2000
79
79
0.14
0.14
13.4
13.4
32.7
32.7
N/A
N/A
5.0
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
126.8%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
171.6%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
14%
Transportation
With a comprehensive public transit system, Lexington-Fayette offers multiple modes of commuting including buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Fayette, being small, primarily relies on private vehicles for transportation, as public transit is limited.
Means of transportation to work
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Bicycle
0.6%
0.6%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.3%
11.2%
Car alone
86.5%
79.9%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.6%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Average
26.5 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Lexington-Fayette is somewhat costlier than in Fayette, with a broad spectrum of property types from condos to detached homes. In contrast, Fayette's real estate predominantly features single-family homes and farmlands, at relatively lower prices.
Neighborhoods
Lexington-Fayette has a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods offering a diverse range of living experiences. Fayette is a smaller, tightly knit community that provides a rural living ambiance.
Houses and residents
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
Houses
147,590
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Houses occupied
139,303 (94.4%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
75,129 (53.9%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
64,174 (46.1%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,514
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$229,178
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$242,400
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
518.7
408.3
Household income disparities
46.3%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,236 (4.2%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,457 (12.1%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
51,182 (95.8%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
156 (0.3%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,551 (14.1%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
9,814
6,793
State government workers
15,501
13,814
Unpaid family workers
346
385
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Lexington-Fayette include healthcare, education, and retail trade. Many residents work in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Fayette's economy mainly revolves around the agriculture, forestry, and hunting sector.
Health Care
Health care in Lexington-Fayette is more robust, with several hospitals and medical centers including the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital. Fayette, due to its smaller size, has fewer medical facilities, but offers personalized healthcare services.
Infrastructure
Lexington-Fayette's infrastructure is more developed, boasting a modern airport, intercity rail services, and major road networks, while Fayette has straightforward, less complex infrastructure that matches its rural character.
Infrastructure
Type
Lexington-Fayette
Fayette
TV stations
6
6
Culture and Food
Lexington-Fayette boasts vibrant cultural experiences, eateries, festivals, and is renowned for its bourbon and barbecue. Fayette, while having fewer cultural sites, offers a quiet and serene rural lifestyle with local comfort food.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts in Lexington-Fayette follow the University of Kentucky’s Wildcats, a national contender in college basketball. Fayette, being smaller, has no professional or major collegiate sports teams but supports local high school athletics.
Lexington-Fayette, KY
Fayette, KY
Lexington-Fayette, KY and 
Fayette, KY : 0.0 miles
