Demographics

As of 2022, Fayette County, AL, had an estimated population of 16,265. The median age is about 45 years, with roughly 52% female and 48% male residents. The racial and ethnic composition is predominantly White (81%), followed by Black or African American (16%), and small proportions of Hispanic or Latino (1.1%) and other races. The population under 18 years is about 18%, while those aged 65 and older comprise nearly 22%, reflecting an aging community.

Elections

Fayette County, Alabama, had approximately 11,500 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in primary, general, and run-off elections, with recent turnout rates near 48%. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans securing over 65% of local votes in the 2020 Presidential election. There are 16 polling locations across the county, administered by the Probate Judge’s office. Key local issues include infrastructure and education funding. Voter registration is overseen by the Board of Registrars, and absentee ballots are available for eligible residents. Party affiliation is not required for voter registration in Alabama.

Education, Employment and Housing

Fayette County, AL, serves about 1,700 students across 7 public schools, including Fayette County High School. Approximately 77% of adults hold a high school diploma, and around 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school district reports an average graduation rate near 90%. Safety initiatives and anti-bullying programs are in place, with the schools maintaining a “B” average state report card score. Educational offerings include career-technical programs and dual enrollment opportunities, supporting both college and workforce readiness. Adult education and GED classes are available through local community resources.

As of 2022, Fayette County, AL, had an employment rate of approximately 53%. Key industries include manufacturing (23.9%), healthcare & social assistance (17.1%), and retail trade (11.3%). Major occupation types are production (16.7%), office & administrative (12.4%), and management (10.2%). The average commute time is about 26.7 minutes, with around 89% of workers driving alone. Most residents work within Fayette County, but a notable portion commute to neighboring areas like Tuscaloosa and Walker Counties.

Fayette County, AL, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values near $104,000 and median rents about $600 per month. The local housing market trends show stable to slightly increasing property values over recent years. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited apartment options. Notable neighborhoods include Fayette, Belk, and Berry. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.25% of home value—about $260 annually on a median-priced home—making Fayette County affordable for both homeowners and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Fayette County, AL maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 1,350 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes accounting for the majority—about 900 incidents—while violent crimes made up around 250 incidents per 100,000. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and encourages reporting, contributing to a 95% clearance rate for violent crime cases. Residents generally report feeling safe, and annual county crime statistics are publicly available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's database.