Fayette County, Alabama Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Fayette County is located in Alabama with a total population of 16,173. It is the 52nd most populous county out of 67 in Alabama.

Age Demographics

The median age in Fayette County is 42.8 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 39.3 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Fayette County is $50,733. This is 18% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%. This is 19% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. The unemployment rate is 9.5%. This is 97% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $121,200. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $195,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Fayette County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 69.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Fayette County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.3%. The Black or African American population (12.3%) is well below the state average of 25.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 5.4%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

15.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.2%.