Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Fayette, GA
Considering a move to La Fayette, GA? This friendly city of about 6,900 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $143,000 and average rents below $800. Commute times average just under 24 minutes, and you'll enjoy a mild climate with 60% sunny days each year. While crime rates are slightly above national averages, La Fayette features walkable neighborhoods, local schools, and access to healthcare and outdoor activities, making it a welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - La Fayette, GA
Demographics - La Fayette, GA
La Fayette, GA is home to nearly 6,900 residents, with a median age of 38.7 and a population density that lends a small-town feel. The city is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities and about 5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly equal, making it a diverse yet close-knit community.
Population:
6,888
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.4%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Fayette, GA?
La Fayette boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $143,000 and average rents of $790, far below national averages. Monthly essentials like utilities and groceries are budget-friendly, and state income tax rates remain moderate. This affordability makes La Fayette attractive for first-time homebuyers and families looking to stretch their dollars.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.5
Grocery:
93.8
Housing:
55.4
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
91.5
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is La Fayette, GA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in La Fayette are somewhat higher than average, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Residents face about a 1 in 47 chance of experiencing property crime annually, while violent crime remains less frequent. Staying informed and taking basic safety precautions can help residents feel secure in the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
295
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,415
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 339
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in La Fayette, GA year-round?
La Fayette experiences mild winters with lows around 32°F and warm summers peaking near 88°F. The city enjoys about 60% sunny days each year and receives ample rainfall, creating a lush, green environment. This temperate climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable throughout most of the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $41,200, with a notable portion of families living below the poverty line. Educational attainment is solid, with over 83% holding a high school diploma and nearly 12% achieving a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most residents commute about 24 minutes for work, reflecting a balance between small-town living and access to nearby employment opportunities.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.4%
Bachelors or More:
11.9%
Education
How are the schools in La Fayette, GA?
Local students attend schools like LaFayette High and North LaFayette Elementary, featuring manageable class sizes and personalized attention. Higher education is within reach, with Georgia Northwestern Technical College just 8 miles away and universities in nearby Chattanooga. The city provides a supportive educational environment for families and learners at all stages.
Public Schools
Name:
LaFayette High School
Street:
5178 Round Pond Rd
Phone:
706-638-2342
Students:
935
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
North LaFayette Elementary School
Street:
610 N Duke St
Phone:
706-638-2421
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Colleges
Name:
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
City:
Rock Spring
State:
GA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
City:
Chattanooga
State:
TN
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
11,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to nearby general and surgical hospitals, and about 84% carry health insurance. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare resources are accessible for most medical needs. Emergency services are available, supporting the well-being of the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia
Address:
100 Gross Crescent Cir, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Phone:
(706) 858-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital
Address:
3990 E. U.S. Highway 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906
Phone:
(828) 837-8161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.3%
Health Care Index:
65.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Fayette, GA?
The La Fayette housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $143,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $790. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has experienced a healthy 4.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
La Fayette residents utilize the Georgia Department of Driver Services in Dalton for all licensing and vehicle registration needs. Convenient online resources and in-person services are available to support drivers and new residents. The office is a short drive away, making access straightforward for locals.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 Broadrick Drive, Dalton, GA 30720
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.