Originally known as "La Fayette", it incorporated on January 15, 1821. When Fayette County was created in 1824, the town's name was officially changed to "Fayette Court House", though it was also known as "Fayetteville", which was the name shown on maps and on the U.S. Census in 1880 and 1890. It was officially shortened to "Fayette" in 1898.
Geography
Fayette is located in west-central Fayette County at . According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and, or 0.95%, is water.
Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 4,922 people, 2,092 households, and 1,303 families living in the city. The population density was 575.1 people per square mile. There were 2,336 housing units at an average density of 273.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 75.34% White, 23.38% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. One percent of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 2,092 households 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 35.5% of households were one person and 19.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.85. The age distribution was 21.4% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.7 males. The median household income was $25,714 and the median family income was $36,589. Males had a median income of $29,857 versus $21,899 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,553. About 12.5% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under age 18 and 22.9% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 4,619 people, 1,924 households, and 1,206 families living in the city. The population density was 530.2 people per square mile. There were 2,239 housing units at an average density of 257.4 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 73.4% White, 24.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. 1.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,924 households 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.8% were married couples living together, 18.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 32.8% of households were one person and 14.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.88. The age distribution was 22.9% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% 65 or older. The median age was 40.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males. The median household income was $31,705 and the median family income was $41,905. Males had a median income of $34,271 versus $27,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,602. About 15.4% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.
Martha Rosemore Morrow was chosen as Optometrist of the South for the twelve southern states. She was the 1st female to ever be honored with this distinction.
Local media
The Times-Record is the local newspaper. The local radio stations are WLDX Big Cat and WTXT.
Activities
Fayette Aquatic Center
Boy Scouts of America Troop 45
Government
Mayor Ray Nelson Councilwoman Linda McCraw Ward 1 Councilman Eddy Campbell Ward 2 Councilman Jason Cowart Ward 3 Councilman Cedric Wilson Councilman Jerry Nichols Ward 5
