Cost of Living in LaFayette, GA

Population 6,944 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $39,820, median household incomes in LaFayette land roughly 47% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, LaFayette is about 25 miles south of Chattanooga, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 62

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in LaFayette

The median home value in LaFayette is $135,100 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $812/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,820/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, LaFayette has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$135,100
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$216,525
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$812/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 52.0%
Renter-occupied 48.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$812
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,426/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.3 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.8%
Carpooled
14.6%
Walked
2.8%
Work from home
6.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$39,820
47% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,747
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.1%
Labor Force Participation
54.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 5.1%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.2
Male median age 41.5
Female median age 44.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
35.6%
Good air days/yr
145
Max AQI recorded
362
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
15
Public schools
8,680
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in LaFayette, GA?

LaFayette has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in LaFayette, GA?

The median gross rent in LaFayette is $812 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in LaFayette?

The median home value in LaFayette is $135,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in LaFayette?

The median household income in LaFayette is $39,820 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in LaFayette, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in LaFayette is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is LaFayette, GA affordable?

Yes, LaFayette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

LaFayette at a Glance

Population
6,944
Median Income
$39,820
Home Value
$135,100
Median Rent
$812/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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