Elections
Fayette County, IN, had 17,233 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with about 52% turnout in the 2020 general election. The Fayette County Courthouse and local schools often serve as polling locations. Key issues include jobs and education. Elections are administered by the County Clerk; Republican and Democratic parties are dominant, with Republicans winning most offices—71% in the 2022 sheriff’s race. Voters can register online or in-person. The county’s 9 precincts are overseen by bipartisan election boards to ensure fair processes and transparency.
County Crime & Safety
Fayette County, IN, experiences a crime rate higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of about 4.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of approximately 21.3 per 1,000 residents, based on recent FBI data. While police reporting and community safety measures have improved, theft and burglary remain prevalent concerns. The overall chance of becoming a victim of crime here is 1 in 39. Residents are encouraged to participate in local neighborhood watch programs and promptly report suspicious activities to maintain safety.
Education, Employment and Housing
Fayette County, IN has 8 public schools, including Connersville High School, serving about 3,000 students. High school graduation rate is around 87%, while about 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher—below the Indiana average. Schools score about 4-5/10 on GreatSchools ratings. Fayette County offers adult education and vocational training programs. School safety initiatives include secure entry protocols and partnerships with local law enforcement. Despite academic challenges, programs in STEM, career education, and arts are available to enhance student opportunities.
As of 2022, Fayette County, IN, records an employment rate of about 52.9%. Major industries include Manufacturing (22.3%), Health Care & Social Assistance (16.5%), and Retail Trade (11.7%). Leading occupation types are Production (19.2%), Office/Admin Support (12.4%), and Sales (10.6%). Over 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24.2 minutes. Approximately 44.6% of residents work outside the county, mainly commuting to Wayne and Franklin counties.
Fayette County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $111,000 as of 2024. The median monthly rent is approximately $820. Property values have risen modestly, about 3% year-over-year. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, with some duplexes and small apartment buildings. Popular neighborhoods in Connersville, the county seat, include Grandview and Eastern Avenue. The local effective property tax rate averages 0.85%. Rental inventory is limited, and the housing market remains affordable compared to state and national averages.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Fayette County, Indiana, had a population of 23,398. The median age was 43.4 years, with 48.7% male and 51.3% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.6%), followed by Black or African American (1.6%), two or more races (2.8%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 2.1% of the population. The population has seen a gradual decline over recent years, reflecting broader trends in some rural Indiana counties.
Popular names
- Kenneth Smith
- Raymond Mauger
- James Adams
- Thomas Roberts
- James Taylor
- Amy King
- George Taylor
- James Robinson
- Michael Smith
- Barbara Smith
- James Combs
- James Lunsford
- Kenneth Snyder
- Mike Hall
- Robert Smith
- Sharon Mauger
- William Smith
- Ashley Thomas
- Ashley Wilson
- Blake Waddell
- Carl Sizemore
- David Carr
- David Miller
- Gary Lore
- Hannah Steele
- James Snyder
- Jennifer Andrews
- Kenneth Sorensen
- Kenneth Waters
- Kimberly Steele
- Mark Cox
- Michael Green
- Michael Hartzell
- Michael Isaacs
- Nicole Carithers
- Peter Lane
- Rachel Mackey
- Raymond Moore
- Robert Gabbard
- Robert Hoffman
- Robert Richardson
- Shawn Russell
- William Miller
- Amanda Jones
- Anna Miller
- Anthony Carey
- Anthony Redd
- Arthur Hamilton
- Ashley Gabbert
- Audrea Kelley
- Austin Moore
- Beth Moore
- Billy Mays
- Brandy Daniels
- Brenda Davis
- Brenda Jessee
- Brian Pollitt
- Brian Wilson
- Carla Combs
- Connie Lane
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- De Kalb
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin