Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Fayette County, PA had a population of approximately 128,804. The median age was 45.3 years, reflecting an aging population. Females comprised about 50.9% and males 49.1%. Racially, the county was 89.5% White, 7.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race; individuals identifying as two or more races made up 2.8%.

Elections

Fayette County, PA, has approximately 80,000 registered voters, with about 56% registered as Democrats, 37% Republicans, and 7% other parties or unaffiliated. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with 77 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, Republican candidates received 64% of the vote, while Democrats had 35%. The county election office administers elections, addressing issues like mail-in ballots and voter ID. Party representation influences local governance and policy debates, focusing on jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. Election results and polling place details are managed by the Fayette County Bureau of Elections.

Education, Employment and Housing

Fayette County, PA, hosts 14 public high schools and several private institutions, serving around 12,000 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is 87%, but only about 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are average, with 80% of parents reporting feeling schools are safe. The county offers adult education programs, including vocational and GED training, through agencies like Penn State Fayette. Average standardized test scores trail state averages, with SAT composite scores approximately 950. Educational programs focus on STEM, arts, and career readiness.

As of 2023, Fayette County, PA, has an employment rate of approximately 51.6%. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (19.8%), retail trade (14.7%), and manufacturing (11.3%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (12.5%) and sales (10.0%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; roughly 35% work outside the county, mainly traveling to Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.

Fayette County, PA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value near $113,000 in 2023. The median rent is approximately $750 per month. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to townhouses and apartments, especially in Uniontown and Connellsville. Neighborhoods like South Union Township are sought-after for suburban amenities. Property values have risen slightly, about 3% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.45% of assessed value, and local millage rates vary by municipality. The county offers affordable options compared to statewide averages, attracting both buyers and renters seeking modest costs.

County Crime & Safety

Fayette County, PA experiences a crime rate above the state average, with recent data showing a violent crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 18.5 per 1,000. In 2022, over 580 violent crimes and 2,800 property crimes were reported. Local law enforcement actively encourages community crime reporting, which has contributed to a 5% decrease in overall crime since 2020. Despite improvements, Fayette County remains vigilant, prioritizing public safety measures and collaboration with state agencies.