Fayette, Alabama

History

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 33°41′31″N 87°49′56″W (33.692068, -87.832358).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.4 km²), of which 8.5 square miles (22.1 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²), or 0.95%, is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,922 people, 2,092 households, and 1,303 families residing in the city. The population density was 575.1 people per square mile (222.0/km²). There were 2,336 housing units at an average density of 273.0 per square mile (105.4/km²). 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.

There were 2,092 households out of which 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 all households were made up of individuals and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out with 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% who were 65 years of age 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 income for a household in the city was $25,714, and the median income for a family 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

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,619 people, 1,924 households, and 1,206 families residing in the city. The population density was 530.2 people per square mile (206.2/km²). There were 2,239 housing units at an average density of 257.4 per square mile (100.0/km²). 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.

There were 1,924 households out of which 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 all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out with 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% who were 65 years of age 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 income for a household in the city was $31,705, and the median income for a family 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.

Notable people

Media

West Alabama TV Cable provides Cable Television service.
DirecTV and Dish Network provides direct broadcast satellite television including both local and national channels to area residents.
Internet is provided by Century Link , West Alabama TV Cable or Satellite Internet.
The local radio stations are WLDX and WTXT. WLDX Website
The local newspaper is The Times Record

Activities

Government

Mayor Ray Nelson

Councilwoman Linda McCraw Ward 1

Councilman Mike Hardin Ward 2

Councilman Jason Cowart Ward 3

Councilman Cedric Wilson (Mayor Pro-Tem)

Councilman David Brand Ward 5

Education

Bevill State Community College has a location in Fayette.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Fayette has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.