Austin, Texas, and Fayette, Kentucky, are both vibrant American cities. However, they offer distinctly different locations to either visit or live. Austin is a large, progressive city with a thriving tech industry, while Fayette is a smaller, historic community known for horse racing and bourbon. Both cities offer a unique cultural experience and differing liveability factors, including their crime and safety levels, cost of living, education opportunities, work and economy, and infrastructure.
Compared to Fayette, Kentucky, Austin, Texas, is a larger city and naturally has a higher crime rate. However, the crime in either city depends heavily on the neighborhood. Both cities have areas that are safer than others, but it's important to do thorough research before moving. Regarding safety, Austin offers more resources simply due to its bigger size and heavier police presence.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is generally higher than in Fayette. Housing, in particular, is significantly more expensive in Austin, while Fayette offers more affordable options. However, Austin's higher cost is somewhat balanced by its higher average salaries.
Income Tax
While Kentucky does have a state income tax, Texas, and therefore Austin, does not. This can be a significant factor for those considering a move.
Property Tax
Austin, Texas, has higher property taxes than Fayette, Kentucky. This is especially relevant for those considering purchasing property in either city.
Sales Tax
Texas has a higher sales tax rate than Kentucky, meaning you would pay more in Austin for the same goods compared to Fayette. However, as Texas has no state income tax, this might balance the equation for some.
Income
Type
Austin
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Fayette, you will have to make $50,951 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas and offers a variety of outdoor activities, from lakes to parks to a vibrant downtown area. Fayette, located in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, is known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
Austin
Fayette
Land area
251.5 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
3,833.4 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Austin, TX Fayette, KY
Education
Austin is home to the University of Texas, one of the largest and most reputable colleges in the country. Fayette, on the other hand, has a range of renowned colleges and universities like the University of Kentucky. Both cities provide great educational opportunities, although Austin may offer more diversity due to its size.
While Fayette's economy is traditionally based on horse racing and bourbon production, Austin is renowned for its thriving tech industry. Both cities have vibrant job markets but offer different career paths.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, Dell, the University of Texas, and the State of Texas are some of the biggest employers. In Fayette, the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools, and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government dominate.
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fayette (Fayette County), 49.3% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
2020
71.7%
59.4%
26.5%
38.6%
1.8%
1.9%
2016
65.8%
51.3%
27.2%
41.8%
7.0%
6.9%
2012
60.2%
49.3%
36.2%
48.3%
3.6%
2.3%
2008
63.8%
51.7%
34.4%
46.9%
1.8%
1.3%
2004
56.1%
46.3%
42.1%
53.1%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
41.7%
45.0%
47.0%
51.8%
11.3%
3.2%
1996
52.4%
47.1%
40.0%
46.3%
7.7%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
8.8%
4.5%
3.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
13.7%
22.8%
19.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.9%
2.8%
2.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.2%
0.7%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
2.5%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
2.1%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.3%
0.6%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.3%
0.4%
Weather
Austin experiences a hot, humid climate with mild winters and extremely hot summers, while Fayette features a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Those who enjoy warmth may be drawn to Austin, but those who prefer a more balanced seasonal cycle may find Fayette more appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Fayette
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
Austin
Fayette
2018
76
63
N/A
N/A
4.9
3.1
26.7
31.6
8.7
9.7
0.2
0.1
2017
76
64
N/A
N/A
4.6
4.9
29.7
32.1
8.3
7.2
0.3
0.1
2016
71
68
N/A
N/A
4.2
6.6
29.5
33.3
8.2
6.9
0.2
0.1
2015
78
71
N/A
N/A
4.4
6.7
28.9
31.4
8.6
7.3
0.3
0.1
2014
74
68
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.8
28.3
34.1
8.7
7.6
0.5
0.3
2013
78
69
0.09
N/A
5.5
7.3
29.5
31.7
8.6
10.0
0.5
0.2
2012
86
81
0.13
N/A
5.5
8.1
30.1
34.9
8.6
10.6
N/A
0.8
2011
83
78
0.11
N/A
2.6
8.3
33.0
34.6
9.1
11.3
N/A
2.1
2010
77
76
0.05
N/A
3.2
9.5
29.4
34.9
8.8
10.0
N/A
2.2
2009
76
75
0.05
N/A
2.6
8.5
29.7
31.1
9.0
9.2
N/A
2.7
2008
81
72
0.12
N/A
3.2
7.8
30.7
36.4
9.7
9.1
N/A
2.4
2007
82
92
0.12
N/A
3.1
10.9
27.1
37.9
9.8
12.9
N/A
4.0
2006
89
65
0.14
N/A
3.8
11.8
31.3
32.8
10.0
N/A
0.2
3.8
2005
92
77
0.15
N/A
4.4
12.1
29.0
34.0
10.7
N/A
0.2
4.4
2004
74
60
0.16
N/A
3.3
11.6
26.8
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
2003
85
67
0.26
N/A
4.2
12.2
28.9
30.3
N/A
N/A
0.1
3.5
2002
83
76
0.33
0.04
3.9
12.1
27.2
31.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
2001
83
69
0.31
0.07
4.2
13.2
25.5
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2000
86
79
0.28
0.14
4.7
13.4
27.8
32.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
14%
Transportation
Austin has an extensive public transportation system and a maturing bike-sharing program, but traffic congestion can be a challenge. Fayette, while offering less comprehensive public transit, has smaller traffic volumes and shorter commuting times.
Transport
Type
Austin
Fayette
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
911
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Fayette
Bicycle
0.8%
0.6%
Bus
1.5%
1.2%
Carpooled
7.9%
11.2%
Car alone
85.9%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Fayette
Average
29.9 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Austin's real estate market is active and competitive, while Fayette offers a relaxed, buyer-friendly market. The median home price in Austin is higher than the national average, whereas it's lower in Fayette.
Neighborhoods
Austin is known for its eclectic and diverse neighborhoods, while Fayette offers a more historic, residential feel with a strong sense of community. Both cities offer a range of options for different lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Fayette
Houses
469,156
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
408.3
Household income disparities
44.8%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
6,793
State government workers
46,229
13,814
Unpaid family workers
102
385
Industries and Occupations
In Austin, the tech, creativity, and green industries are prevalent, with many residents working in these fields. Fayette, in contrast, centers traditionally around agriculture, particularly horse breeding, bourbon distilling, and manufacturing.
In terms of health care, Austin has access to some of the country's top hospitals and health systems, while Fayette also has a strong healthcare system, emphasized on impeccable quality care and accessibility.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin boasts a well-developed infrastructure that supports its rapidly growing population. Fayette, while smaller, also offers strong utilities and public works systems, though it might not match Austin's capacity.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Fayette
TV stations
20
6
Culture and Food
Austin, also known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," has a vibrant music and food scene, with a rich variety of festivals and a renowned culinary scene. Fayette, on the other hand, is steeped in Southern culture and history, offering visitors a unique taste of Kentucky bourbon and horse racing.
Sports Teams
Austin doesn't have any major league sports teams, but has a passionate following for the University of Texas' sports teams. Fayette, on the other hand, is home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, one of the most successful NCAA basketball teams.
Austin, TX
Fayette, KY
