Nashville-Davidson, TN and Fayette, KY are both vibrant American cities, each with their unique character and peculiarity. Nashville-Davidson, known as the Music City, is an energetic, thriving city with a strong economy and rich culture, while Fayette appears a bit more subdued and calm, offering a more laid-back lifestyle. The comparison ranges from the crime rates and weather to the cost of living and local food culture. This evaluation delivers an in-depth discussion of these categories, casting light on both the similarities and differences between these two.
Nashville-Davidson, TN has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average, making safety a concern for both residents and tourists. Though most incidents are non-violent, it's advisable to stay vigilant. Conversely, Fayette, KY offers a safer environment, with crime rates falling below the national average. Safety awareness, like anywhere else, is important here, but generally, it's quite peaceful and secure.
Cost of Living
As a major city, Nashville-Davidson typically has a higher cost of living compared to Fayette. From grocery costs, healthcare, to housing, you'll invest more residing in Nashville. Fayette, on the other hand, boasts a cost of living that is closer to the national average, making it a more economical alternative.
Income Tax
Tennessee does not impose a state income tax, benefiting those in Nashville-Davidson. On the contrary, Kentucky does have an income tax ranging from 2% to 5%, affecting Fayette residents.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in both Nashville-Davidson and Fayette are reasonable compared to the national average. Nashville-Davidson homes face an effective tax rate of around 0.97%, while Fayette's effective rate stands at about 0.86%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Nashville-Davidson is considerably high at 9.75%, while Fayette applies a lower sales tax, standing at 6%.
Income
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$64,857
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$42,268
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.9
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Nashville-Davidson, you will have to make $52,035 in Fayette to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Nashville-Davidson lies in the Cumberland River valley with scenic rolling hills. Fayette, located in the Inner Bluegrass region, features fertile soil and distinct horse farms.
Geographical information
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Land area
473.3 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
1,434.2 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Education
Both Nashville-Davidson and Fayette provide robust educational options. Nashville-Davidson boasts several top-rated schools and universities like Vanderbilt University. Fayette, although smaller, offers quality educational opportunity with the University of Kentucky being a prominent fixture.
Nashville-Davidson's economy thrives on healthcare, education, and music industries which results in diverse job opportunities. Quite dynamically, Fayette's economy focuses heavily on education, healthcare, and the horse industry, providing a unique mix of career pursuits.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Nashville-Davidson are Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nissan North America. Conversely, in Fayette, the University of Kentucky and Lockheed Martin are main employers.
In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% 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
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
2020
65.0%
59.4%
32.6%
38.6%
2.3%
1.9%
2016
60.1%
51.3%
34.1%
41.8%
5.7%
6.9%
2012
58.5%
49.3%
39.9%
48.3%
1.6%
2.3%
2008
60.0%
51.7%
39.0%
46.9%
1.0%
1.3%
2004
54.9%
46.3%
44.6%
53.1%
0.4%
0.6%
2000
57.9%
45.0%
40.4%
51.8%
1.7%
3.2%
1996
79.3%
47.1%
18.1%
46.3%
2.6%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.1%
13.7%
19.6%
19.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4.9%
8.8%
2.3%
3.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.5%
0.9%
1.8%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.1%
0.3%
1.7%
1.5%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
1.0%
0.0%
0.5%
0.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.2%
1.4%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.3%
0.9%
0.8%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.3%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
0.8%
1.1%
Weather
In terms of weather, Nashville-Davidson experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year, much like Fayette, KY, which also witnesses a humid subtropical climate, albeit a cooler one. However, Nashville tends to have more sunny days which might appeal to those who appreciate more sunshine.
Weather and climate
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Temperature - Average
58.5°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.9%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.8 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.1%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.7%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
42%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
7.7 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
2018
71
63
0.40
N/A
13.8
3.1
24.1
31.6
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
9.2
9.7
0.2
0.1
2017
70
64
0.38
N/A
14.4
4.9
26.8
32.1
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
8.7
7.2
0.1
0.1
2016
90
68
0.42
N/A
16.1
6.6
26.4
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
6.9
0.0
0.1
2015
68
71
0.43
N/A
15.5
6.7
23.6
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
7.3
0.1
0.1
2014
66
68
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.8
26.3
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
7.6
1.4
0.3
2013
62
69
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
N/A
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.0
N/A
0.2
2012
81
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
28.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
10.6
2.3
0.8
2011
81
78
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
25.9
34.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
11.3
1.7
2.1
2010
80
76
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
24.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
10.0
2.2
2.2
2009
72
75
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
22.5
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
9.2
2.4
2.7
2008
81
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
25.7
36.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.4
9.1
2.5
2.4
2007
99
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
27.4
37.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.5
12.9
2.7
4.0
2006
93
65
0.69
N/A
N/A
11.8
24.9
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
2.9
3.8
2005
104
77
0.56
N/A
N/A
12.1
23.5
34.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
3.1
4.4
2004
83
60
0.61
N/A
N/A
11.6
22.0
28.6
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
3.2
2003
93
67
0.67
N/A
N/A
12.2
18.5
30.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
3.8
3.5
2002
92
76
0.67
0.04
N/A
12.1
20.2
31.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
4.3
3.6
2001
95
69
0.89
0.07
N/A
13.2
19.5
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
4.5
4.4
2000
97
79
0.74
0.14
N/A
13.4
19.8
32.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
169.1%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
296.1%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
14%
Transportation
Nashville-Davidson has a more developed public transit system, including buses and commuter rail, while in Fayette, public transit is limited to buses, and most residents prefer driving personal vehicles for commuting.
Transport
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Bicycle
0.3%
0.6%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
9.8%
11.2%
Car alone
85.5%
79.9%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.8%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Average
31.3 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
The real estate in Nashville-Davidson is more expensive, reflecting its status as a major city. Fayette, with less population density, offers more affordable housing options, thus attracting people who want a quieter living environment.
Neighborhoods
Nashville-Davidson offers a mixture of urban and suburban neighborhoods suitable for different lifestyle preferences, like East Nashville for artists or Green Hills for upscale living. Phases in Fayette show more homogeneity, noted for peace, tranquility, and family-friendliness.
Houses and residents
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
Houses
331,262
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Houses occupied
305,247 (92.1%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
162,426 (53.2%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
142,821 (46.8%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,391
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$221,129
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$346,700
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
699.9
408.3
Household income disparities
45.4%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,189 (2.8%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,988 (9.6%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
110,850 (97.2%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
333 (0.3%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,192 (11.6%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
31,952
6,793
State government workers
15,693
13,814
Unpaid family workers
463
385
Industries and Occupations
In Nashville-Davidson, the top industries include healthcare, education, and music. Whereas in Fayette, the economy leans more towards education, healthcare, and horse racing. A testament to this is the notable Kentucky Horse Park located in Fayette.
Both cities offer excellent healthcare services. Nashville-Davidson is known for its Vanderbilt University Medical Center, while Fayette is renowned for the University of Kentucky Healthcare system.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Nashville-Davidson offers more extensive infrastructure, being a major city. Amenities like public parks, shopping centers, and a vast music scene are readily available. Fayette, while not as expansive, offers well-maintained infrastructure ideal for a calmer lifestyle.
Infrastructure
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Fayette
TV stations
19
6
Culture and Food
Nashville-Davidson is renowned for its vibrant music and food culture, known as the home of country music and famous for its hot chicken. Fayette maintains a laid-back, easygoing culture with a notable focus on horse racing, and a food scene dominated by southern-style cuisine.
Sports Teams
Nashville-Davidson is home to major sports franchises including the NFL's Tennessee Titans and NHL's Nashville Predators. Fayette does not host any major professional teams, but it's home to the highly popular University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.
Nashville-Davidson, TN and 
Fayette, KY : 180.0 miles
