RANK #334 / 996 · POP 321,276 · KY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Fayette County, Kentucky, is defined by its deep connection to the equine industry and its unique landscape, the Bluegrass Region. Lexington, the county seat, is known as the "Horse Capital of the World" and is home to landmarks like the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race Course. Located in central Kentucky, roughly 80 miles southeast of Louisville, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and scenic rural areas with rolling hills and horse farms. Commutes within Lexington average around 20 minutes, shorter than the national average, with public transportation options including buses, ride-sharing, and a growing network of bike lanes. Outdoor recreation is available at places like Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, offering miles of trails and views of the Kentucky River Palisades.
Life in Fayette County balances a sense of community with access to resources. The Fayette County Public Schools district is highly rated and serves over 40,000 students. The economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, education, and professional services. Recent economic developments show continued growth, with investments flowing into manufacturing and other sectors. The area attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a lifestyle that combines affordability with community amenities.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS Data Center Campus
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
|
$5,000M | Planned |
|
Cooperative Solar Farm Two - Fayette
East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC)
|
$135M | Proposed |
|
Fayette Agrivoltaics Project
Silicon Ranch
|
$80M | Proposed |
|
Urban Growth Master Plan Expansion Areas
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Fayette County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #334 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.4% and a median household income of $66,087, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Fayette County is $247,900 with median rent at $1,065/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2666, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.4%. Home values changed +3.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.38% of Fayette County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.