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Lafayette, Tennessee Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Lafayette is a city located in Macon County, Tennessee. It has a population of 2,531 according to the 2020 census. It is located in middle Tennessee, on the banks of the Cumberland River. The topography of the area is rolling hills and valleys with a few small mountains scattered throughout. The climate in Lafayette is mostly mild with temperatures ranging from 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit during most of the year. Winters are usually mild but can be cold with occasional snowfall. Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and cool nights.

Lafayette was founded in 1836 as a cotton trading post for farmers in the area. Since then it has grown into a thriving city and an important part of Macon County’s history and culture. Politics in Lafayette are mostly conservative, with Republicans being predominant among elected officials at all levels of government.

The economy of Lafayette is based mainly on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and health care services. Major employers include the Macon County School System, Eakin Industries, West Tennessee Healthcare, and Tyson Foods Inc., among others.

The Macon County School System serves students from pre-K through 12th grade within its district boundaries. There are four elementary schools: Southside Elementary, Westside Elementary, Eastside Elementary and Central Elementary; one middle school; one high school; and two alternative schools within the district boundaries as well as several private schools located nearby.

Some noteworthy landmarks within Lafayette include The Old Stone House Museum which houses artifacts from early settlers; The Old Courthouse which was built in 1839; The Lincoln Memorial which honors President Abraham Lincoln; The Grand Ole Opry Museum which showcases country music history; Fort Defiance Civil War Park which commemorates an important battle during the Civil War; and Macon County Park which offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, walking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy year round .

Population: 3,885. Estimated population in July 2024: 4,177 (+7.5% change)
Males: 1,780 (45.8%), Females: 2,105 (54.2%)

Zip code: 37083

Demographics

Median resident age: 42.7 years
Median household income: $25,750
Median house value: $69,400

Population by Race

Races in Lafayette:

  • White Non-Hispanic (96.4%)
  • Hispanic (2.1%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)
  • Other race (0.5%)

Ancestries: United States (25.9%), English (7.5%), Irish (4.9%), German (4.0%), Scotch-Irish (2.0%), Scottish (1.5%).

Land area: 4.4 square miles

Population by Education

Lafayette, Tennessee is a small town located in Macon County. It has an estimated population of 2,939 according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimate. The median age is 44 years old and the median household income is around $35,000. Approximately 35% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher while 13% have a graduate or professional degree. The majority of the population identifies as white (77%), followed by African-American (17%) and Hispanic (4%). The town has a diverse economy with many people employed in manufacturing, health care and construction industries as well as retail and hospitality businesses. Lafayette also boasts an active arts community with regular events and activities for all ages to enjoy. The town also offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking and biking trails throughout the area for locals to take advantage of during their free time. With its small-town charm, friendly atmosphere and plenty to do year-round, it’s no wonder why so many people call Lafayette home!

For population 25 years and over in Lafayette

  • High school or higher: 61.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.1%
  • Unemployed: 5.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 25.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Lafayette city

  • Never married: 14.2%
  • Now married: 59.3%
  • Separated: 1.5%
  • Widowed: 11.7%
  • Divorced: 13.2%

1.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -849 (-17.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Lafayette:

  • MACON COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 2 miles; LA FAYETTE, TN)
  • TROUSDALE MEDICAL CENTER (about 12 miles; HARTSVILLE, TN)
  • CARTHAGE GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; CARTHAGE, TN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Lafayette:

  • BOWLING GREEN-WARREN COUNTY RGNL (about 40 miles; BOWLING GREEN, KY; Abbreviation: BWG)
  • SMYRNA (about 50 miles; SMYRNA, TN; Abbreviation: MQY)
  • NASHVILLE INTL (about 53 miles; NASHVILLE, TN; Abbreviation: BNA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Lafayette:

  • LAFAYETTE MUNI (about 2 miles; LAFAYETTE, TN; Abbreviation: 3M7)
  • SUMNER COUNTY REGIONAL (about 29 miles; GALLATIN, TN; Abbreviation: M33)
  • JACKSON COUNTY (about 29 miles; GAINESBORO, TN; Abbreviation: 1A7)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Lafayette:

  • VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 32 miles; GALLATIN, TN; Full-time enrollment: 4,215)
  • WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (about 45 miles; BOWLING GREEN, KY; Full-time enrollment: 12,806)
  • TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; COOKEVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 7,204)
  • MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 54 miles; MURFREESBORO, TN; Full-time enrollment: 16,617)
  • VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (about 58 miles; NASHVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 9,823)
  • DAVID LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; NASHVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,260)
  • BELMONT UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; NASHVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,654)

Schools

Public high school in Lafayette:

  • MACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 812; Location: PO BOX 338; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Lafayette:

  • MACON COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 689; Location: 1003 HWY 42 BY PASS EAST; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 384; Location: 905 SYCAMORE ST; Grades: 02 – 03)
  • LAFAYETTE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 364; Location: 401 MEADOR DR; Grades: 04 – 05)
  • FAIRLANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 359; Location: 305 FAIRLANE DR; Grades: KG – 01)

Private primary/middle school in Lafayette:

  • LIGHTHOUSE ACADEMY (Students: 8; Location: 5576 HWY. 52 W.; Grades: 1 – 10)

Libraries

Library in Lafayette:

  • MACON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $117,001; Location: 311 CHURCH STREET; 24,279 books; 441 audio materials; 2,071 video materials; 61 serial subscriptions)

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