$187,719Average Value$114Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Fayette is a college town with Victorian homes and natural beauty
Settled in central Missouri's farmlands and green spaces, Fayette is the seat of Howard County. With a population of about 2,800, this smaller city is a convenient distance from some of the area's busiest communities. "We're a stone's throw away from Columbia," says Lori Strodtman of Strodtman Real Estate. "We're halfway between Saint Louis and Kansas City —that’s a pretty nice pull for the area." Opportunities for higher education and an appreciation for natural beauty are also major factors for potential homeowners. "Central Methodist University is probably the number one reason people come out here," says Mayor Greg Stidham. "After that, it's the city park and the lakes. You can go fishing or boating – there's also camping sites, a gun range and ATV trails."
Game days and events bring the community together at Central Methodist University.
Fayette sits amid central Missouri farmland and green space.
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Housing includes renovated colonials and rural ranch-style homes
Many of Fayette's homes are centered around its historic district, with its preserved Victorian homes, brick rowhouses and the Classical Revival courthouse. Lots here are generally a quarter-acre or less with minimal front yards and backyards with alley access for trash, garages or sheds. Turn-of-the-century bungalows and colonials are typical of the area, usually selling between $110,000 and $390,000 depending on upkeep and renovations. Narrow sidewalks connect homes to downtown shopping and restaurants. Farther away, lots expand, often reaching a half-acre or more. Midcentury ranch-style homes pop up on the outskirts, priced between $30,000 and $170,000 based on size and condition. The median price for a single-family home in Fayette is in the $180,000s, well below the median of neighboring counties like Boone and Cooper. But that isn't the only factor in area real estate prices. "The property taxes in Howard County are much lower than the surrounding counties," says Ryan Martin, a Realtor with Real Broker. "So it's prettier than the big city and it's cheaper."
Brick ranch‑style homes appear on tree‑lined blocks in Fayette.
Two‑story homes line several streets near historic downtown Fayette.
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Local restaurants draw visitors from nearby cities
A few boutique and locally owned stores cluster around Cleveland and Church streets, and C&R Market is available for groceries. "There's not a ton of shopping to be had," Martin says. "People are usually going to Boonville for that." Despite this, Fayette's restaurant scene is well established, drawing visitors from all over Missouri. "People will travel all the way from Columbia to eat here," Stidham says. Established in 2025, LaFayette on the Square was opened by the former owners of Emmet's Kitchen and Tap, a local institution that closed in 2024. Influenced by Creole and French cuisine, the menu includes jambalaya, Cajun-fried okra and etouffee. Fireside Bakes and Brews offers a thorough selection of coffee, espresso and tea drinks. Customers can also enjoy smoothies, wraps and sandwiches on patio seating.
Fireside Bakes & Brews serves coffee, tea and light bites with patio seating.
LaFayette on the Square serves Creole‑ and French‑inspired dishes.
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Central Methodist shapes the city's social life
Students in the area may start at Laurence J. Daly Elementary, which has a C from Niche. From there, students attend William N. Clark Middle School, which has a C-minus. C-plus-ranked Fayette High School has seen track and field success, with state finishes for the boys and girls teams in 2021 and 2025, respectively. In addition to enrolling over 5,000 students annually, Central Methodist University plays a significant role in the local culture. Football, basketball and volleyball games draw crowds throughout the year, and schoolwide celebrations are attended by students and locals alike. "Homecoming is always a big time in Fayette," Strodtman says.
Central Methodist University enrolls over 5,000 students annually.
Laurence J. Daly Elementary serves PK–5 and holds a C on Niche.
William N. Clark Middle School has a students to teacher ratio of 15:1.
Fayette High School holds a C‑plus and saw state track finishes in 2021 and 2025.
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City Park and D.C. Rogers Lake anchor outdoor life
Fayette's City Park is a recreational hub where locals gather to play disc golf, try tricks at the skate park or take a dip in the community pool. D.C. Rogers Lake attracts anglers eager to lure bass, catfish and crappie. The surrounding grounds have RV and tent camping sites, hiking trails and a shooting range. The Besgrove-Hodge Wildlife Sanctuary offers several trails through over 80 acres of protected woodlands filled with local flora and fauna.
Fayette City Park offers a community pool, splash pad, skate park, and disc golf.
Trails loop D.C. Rogers Lake beside RV and tent camping.
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Highway access makes commuting to Columbia or Boonville convenient
State Routes 5 and 240 converge near central Fayette, providing convenient highway access to several nearby metro areas. "It's a reasonable distance for people who drive to work in Columbia or Boonville," Martin says. St. Louis is about 150 miles east, while Kansas City is about 120 miles west. University Hospital in Columbia features a trauma center, helicopter transport and 390 beds.
Fayette Festival of the Arts features music, exhibits and more
Held on the first Saturday of August, Fayette Festival of the Arts is considered by many to be the city's signature event. Visual artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply for display and competition. Live music is performed throughout the day, and activities include a car show, quilt exhibition and cake contest.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Fayette, MO sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Fayette, MO over the last 12 months is $157,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover 175 acres of prime Missouri countryside in Northern Howard County just 14 miles from Fayette, with easy access to dining, shopping, and Central Methodist University. This diverse property offers a perfect blend of mature hardwoods and productive creek-bottom tillable ground, providing annual income and excellent habitat. County water and electric run along the road, offering an ideal
David WestmorelandWhitetail Properties Real Estate
If you're looking for a beautiful building site in the country, this is it. 13 acres with a great building site overlooking the small lake. There's water and electricity in place, and the site is ready to build. The acreage has tons of potential for recreation and enjoying a quiet country living experience, including pasture for horses or food plots for wildlife. Gravel drive and only 300 ft off
David WestmorelandWhitetail Properties Real Estate
If quality hunting and privacy is waht you want his property has it. Great spot located at the end of the lane and bordered on 2 sides by a large land holder that manages for quality whitetails. The home seems well maintained and in very good condition. It is slightly dated but nothing serious, it could use some paint and flooring updates. The land as a whole is very nice with a big pasture
Build you dream home on this 10.0 acres on black top road; partially wooded;Located in Howard County, No County Zoning; New Franklin Schools. Located just minutes from Columbia, Fayette, and New Franklin.
Space, Location, & Opportunity--All in One! This spacious 5-bed, 2-bath home offers the flexibility today's buyers want--perfect for owner-occupants or investors alike. Ideally located just steps from Central Methodist University and a short walk to Fayette's shops and restaurants, the home combines small-town charm with unbeatable convenience. Inside, you'll find two large main-level living
Build you dream home on this 7.9 ac m/l on black top road; partially wooded;Located in Howard County, No County Zoning; New Franklin Schools. Located just minutes from Columbia, Fayette, and New Franklin.
This well kept craftsman home leaves little to be desired! The home boasts a large upstairs primary ensuite. Functional covered front porch. And, a double lot with large detached garage. Don't miss this three bedroom two and a half bath charmer. Schedule a viewing today!
Build you dream home on this 11.7 acres on black top road; partially wooded;Located in Howard County, No County Zoning; New Franklin Schools. Located just minutes from Columbia, Fayette, and New Franklin.
Step into a piece of Fayette history at 806 W Davis St, where early 1900s craftsmanship meets timeless charm. This 3-story, 4-bedroom home sits on .88 acres and features a welcoming covered front porch, rare slate roof, and original hardwood trim with rich woodwork and solid pocket doors throughout. Multiple outbuildings add versatility for storage, hobbies, or future use. A unique opportunity to
Online Auction - Charming Country Property on 10.7 Acres M/L!Don't miss this opportunity to bid on a beautiful rural property located at 807 State Route DD, Fayette, MO. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features a peaceful setting with highway frontage and convenient access to Fayette and just a short drive to Columbia.The home includes one non-conforming room, offering additional space for an
Blacktop road frontage, no restrictions on this nice level piece of land! Lots of options! A quick drive to Columbia, but still out in the country. Utilities & driveway already on site.
Property Id: 2455298Rental home for single-family with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Two-story home on a basement that is unfinished, two bedrooms on main floor one upstairs. Pets only with approval and additional payments required.
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