[8] The city is situated near the center of Macon County, along a relatively broad stretch of the northern Highland Rim.

Lafayette straddles a divide between the Barren River and Cumberland River, with streams in the northeastern part of the city (including Town Creek) draining into the former, and streams in the southwestern part of the city draining into the latter.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.4 square miles (11 km2), all land.

The western half of Macon county was devastated by the tornado with a total of 14 confirmed fatalities.

Macon County was equipped with tornado warning sirens, however they were not working at the time; despite the efforts of the local news media and the National Weather Service, many residents were unprepared.

Macon County is one of the top producers of burley tobacco in Tennessee and the United States.

[citation needed] The production of hardwood lumber is also an important industry in the county.

The oldest is Citizens Bank, founded in 1909, and has ten locations in Macon County and surrounding areas.

Route 52 is the main thoroughfare in the city, connecting with Interstate 65 approximately 35 miles away, near Portland.

Sneed Boulevard is used as a bypass that connects Route 52 to the Lafayette Industrial Park, which is located in the northern section of the city.