44.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 63Schools 55.9

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Georgia

Wayne Scores Below National Median

Wayne County posts a composite score of 44.7, falling below the national benchmark of 50.0. This ranking reflects significant challenges in public health and safety.

Below the Georgia State Average

Wayne's score of 44.7 trails the Georgia state average of 46.7. While it offers affordability, it ranks lower than many of its regional neighbors.

Water Quality and Home Values

The county earns an 86.0 for water quality and a solid 63.0 for cost. Median home values remain accessible at $149,800, providing value for buyers.

Critical Health and Safety Gaps

Health scores are very low at 11.5, and safety trails at 36.4. These factors contribute significantly to the county's overall lower composite ranking.

Suitable for Budget Homeownership

Wayne County appeals to those prioritizing low housing costs and reliable water infrastructure. It is a functional choice for residents who are less concerned with safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax53.7Cost63Safety36.4Health11.5Schools55.9Income13.6Risk55.4Water86Weather38.8
🏛53.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼13.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡36.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
11.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
55.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨14.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱14.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Wayne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wayne County

via TaxByCounty

Wayne County taxes are well below national average

At 0.796% effective rate, Wayne County ranks among America's lowest-taxed counties, sitting roughly 30% below the typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $1,193 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Wayne ranks below Georgia's state average

Wayne County's 0.796% effective rate beats Georgia's 0.898% average, positioning it as one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $1,193 also falls well short of Georgia's $1,529 median.

Wayne offers low taxes across the region

Wayne's 0.796% rate ranks second-lowest regionally, trailing only Walker County (0.778%), and significantly undercuts all higher-tax neighbors including Ware (1.011%), Warren (1.031%), and Washington (1.097%). Wayne is firmly in the low-tax group.

Median home costs roughly $1,193 annually

On Wayne's median home value of $149,800, your annual property tax runs approximately $1,193. With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,588 once you account for additional taxes and fees.

Wayne homeowners can still lower their taxes

Wayne's competitive rate doesn't mean all assessments are accurate—even in low-tax counties, individual properties can be overvalued. If your home's assessed value is higher than comparable properties recently sold in your neighborhood, a formal appeal can provide additional relief.

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne's rents strain moderate incomes

Wayne County renters spend 20.3% of income on rent, 1.7 points above Georgia's state average, while earning $49,562—well below the national median. At $839 monthly, Wayne's rent runs moderate regionally but creates measurable pressure on household budgets.

Above-average affordability pressure statewide

Wayne County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper-middle range of housing burden across Georgia's 159 counties, reflecting modestly stressed conditions for renters. The county sits between struggling markets like Washington and balanced markets like Upson.

Wayne stands between extremes

Wayne's $839 rent and 20.3% burden position it between relatively affordable Upson ($779, 18.4%) and strained Washington ($836, 22.8%), marking it as a moderate affordability zone. Home values of $149,800 parallel Upson County, suggesting comparable market strength.

One-fifth of income flows to rent

Wayne County households earning $49,562 annually allocate $839 monthly (20.3% of income) to rent or $681 for mortgages. This allocation leaves moderate discretionary income but requires careful household budgeting.

Wayne suits pragmatic middle-class seekers

Wayne County appeals to families with incomes near $50,000 who accept moderate housing pressure in exchange for stable communities and manageable home values. The county delivers reasonable value without the premium costs of Walton or the strain of Washington County.

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne's income gap with America

Wayne County's median household income of $49,562 is 34% below the national median of $74,755, typical of rural Georgia counties dependent on limited industries. Economic growth remains constrained by geographic isolation and workforce challenges.

Below state average, lower-middle tier

Wayne's median household income of $49,562 trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 18%, placing it in the lower-income group of Georgia counties. Per capita income of $25,077 similarly falls 19% below the state average.

Mid-range earner in the region

Wayne County's $49,562 median income positions it between Upson County ($50,904) and Walker County ($55,887), representing the middle tier of this rural county cluster. The county's economy mirrors similar patterns of manufacturing and agriculture-based employment.

Housing remains accessible

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% is manageable, well below the 30% affordability threshold despite modest incomes. The median home value of $149,800 is attainable for households earning the county median with conventional financing.

Wayne residents can build security

Wayne County households earning $49,562 should establish employer retirement plans where available and consider additional IRA contributions. Keeping housing costs controlled creates opportunities to redirect savings toward long-term wealth building.

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Shows Moderate Crime Rates

Wayne County has a safety score of 97.7, which is very close to the state average. Its total crime rate of 1,476.4 per 100,000 is still much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning with Georgia Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 97.7 sits just below the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,476.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,412.9.

Comparative Safety in the Coastal Plain

Wayne County experiences slightly higher crime rates than some of its more rural neighbors like Ware. However, it remains a relatively safe corridor within the Southeast Georgia region.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

Property crime accounts for 1,281.5 incidents per 100,000, which is the primary driver of local statistics. The violent crime rate is much lower at 194.9, significantly beating the national average of 369.8.

Strengthening Your Home's Defenses

Because property crime is the most common issue, investing in alarm systems and secure storage for valuables is highly recommended. Simple awareness can go a long way in preventing local theft and burglary.

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne faces significant health gaps

Wayne County's life expectancy of 70.7 years falls 5.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, signaling severe health challenges. Nearly a quarter (24.1%) report poor or fair health, the second-highest rate in the comparison group.

Wayne underperforms Georgia

At 70.7 years, Wayne County's life expectancy trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.6 years. The county ranks among the state's lowest-performing on longevity, indicating entrenched health disparities.

Wayne struggles among peers

Wayne's 70.7-year life expectancy edges above Ware County (69.7) and Upson County (70.4) but lags all other nearby counties. With 36 primary care providers and 35 mental health providers per 100K, Wayne has modest capacity on both fronts, potentially explaining delayed or foregone care.

Wayne's uninsured crisis

Wayne County's uninsured rate of 18.1% ranks highest among the comparison group, leaving one in five residents at risk for medical bankruptcy. Limited provider infrastructure—36 primary care and 35 mental health providers per 100K—compounds access barriers for the uninsured and vulnerable.

Break the uninsured cycle

With 18.1% of Wayne County uninsured, subsidized marketplace plans and Medicaid options provide affordable entry to care. Visit healthcare.gov today to enroll and access preventive services, emergency care, and chronic disease management.

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Ranging Network of Schools

Wayne County supports 8 public schools, including 5 elementary schools, serving a total of 5,172 students. This comprehensive system is managed by a single school district.

Strong Graduation Outcomes and Solid Scores

Wayne County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, well ahead of the national average of 87.0%. The district earns a school score of 55.1, even while keeping per-pupil spending at a conservative $7,231.

Centralized Management for Wayne County

The Wayne County district is the sole educational provider for the county's 5,172 students. There are no charter schools, meaning students participate in a consistent, county-wide educational system.

Rural Roots with High Enrollment Centers

Education here is mostly rural, though schools average a healthy 647 students per campus. Wayne County High School is a significant presence in the community with 1,467 students.

Find Your Family Home in Wayne County

With impressive graduation results and a variety of elementary schools, Wayne County is an excellent place to raise a family. Check out home listings in the Jesup area to stay close to the county's primary academic hubs.

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County: High Hurricane Risk

Wayne County's composite risk score of 44.62 slightly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, with an extremely elevated hurricane risk of 88.90. The county's southeastern Georgia location places it squarely in the Atlantic hurricane zone with frequent tropical storm impacts.

Georgia's Highest Hurricane Exposure

Wayne County ranks as Georgia's highest-risk county for hurricane exposure with a score of 88.90, reflecting its coastal position near Altamaha Sound. The county's overall composite risk of 44.62 places it above the state average, driven primarily by this exceptional hurricane vulnerability.

Most Hurricane-Threatened in South Georgia

Wayne County's hurricane risk of 88.90 significantly exceeds nearby Glynn County (82.3) and Chatham County (78.1), making it Georgia's most vulnerable county to Atlantic storms. Its proximity to Georgia's coast and marshlands compounds exposure to tropical weather systems.

Hurricanes Followed by Wildfires

Hurricane risk at 88.90 is Wayne County's dominant hazard, with tropical storms and coastal flooding representing the primary threat to residents. Wildfire (61.74) and earthquake (64.41) risks are secondary concerns, while tornado (52.74) and flood (30.15) risks remain lower.

Hurricane Insurance Is Critical

Wayne County residents must prioritize hurricane/wind coverage through their homeowners policy or a separate windstorm endorsement—standard policies often exclude hurricane damage. Elevate your home if possible, install storm shutters, and maintain evacuation plans, as the county experiences tropical storms regularly.

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat in South Georgia

Wayne County averages a warm 65.2°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. This high average reflects its location in the deep South, where heat persists throughout most of the year.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county's 65.2°F average is roughly 1.5 degrees higher than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It represents the warmer, coastal plain climate found in the southeastern portion of the state.

A Regional Hot Spot

Compared to more northern counties like Washington at 63.9°F, Wayne County experiences significantly more intense heat. It is one of the warmer inland counties in its region.

Eighty Days of Extreme Heat

Summer heat is intense here, with 83 days per year reaching at least 90°F. Even in winter, temperatures remain a pleasant 50.6°F, making snow an extremely rare occurrence.

Optimize for Heat Resistance

With 83 days of extreme heat, home insulation and reflective roofing can significantly lower cooling costs. Plan outdoor strenuous activities for the mild 50.6°F winter months or early summer mornings.

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands and Ultisols

Wayne County soils belong to the Ultisols order and have an average pH of 5.11. This is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.26 and well below the 6.5 national median.

Dominant Loamy Sand Texture

A loamy sand texture prevails, consisting of 81.6% sand, 9.9% silt, and 8.5% clay. This high sand proportion creates a loose soil that is easy to till but drains very quickly.

Moderate Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter measures 1.81%, nearly matching the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity is 0.085 in/in, which is lower than the state average and indicates a need for frequent irrigation.

Navigating Poorly Drained Soils

These poorly drained soils fall into hydrologic group B/D, presenting unique management challenges. While they consist mostly of sand, high water tables can cause saturation issues in low-lying areas.

Citrus Potential in Zone 9a

Wayne County’s Zone 9a climate is ideal for citrus and other frost-sensitive plants. Focus on adding mulch to retain moisture in your sandy, fast-draining garden beds.

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Wayne's extreme lawn difficulty

Wayne County presents the toughest lawn conditions in this group with a low difficulty score of 14.7. This Zone 9a county is much more challenging than the national median of 50.0 due to intense environmental factors.

High heat and growth potential

The area endures 83 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 65. With 5,941 growing degree days, your lawn stays in a high-maintenance growth phase for most of the year.

Amending loamy sand soil

The loamy sand soil is 81.6% sand and tends to be poorly drained despite its texture. You must address the acidic 5.11 pH level and low clay content to help your grass retain essential nutrients during heavy rains.

Managing moisture in drought

The county has spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently in severe drought. Water-wise landscaping and choosing the most heat-hardy grass types are vital for your lawn's survival.

Zone 9a planting window

St. Augustine grass is a favorite for this 9a zone because it handles the intense heat well. Plant your lawn between the last frost on March 24 and the first fall frost on November 10 for the best establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Georgia has a composite county score of 44.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wayne County rank among counties in Georgia?
Wayne County ranks #99 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wayne County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,193, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Georgia is $49,562 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 13.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Wayne County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wayne County with other counties side by side.