Wayne County's composite score of 73.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, placing it among America's more livable counties. Strong tax and cost performance drive this competitive standing.
2 / 5
Solid performer within Georgia
At 73.4, Wayne ranks above Georgia's state average of 70.9, securing a position in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It offers competitive livability relative to other Georgia communities.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable housing
Wayne's tax score of 79.9 reflects an effective rate of 0.796%—the lowest in this group—while the cost score of 83.0 shows median home values at $149,800 and rent averaging $839 monthly. These scores deliver meaningful savings for households.
4 / 5
Income and data gaps limit picture
The income score of 15.7 reflects a median household income of $49,562, modestly below group averages. Safety, health, education quality, and environmental data are unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Strong pick for tax-conscious buyers
Wayne County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing in a rural setting. The state's lowest effective tax rate combined with reasonable housing costs makes it an excellent value proposition, especially for those with self-directed income sources.
Wayne County's composite score of 73.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, placing it among America's more livable counties. Strong tax and cost performance drive this competitive standing.
Solid performer within Georgia
At 73.4, Wayne ranks above Georgia's state average of 70.9, securing a position in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It offers competitive livability relative to other Georgia communities.
Low taxes and affordable housing
Wayne's tax score of 79.9 reflects an effective rate of 0.796%—the lowest in this group—while the cost score of 83.0 shows median home values at $149,800 and rent averaging $839 monthly. These scores deliver meaningful savings for households.
Income and data gaps limit picture
The income score of 15.7 reflects a median household income of $49,562, modestly below group averages. Safety, health, education quality, and environmental data are unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
Strong pick for tax-conscious buyers
Wayne County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing in a rural setting. The state's lowest effective tax rate combined with reasonable housing costs makes it an excellent value proposition, especially for those with self-directed income sources.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.