countyscore
62.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 84.1Safety 80.6

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Iowa

A High-Performing National Standout

Wayne County impresses with a composite score of 62.9, significantly beating the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places the county among the top tier of rural living options in the United States. It offers a combination of safety and affordability that is hard to find elsewhere.

Leading the Pack in Southern Iowa

With a 62.9 score, Wayne County ranks well above the Iowa state average of 55.6. It serves as a model for regional livability, outclassing many of its immediate neighbors. The county provides a superior quality of life relative to its southern Iowa peers.

Secure Living and Excellent Affordability

The county features a very high safety score of 80.6 and a robust risk score of 78.0. Housing is exceptionally affordable with a cost score of 77.9 and median gross rent of only $660. Water quality also hits a high mark at 86.0.

Navigating Income and Tax Barriers

Economic hurdles include a lower income score of 36.2 and a median household income of $59,118. The tax score of 19.1 reflects the challenge of maintaining services in a rural area with an effective rate of 1.346%. These metrics suggest a slower economic engine compared to its safety and cost advantages.

A Haven for Safe, Low-Cost Living

Wayne County is perfect for retirees or budget-conscious families who prioritize safety above all else. With home values at $102,300 and high safety rankings, your dollar goes further in a very secure environment. It is an ideal spot for those wanting a peaceful, low-risk lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax19.1Cost77.9Safety80.6Health63.7Schools64.7Income36.2Risk78Water86Weather51.7
🏛19.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.1
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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Nearby counties

Mercer County
Missouri
62.8
Putnam County
Missouri
62.9
Decatur County
Iowa
59.4
Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Lucas County
Iowa
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Sullivan County
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Monroe County
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Clarke County
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43.7

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 run below national average

At 1.346%, Wayne County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationwide. The median property tax of $1,377 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a favorable tax environment.

Iowa's tax-friendly counties

Wayne County's 1.346% effective rate is nearly identical to Iowa's state average of 1.344%, sitting right in the middle statewide. However, its median property tax of just $1,377 trails the state average of $2,160, indicating relatively modest home values in the county.

Lower taxes than most regional neighbors

Wayne's 1.346% rate matches Van Buren (1.201%) in the tax-friendly category, both significantly outpacing Wapello (1.642%). With a median tax of only $1,377, Wayne offers one of the region's lowest absolute tax bills.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Wayne's median home value of $102,300, the typical property tax bill comes to $1,377 annually, or about $115 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $1,644 once escrow and insurance are added.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in rural, lower-value Wayne County, some homeowners are overassessed and could benefit from appeals. If your assessed value seems inflated compared to recent neighborhood sales, filing an appeal could further reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne offers exceptional rental affordability

Wayne County residents spend just 13.4% of household income on rent—among the best affordability metrics in the nation and well below Iowa's 14.1% state average. At $660 monthly, Wayne's rents are $152 cheaper than the state median, delivering genuine value.

Wayne ranks among Iowa's most affordable

Wayne County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in Iowa's top tier for affordability, competing with the state's most budget-friendly counties. This ranking reflects both modest rents and a tight-knit community where housing remains genuinely accessible.

Cheapest rents in the southeast Iowa region

Wayne's $660 monthly rent is the lowest in its cluster of counties—$26 cheaper than Van Buren, $176 below Wapello, and $202 below Warren. Combined with a median home value of just $102,300, Wayne delivers unmatched affordability for the region.

Minimal housing burden leaves room to breathe

Wayne households earning $59,118 annually spend $660 on rent, consuming just 13.4% of gross income and leaving over $4,800 yearly for other priorities. Homebuyers at $737 monthly similarly enjoy exceptional affordability, making Wayne attractive for budget-conscious families.

Wayne County: Iowa's affordability champion

If you're relocating to Iowa on a tight budget, Wayne County delivers the state's most affordable rents ($660) and entry-level home prices ($102,300). The county's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio means your paycheck stretches further here than nearly anywhere else in Iowa.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne falls furthest behind nationally

Wayne County's median household income of $59,118 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,637, representing the steepest 20.9% gap in this dataset. Per capita income of $34,623 further reflects depressed individual earning power across the county. This significant shortfall positions Wayne among America's most economically challenged rural counties.

Lowest income tier in Iowa

Wayne County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Iowa, with median household income falling nearly $11,000 below the state average of $69,830. Per capita income of $34,623 trails Iowa's average by $2,513, indicating systemic earning constraints. Wayne's position in the state's bottom tier underscores the severity of local economic headwinds.

Wayne at the regional bottom

Wayne's $59,118 median income is the lowest in its peer cluster, marginally behind Van Buren ($60,183) and Wapello ($60,034), and dramatically below Winneshiek ($75,652) and Warren ($92,990). The $33,872 gap to Warren represents a stark contrast in earning capacity within Iowa. Wayne's isolation in the income hierarchy reflects concentrated job loss and limited employer diversity.

Housing affordability masks deeper stress

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% appears healthy on paper, but the low income base means even affordable rents consume significant discretionary resources for working families. With a median home value of $102,300 and median household income of $59,118, homeownership reaches the edge of affordability for many households. Low housing costs reflect weak property demand rather than genuine affordability gains.

Start small, think long-term in Wayne

Wayne residents should prioritize debt reduction and emergency savings before investing, given the tight income margin typical in the county. Even saving $50 per month through automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account builds a buffer against unexpected expenses. As stability improves, low-cost index funds and employer retirement plans become viable pathways to gradual wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Ranks Highly for Safety

Wayne County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.3, far exceeding national norms. The total crime rate of 462.7 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. It stands as one of the most peaceful counties in the central United States.

A Top Performer in Iowa

Wayne’s safety score of 99.3 beats the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 462.7 is also less than half the state average of 1,095.3. This makes it a standout for safety within the state of Iowa.

Regional Safety Leader

Wayne County's crime rate of 462.7 is nearly identical to neighbor Van Buren County (430.2). Both counties report significantly less crime than nearby Wapello County (3,479.5). Because data comes from a single agency, these numbers should be viewed as a snapshot of local reports.

Minimal Violent Crime Presence

The county reports a violent crime rate of just 61.7, which is roughly six times lower than the national average. Property crime is also low at 401.0 per 100,000 residents. Serious crime is a rare occurrence for the local population.

Keeping Wayne County Secure

With crime rates this low, maintaining basic home security is often enough to stay safe. Using motion-activated lights and ensuring vehicles are locked can prevent the few property crimes that do occur. Rural safety depends on personal responsibility and community awareness.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne's Health Below National Average

At 76.4 years, Wayne County's life expectancy matches the U.S. national average but trails Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 1.3 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.9%) report poor or fair health, the second-highest rate among these eight counties.

Lower Rankings Within Iowa

Wayne County ranks toward the lower end of Iowa counties for life expectancy and self-reported health outcomes. The county's 5.9% uninsured rate sits nearly at the state average of 5.7%, suggesting coverage gaps remain manageable.

Struggling Relative to Peers

Wayne County's 76.4-year life expectancy significantly lags neighboring Warren (78.4 years) and Washington counties (78.5 years) to the north. Its primary care provider density of 77 per 100K is solid, but mental health coverage remains limited at 31 per 100K.

Limited Mental Health Access

Wayne County maintains adequate primary care access with 77 providers per 100K but offers limited mental health services at 31 providers per 100K. At 5.9% uninsured, the county's insurance coverage rate is close to state average, though behavioral health gaps may deter some care-seeking.

Improve Coverage, Boost Health

Nearly 6% of Wayne County residents remain uninsured, missing opportunities for preventive care that could extend life expectancy. Families should explore Iowa's marketplace and Medicaid options to ensure consistent access to primary and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Wayne County

Wayne County manages a focused education system of five public schools serving 964 total students. These schools are spread across three districts, emphasizing primary and high school education for the local rural population.

Strong Scores and Local Investment

With a graduation rate of 91.1%, Wayne County exceeds the national average and maintains a solid school score of 57.1. Educational investment is high here, with $8,388 spent per pupil compared to the state average of $7,591.

Local District Trio Serves the Community

The Wayne Community School District is the largest in the county, educating 614 students. The remaining students are served by the Mormon Trail and Seymour districts, which operate with a traditional public school model and no charters.

Exclusively Rural and Exceptionally Intimate

All five schools in Wayne County are in rural locales, resulting in an average school size of just 193 students. Wayne Elementary is the largest campus with 357 students, while Seymour Elementary serves just 91 children.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Community

Wayne County is perfect for families who want their children to be more than just a number in the classroom. With high per-pupil spending and tiny class sizes, this is a unique environment to call home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County ranks among America's safest

Wayne County's composite score of 22.01 places it in the Very Low category and 45% below the national average. The county enjoys one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the United States.

Iowa's lowest-risk county

Wayne scores just 22.01, the lowest among all Iowa counties and far below the state average of 39.68. The county benefits from minimal exposure across nearly all major hazard types.

By far the safest in the region

Wayne's 22.01 score dramatically undercuts all neighboring counties, including Van Buren (33.62), Warren (36.10), and Washington (44.18). Wayne stands as a genuine natural disaster safety haven in south-central Iowa.

Tornadoes remain the primary concern

Tornado risk at 55.18 is Wayne's leading hazard, though wildfire risk (43.16) and flood risk (14.03) are both remarkably low. The county's exceptional safety stems largely from minimal flood and earthquake exposure.

Standard homeowners policy likely sufficient

Wayne residents enjoy substantially lower insurance risk than most Americans, making standard homeowners coverage with wind protection appropriate for most properties. Focus on competitive quotes rather than specialty coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Wayne County's Humid Midwestern Profile

Wayne County averages 49.8°F annually, putting it just below the national median temperature. It is defined by a continental climate with significant annual moisture.

One of Iowa's Wettest Counties

At 40.4 inches of annual precipitation, Wayne is much wetter than the state average of 36.1 inches. Its annual temperature of 49.8°F remains nearly two degrees warmer than the state average.

Wetter Than Nearby Wapello County

While its temperature of 49.8°F is similar to neighbors, Wayne receives over three inches more rain annually than Wapello County. Specific snowfall data for this county is currently unavailable.

Mild Summers and Cold Winters

Summers are relatively mild for the region, with only 16 days reaching 90°F. Winter brings a January average of 22.2°F, which is slightly warmer than central Iowa neighbors.

Focus on Water Management

With over 40 inches of annual precipitation, sump pumps and proper yard grading are critical for residents. Outdoor planning should account for the 16 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Acid-Base Balance in Wayne

Wayne County's soil features an average pH of 6.25, which is typical for the region and slightly below the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented in the available data, this pH range is very hospitable for corn and soybeans. It represents a stable foundation for the county's agricultural economy.

A Balanced Clay-Silt Profile

The soil composition consists of 52.4% silt and a significant 27.8% clay fraction. With sand at 19.8%, the soil is relatively heavy, which helps it retain minerals and fertilizers effectively. This mix provides a sturdy medium for plant roots but may require power equipment to work efficiently.

State-Average Water Storage

The available water capacity in Wayne County is 0.195 in/in, matching the Iowa state average exactly. Organic matter is 2.94%, which is lower than the state's 3.81% but still provides plenty of energy for plant growth. This soil is reliable, providing a consistent supply of water during the growing season.

Navigating Clay-Heavy Drainage

With clay making up nearly 28% of the soil, natural drainage can be slower than in sandier regions. Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the high clay content often necessitates measures to prevent waterlogging. Homeowners should ensure proper downspout placement to keep foundations dry in this heavy soil.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5b

Wayne County sits in Zone 5b, making it suitable for standard Midwestern favorites like pumpkins and sunflowers. The reliable water capacity means your garden can withstand a few missed waterings during the summer. Start your seeds indoors to get a jump on the productive season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

High Ease of Growth in Wayne

Wayne County’s lawn difficulty score of 84.1 is significantly higher than the state average, signaling very favorable conditions. This Zone 5b county offers an excellent environment for homeowners who want a high-quality lawn with moderate effort.

The Wettest County in the Region

Receiving 40.4 inches of precipitation annually, Wayne is significantly wetter than the average Iowa county. Combined with only 16 extreme heat days, this moisture helps maintain green lawns deep into the summer months.

Heavy Soil with Good Chemistry

A soil pH of 6.25 means nutrients are readily available for your grass. However, the 27.8% clay content is among the highest in the area, meaning you must be careful not to mow when the ground is saturated to avoid ruts.

Strong History of Drought Resistance

Wayne County only experienced 6 weeks of drought in the past year, showing better stability than many neighbors. Even with current abnormally dry conditions across the county, the high annual rainfall helps the soil moisture bounce back quickly.

Early Starts and Long Seasons

The last spring frost hits early on April 21, and the first fall frost arrives late on October 19, providing a very generous growing window. This extended season is perfect for establishing hardy cool-season turf that can handle the winter cold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Iowa has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Iowa?
Wayne County ranks #20 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,377, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Iowa is $59,118 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 36.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Iowa a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Iowa. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.