countyscore
52.5
County Score
Safety 83.9Cost of Living 74.6Soil Quality 66.5

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Illinois

Wayne County Matches National Standards

Wayne County's composite score of 52.6 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a solid, reliable standard of living for its residents.

Competitive with the Illinois Average

The county's score of 52.6 is essentially tied with the Illinois average of 52.8. It maintains a competitive profile compared to both regional and state peers.

High Safety and Low Costs

Residents enjoy a safety score of 83.9 and a cost score of 74.6, indicating a secure and affordable lifestyle. Median gross rent is very low at $632 per month.

Infrastructure and Education Gaps

Water quality is a major concern with a low score of 15.4, while the school score of 36.6 indicates lower educational performance. The income score of 20.9 also shows limited local wage growth.

Ideal for Secure, Rural Living

Wayne County is perfect for individuals seeking peace and quiet in a safe, affordable setting. It is best suited for those who value personal safety and low monthly expenses over school rankings or high-tech infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax11.8Cost74.6Safety83.9Health53Schools36.6Income20.9Risk59.3Water15.4Weather58.7
🏛11.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.1
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wayne County?

Many homeowners in Wayne County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Wayne County with Lincoln County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lincoln County
Georgia
Median income: $50,688
52.5
Randolph County
Georgia
Median income: $25,425
52.5
Crawford County
Illinois
Median income: $67,614
52.5
Macoupin County
Illinois
Median income: $68,518
52.5
Henry County
Iowa
Median income: $64,604
52.5
Ellsworth County
Kansas
Median income: $66,792
52.5
Montmorency County
Michigan
Median income: $47,803
52.5
Waseca County
Minnesota
Median income: $75,052
52.5

Nearby counties

Edwards County
Illinois
66.7
Clay County
Illinois
55.8
Richland County
Illinois
51.4
Hamilton County
Illinois
68.6
White County
Illinois
62.5
Marion County
Illinois
46.7
Wabash County
Illinois
55.3
Jefferson County
Illinois
51.7

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 taxes near national median

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 1.526% sits below the national median of 1.831%, making it a relatively affordable county for property taxes nationwide. The median property tax of $1,670 is 38% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Bottom 30% of Illinois counties

Wayne County ranks in the lowest third of Illinois counties for effective tax rate at 1.526%, well below the state average of 1.831%. This positions Wayne as one of the more tax-friendly counties in Illinois.

Competitive taxes in the region

Wayne County's 1.526% rate places it between Wabash County (1.471%), the regional lowest, and Vermilion County (1.793%). Homeowners here enjoy some of the best tax rates in southern Illinois.

Median home costs just $1,670 yearly

A median-valued home in Wayne County ($109,400) carries an estimated annual property tax of only $1,670. This modest bill makes Wayne County an affordable choice for property owners.

Still worth appealing your assessment

Even with favorable tax rates, some Wayne County homeowners are overassessed and can appeal their valuations at no cost. A successful appeal could provide additional savings on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County matches national affordability

Wayne County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average of 14.7%, indicating reliable if unremarkable housing affordability. With median household income of $53,107—the third-lowest in this group—modest rents of $632 help maintain acceptable affordability despite lower wages.

Mid-tier affordability within Illinois

Wayne County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than the Illinois state average of 14.7%, ranking it in the middle tier of state counties. The county's below-average incomes are offset by genuinely low rents, delivering competitiveness within Illinois's housing market.

Wayne offers strong value against peers

Wayne County's $632 monthly rent ranks among the lowest in this group, beat only by Union County's $658. At 14.3% rent-to-income, Wayne underperforms only Union (14.0%), Warren (12.9%), and Washington (12.3%), delivering solid regional value.

Low rents offset modest household incomes

Wayne residents earning $53,107 annually pay just $632 in median rent—the lowest absolute cost in this group—consuming 14.3% of income. Owner costs of $795 pair with modest home values of $109,400, creating an attainable path to homeownership.

Wayne County suits budget-first relocators

If minimizing rent expense ranks above maximizing income opportunities, Wayne County delivers exceptional value at $632 monthly. Compare this lowest-cost option against neighbors like Vermilion or Wabash to see the financial difference a county move could deliver.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County significantly trails national income

Wayne County's median household income of $53,107 falls $21,648 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This steep deficit places the county among the nation's lowest earners, creating substantial budget constraints for residents.

Among Illinois's lowest-income counties

At $53,107, Wayne County earns $15,473 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580 and ranks among the state's most economically challenged regions. Per capita income of $31,073 significantly underperforms the state average of $36,009, signaling limited employment quality.

Lowest-earning county in regional cohort

Wayne's $53,107 median ranks last among the eight-county region, trailing Tazewell by $23,597 and just behind Wabash ($53,650). The county faces the steepest economic headwinds regionally, requiring focused economic development efforts.

Rent manageable despite low incomes

Wayne County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable relative to local earnings, reflecting modest rental markets. Median home values of $109,400 offer accessible entry points, making homeownership achievable through patient saving despite tight household budgets.

Prioritize career advancement and skill building

Wayne County households earning $53,107 can allocate roughly $1,062 monthly to savings through disciplined budgeting. Pursuing higher-wage employment, accessing workforce development programs, and building home equity through ownership represent the most promising wealth-building pathways for residents.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Ranks Among Safest Counties

Wayne County is exceptionally secure with a safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 378.2 per 100,000 residents is six times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Well Above the State Safety Average

Wayne easily outpaces the Illinois average safety score of 98.7. Local agencies manage a crime rate that is less than half of the statewide typical figure of 835.0.

Leading Its Neighbors in Security

Wayne maintains a much lower crime profile than regional counties like Vermilion or Whiteside. It shares the low-crime characteristics of other southern Illinois agricultural communities.

Property Crime Is Relatively Rare

Local reports are dominated by property crime, though the rate remains low at 328.6 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is almost non-existent at just 49.6 per 100,000 residents.

Focus on Securing Outdoor Property

Residents can keep Wayne safe by securing tools and equipment in garages and sheds. Simple security cameras help deter the small number of property-related incidents that occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne struggles below national averages

Wayne County's life expectancy of 74.7 years falls essentially even with the U.S. average of 74.5 years but lags Illinois's 76.0-year average by 1.3 years. With 17.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 18%—Wayne is slightly resilient compared to the nation, though chronic disease burden remains a concern.

Wayne ranks below Illinois median

At 74.7 years, Wayne's life expectancy falls below Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing the county in the lower half of state health performance. The uninsured rate of 8.8% is the highest in this analysis and significantly exceeds Illinois's 6.3% average, representing a major barrier to preventive care and early treatment.

Tied with Union for lowest life expectancy

Wayne's 74.7-year life expectancy matches Union County but trails most other neighbors, including Stephenson (76.2) and Tazewell (76.6). With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Wayne has reasonable provider density, but the county's 8.8% uninsured rate—the highest in the group—limits who can actually access that care.

Highest uninsured rate, significant barriers

Wayne's 8.8% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 11 residents cannot access regular preventive care, emergency services, or prescription medications without catastrophic costs. The presence of 56 primary care providers and 152 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offers decent infrastructure, but coverage gaps prevent many from using these services.

Close Wayne's coverage crisis

Wayne's highest uninsured rate demands urgent action to connect residents with affordable health plans and eliminate barriers to care. Call Wayne County Health Department, visit healthcare.gov, or dial 211 Illinois to explore Medicaid eligibility, marketplace subsidies, and free community health services today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Learning Across Wayne County

Wayne County supports 2,396 students through a network of 12 public schools and seven districts. The system is composed of 7 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools, primarily serving the rural landscape.

Navigating Education with Lean Resources

The county's graduation rate sits at 79.9%, while per-pupil spending of $7,981 is the lowest in the region. Despite these challenges, the county maintains a 50.3 school score, just above the national median.

Fairfield and North Wayne Lead

Fairfield PSD 112 and North Wayne CUSD 200 are the major districts, combined serving nearly 1,000 students. Fairfield Community High School is the largest institution in the county, with an enrollment of 449.

Deeply Rooted in Rural Traditions

School life here is overwhelmingly rural, with 10 of the 12 schools located in the countryside. The average school size is a modest 200 students, offering one of the most intimate learning environments in Illinois.

Find Your Home in Wayne County

Families looking for small, rural schools will find Wayne County to be a perfect match. Investigate the unique benefits of the Fairfield and Wayne City districts when searching for your next residence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne ranks in lower-risk tier nationally

With a composite risk score of 40.74, Wayne County falls in the lower half of natural disaster risk across U.S. counties. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most hazards, though earthquake risk (86.36) remains notably elevated.

Below Illinois state average

Wayne's 40.74 score sits substantially below the Illinois state average of 54.46, making it one of the safer counties statewide. Only Warren County (15.49) and Wabash County (24.84) rank lower in this eight-county analysis.

Lowest risk in southern Illinois cluster

Wayne County (40.74) is meaningfully safer than its southern Illinois neighbors Union (55.38) and Washington (55.15), and far safer than Tazewell (84.19) to the north. Its relatively low overall risk distinguishes it as a safer southern Illinois location.

Earthquake is the primary concern

Earthquake risk (86.36) is Wayne County's dominant hazard, ranking among the nation's highest despite your county's overall low-risk profile. Tornado (46.85) and hurricane (36.46) risks remain well below national averages.

Earthquake coverage your main priority

Earthquake insurance is necessary for Wayne County homes despite your county's generally low risk, as standard policies exclude all seismic damage. Secure furniture to walls and reinforce foundation connections, and maintain emergency supplies for rapid response to seismic events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, high-precipitation climate

Wayne County stands out with an average temperature of 57.1°F, well above the national median. It is also quite wet, receiving 46.5 inches of precipitation annually.

Among the state's warmest counties

With an average of 57.1°F, Wayne County is much warmer than the Illinois average of 52.8°F. It ranks as one of the hottest counties in the state, particularly during the summer months.

Intense heat compared to neighbors

Wayne's 44 days of extreme heat nearly match Wabash County's 46 days, marking this region as the state's hot zone. It receives much more rain and less snow than northern counties like Will.

Sultry summers and mild winters

Summer averages a hot 77.2°F, while July peaks at 78.7°F with frequent 90-degree days. Winters are some of the state's mildest, averaging 35.6°F with only 11.9 inches of snow.

Prioritize cooling and rain gear

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 44 days of extreme heat. Additionally, waterproof gear is essential for the heavy 46.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silt-Rich Wayne Soils

Wayne County soil has an average pH of 6.25, falling below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.39. This slightly acidic environment is common in the region's southern soil types. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this pH range is excellent for acid-loving shrubs and certain specialty crops.

Smooth Texture with High Silt

The soil contains 70.4% silt, 19.5% clay, and 10.1% sand. This high silt content creates a very smooth, fine-textured earth that holds moisture and nutrients well. Without much sand for drainage, the soil can become compacted, so gardeners should avoid walking on wet beds.

Steady Moisture in Leaner Soils

The organic matter content is 1.88%, which is below the Illinois average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity is 0.206 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. These soils are reliable at storing water, though they benefit significantly from added organic fertilizers.

Monitoring Moisture in Dense Earth

Specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not provided for this county. However, the high silt and clay levels indicate that water moves through the soil slowly but is retained efficiently. This profile helps plants withstand dry spells, provided the surface doesn't become too compacted.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 6b

As part of Zone 6b, Wayne County offers a generous window for gardening and farming. The soil is well-suited for traditional Midwestern crops, and its water retention is a major asset for summer gardening. Try planting heat-tolerant vegetables that can tap into the deep moisture reserves.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Wayne County Lawns

Wayne County faces a difficult lawn score of 56.1, making it one of the more challenging areas in the state for turf. The combination of high heat and severe drought in Zone 6b requires a dedicated maintenance schedule.

Extreme Heat and High Evaporation

Forty-four days of temperatures above 90°F put massive stress on lawns, despite the healthy 46.5 inches of annual rain. The 4412 growing degree days mean grass grows quickly but can also burn out without proper hydration.

Standard Clay with Low Acidity

The soil pH of 6.25 is slightly acidic, which may slow some nutrient uptake unless addressed with lime. A 19.5% clay content is relatively low for the region, which may help with drainage during the heavy rain months.

Critical Severe Drought Warning

Currently, 93.5% of the county is in severe drought (D2+), a significant stressor following 27 weeks of dry conditions this year. Residents should avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to reduce further stress on parched grass.

Choose Heat-Resistant Varieties

Lawns should be established shortly after the April 7 frost to beat the summer heat. Heat-tolerant fescues or hybrid bluegrasses are the best bets to survive the 44 extreme heat days and October 26 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Illinois has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Illinois?
Wayne County ranks #59 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,670, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Illinois is $53,107 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Illinois a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Illinois. 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.