55.2
County Score
Safety 94.8Soil Quality 79.9Lawn Care 75.6

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Indiana

Solidly Above the National Median

Wayne County earns a composite score of 55.2, placing it above the national median of 50.0. While it is competitive on the national stage, it falls just short of the Indiana state average of 55.9.

A Middle-Tier Indiana Performer

The county's 55.2 overall score keeps it in line with many of its rural neighbors. It operates as a stable, mid-range option within the Indiana landscape.

Unmatched Safety and Affordability

Public safety is a defining feature here, with a remarkable score of 94.8. Additionally, housing remains very accessible with a median home value of $126,100 and rents averaging only $813.

Navigating Economic and Climate Risks

Economic mobility is a hurdle as the income score sits at 29.3 with a median household income of $56,652. The county also faces environmental vulnerabilities, reflected in a risk score of 25.9.

A Haven for Frugal Living

Wayne County is best suited for retirees or remote workers who value extreme safety and low cost of living. It offers an incredible price point for those not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax47.4Cost54.5Safety94.8Health37.6Schools45Income29.3Risk25.9Water52Weather59.8
🏛47.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠54.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡94.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
37.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓45
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
25.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧52
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨79.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱75.6
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

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 far below national norm

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.873% sits well below the national median of $2,690 on a median home—homeowners here pay substantially less than the national average. At this rate, Wayne ranks in the lower half nationally, meaning residents enjoy lighter tax burdens than most Americans.

Higher than Indiana average, but not by much

Wayne County's 0.873% effective rate exceeds Indiana's 0.671% average by about 30%, placing it in the upper third of Indiana counties for tax burden. The county's median property tax of $1,101 is slightly below the state median of $1,199, reflecting modest differences in assessment practices.

Heaviest taxed among nearby counties

Wayne County residents pay notably more than neighbors in Wells County (0.511%) and White County (0.531%), but less than Whitley County (0.698%). With a median home value of $126,100, Wayne sits at the lower end of the regional property value range.

Expect about $1,101 annually

On a median home valued at $126,100, Wayne County homeowners pay roughly $1,101 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,162; without one, it drops to $970.

You might be overassessed

Many homeowners across Indiana, including Wayne County, discover they're paying taxes on inflated assessments and successfully appeal for reductions. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales, requesting a reassessment review could lower your annual bill.

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County rents squeeze tighter than nation

Wayne County residents spend 17.2% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average by over a percentage point. With a median household income of $56,652—about $18,000 below the U.S. median—housing costs take a steeper bite here than in most American counties.

Above Indiana's affordability average

Wayne County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's least affordable counties, above the state average of 15.6%. Only a handful of Indiana counties face higher housing cost burdens than Wayne.

Higher costs than surrounding counties

Wayne County's median rent of $813 undercuts the state average of $883, yet its rent-to-income ratio remains worse due to lower median incomes. Neighboring Wells County achieves a healthier 14.4% ratio despite similar rents, thanks to $13,000 higher median household income.

Rent and mortgage burden in Wayne

Renters pay $813 monthly while homeowners carry $836 in mortgage costs, both reasonable in absolute dollars but consuming a larger share of Wayne's $56,652 median household income. Housing costs consume roughly one-sixth of household budgets here, leaving less for savings, healthcare, and other necessities.

Consider Wayne for affordable homeownership

With median home values at $126,100—the lowest among these four counties—Wayne offers an entry point for first-time homebuyers despite income challenges. If your household earns near the state median, Wayne's housing market is worth comparing to pricier neighboring counties.

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County lags behind national income average

Wayne County's median household income of $56,652 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,103, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This 24% gap reflects broader economic challenges in the region compared to national prosperity trends. Understanding where your county stands helps context for local wage and job growth initiatives.

Below average among Indiana counties

Wayne County ranks below Indiana's state average median household income of $68,681, earning $12,029 less per household annually. The county's per capita income of $31,990 also falls short of the state's $34,773 average, suggesting fewer high-income earners concentrated here. This positions Wayne among Indiana's lower-income counties.

Wayne trails neighboring Indiana counties

Wayne County earns $13,089 less than Wells County ($69,741) and $9,491 less than White County ($66,143), both neighboring regions with stronger household earnings. Even compared to Whitley County just to the north at $75,790, Wayne lags by $19,138—a significant economic gap between adjacent communities. These disparities suggest job market and wage differences worth investigating.

Housing remains affordable on local wages

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is manageable and below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a healthy share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $126,100—the lowest among peer counties—homeownership remains accessible for many Wayne County households. However, the overall income level limits savings capacity for emergencies and wealth-building.

Building financial resilience in Wayne County

At a median household income of $56,652, Wayne County residents should prioritize emergency savings and retirement planning to weather economic shifts. Consider employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and low-cost index funds as foundational wealth-building tools. Local nonprofits and libraries often offer free financial literacy workshops—explore them to strengthen your economic future.

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Near-Zero Reported Crime in Wayne County

Wayne County reports an exceptionally low total crime rate of 1.5 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a safety score of 100.0. This is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000. Data from five reporting agencies suggests a very safe environment for the 2022 period.

Wayne Outperforms Indiana Safety Averages

The county's crime rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. Its perfect safety score of 100.0 is also higher than the state average of 98.9. This puts Wayne County among the most statistically safe counties in Indiana for the reported year.

A Statistical Haven Compared to Neighbors

Compared to surrounding counties, Wayne County's reported crime rate is a major outlier. While many neighboring areas report hundreds of incidents per 100,000, Wayne reports almost none. This creates a very different safety profile for Wayne residents than those across the county line.

Property Crime is Minimal, No Violent Crime

There were zero violent crimes reported in 2022, while the property crime rate was only 1.5 per 100,000. These rates are a tiny fraction of the national averages for violent crime (369.8) and property crime (2,015.7). In practical terms, crime was almost non-existent in the local reporting for that year.

Maintain Security Habits to Stay Safe

Even with such low reported crime, it is important to maintain basic home security. Simple actions like keeping entryways visible and using timers for lights can discourage any opportunistic activity. Continued community awareness is the best way to keep these numbers low.

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County's Health Gap

At 72.3 years, Wayne County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than four years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 18%, signaling persistent health challenges across the population.

Bottom Quarter in Indiana

Wayne County ranks near the bottom of Indiana's 92 counties for life expectancy, falling 2.8 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The county's 21.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Indiana's typical health profile, placing it among the state's least healthy communities.

Struggling Among Peers

Wayne County's 72.3-year life expectancy lags neighboring Wells County (76.7 years) by over four years and trails Whitley County (77.8 years) by 5.5 years. While the county matches the state average uninsured rate of 8.4%, it has fewer primary care providers (60 per 100K) than Wells County (46 per 100K would suggest comparable need despite lower provider density).

Healthcare Access Under Pressure

Wayne County's 8.4% uninsured rate matches the state average, but residents face notable provider shortages—60 primary care doctors per 100,000 people and just 504 mental health providers per 100,000, creating long wait times for both. Daily healthcare reality means some residents travel 30+ minutes for routine care or mental health support.

Find Your Health Coverage Now

If you're among Wayne County's uninsured, explore options through Indiana's health marketplace or Medicaid during open enrollment. Contact 211 Indiana or visit indy.gov/health to connect with coverage counselors who can walk you through your options at no cost.

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Wayne County

Wayne County supports 23 public schools, including 11 elementary and 6 high schools, across 6 different districts. This extensive infrastructure serves a total enrollment of 9,775 students, providing a range of options from early childhood through graduation.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county achieves a 94.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 92.6%. This success comes with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,512, which aligns with the Indiana state average of $5,507.

Richmond Community Schools Leads the County

Richmond Community Schools is the largest district, managing 10 schools and educating 4,526 students. While traditional districts serve most students, one charter school operates in the county, representing 4.3% of the total school landscape.

Town-Centered Learning with Manageable Sizes

With 17 schools located in town settings and 6 in rural areas, the county offers a predominantly community-focused feel. Schools range in size from Richmond High School with 1,332 students to smaller campuses that contribute to an overall average of 425 students.

Find a Home Near High-Performing Schools

Wayne County offers families a track record of academic success and a variety of school environments. Consider exploring homes in this area where high graduation rates and strong community districts make it a top choice for buyers with children.

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 74.11, Wayne County ranks as relatively low risk, but sits well above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This elevated exposure stems primarily from tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities that outpace typical U.S. patterns.

Highest-risk county in Northeast Indiana

Wayne County carries the highest composite risk score among Indiana's 92 counties, driven by a tornado risk of 90.74—substantially higher than the state average. Its elevation exposes residents to earthquake risks at 74.11, making it a regional outlier for natural hazard exposure.

Wayne County's risks dwarf surrounding areas

Neighboring Wells County (22.84) and Whitley County (24.59) face dramatically lower overall risk. Even White County, the region's second-riskiest, scores just 38.52—meaning Wayne's residents contend with nearly double the composite risk of their closest neighbors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate here

Tornado risk ranks highest at 90.74, making severe springtime storms a serious concern for property and life safety. Earthquake risk follows closely at 74.11, while flood exposure (79.68) rounds out the top three threats to homes and infrastructure.

Comprehensive coverage is essential for Wayne County

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake and flooding—both significant risks here. Consider adding separate earthquake and flood policies, plus reinforcing your home against high winds, and develop a tornado safety plan with your household.

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Humid Continental Climate

Wayne County's annual average temperature of 51.0°F sits just below the national median, reflecting a standard continental profile. This leads to cold winters and warm, humid summers typical of the American Midwest.

Cooler Than the Indiana Average

At 51.0°F, Wayne County is slightly cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Its location on the eastern border contributes to a climate that is more moderate than the state's southern reaches.

Standard Precipitation for the Region

The county records 42.9 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with the Indiana state average of 43.9 inches. This consistency supports the local environment without the extreme wetness found in the south.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 11 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. While local snowfall data is currently limited, the winter average of 29.4°F ensures a consistently cold season.

Focus on Year-Round Home Efficiency

With only 11 days of extreme heat, residents can focus more on insulation for the 29.4°F winters than on heavy-duty cooling. Ensure your heating system is reliable for the long cold stretches from December through February.

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity in eastern Indiana soils

Wayne County's soil averages a pH of 6.38, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5 and notably higher than the Indiana average of 6.08. While local taxonomic data is limited, this pH level creates a highly versatile environment for nutrient uptake. The county's overall soil score of 79.9 reflects a superior growing environment compared to the state average of 71.4.

A silt-dominant foundation for local farms

Silt makes up 54.7% of the soil profile, providing a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients effectively. With 22.6% sand and 20.9% clay, this mix offers a stable balance of structure and workability. This composition is ideal for retaining moisture without the heavy compaction risks of clay-heavy soils.

Reliable water storage and organic health

Organic matter sits at 3.60%, which is lower than the Indiana average of 4.90% but well above the national average of 2.0%. The soil features an available water capacity of 0.206 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark of 0.202 in/in. This combination ensures that crops have a steady supply of moisture during the humid Midwestern summers.

Understanding local water movement

While specific drainage classes are not currently mapped for this area, the high silt content suggests naturally moderate movement through the soil. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables to ensure proper foundation and root health. The high soil score indicates that the natural hydrology generally supports productive land use.

Thriving in hardiness zone 6a

The combination of high water capacity and balanced pH makes Wayne County excellent for growing corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. Gardeners in this 6a zone can start cool-season crops early thanks to the soil's reliable structure. Whether you are planting a home garden or managing acreage, these soils offer a strong competitive advantage.

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Wayne County

Wayne County earns a 75.6 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. This rating also edges out the Indiana state average of 71.0, providing a favorable environment for local homeowners in USDA zone 6a.

Mild Summers and Steady Rain

Residents benefit from 42.9 inches of annual rain, which fits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. Only 11 extreme heat days occur per year, which is nearly half the state average and reduces the risk of mid-summer turf dormancy.

Ideal pH Levels for Nutrient Intake

The local soil pH of 6.38 falls perfectly within the ideal window for nutrient absorption without heavy chemical intervention. While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced mix of 20.9% clay and 22.6% sand provides a stable foundation for root growth.

Moderate Drought Cycles to Monitor

Even though 84.4% of the county is currently abnormally dry, severe drought remains at 0% of the area. Homeowners should plan for supplemental watering during the 26 weeks of the year when conditions typically trend toward drought.

Start Strong with Cool-Season Turf

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this climate. Plan to seed after the last expected frost on April 27 to ensure young roots establish before the summer warmth arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Indiana has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Indiana?
Wayne County ranks #59 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,101, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Indiana is $56,652 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 29.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Indiana a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Indiana. 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.