Wayne County's composite score of 78.0 towers 56% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the most livable counties nationwide. This exceptional score reflects outstanding affordability despite economic constraints.
2 / 5
Wayne County leads its peers
Wayne County scores 78.0, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by 4 percentage points. It ranks in the upper echelon of Kentucky counties, demonstrating strong fundamentals despite rural challenges.
3 / 5
Housing and taxes nearly unbeatable
Wayne County's cost score of 88.8 and tax score of 86.0 are among the region's best, with median home values of just $121,700 and an effective tax rate of 0.578%. Rent averages a mere $666 monthly, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Kentucky.
4 / 5
Income is severely depressed
Wayne County's income score of only 10.8 reflects a median household income of $41,933, the lowest in this group and a significant constraint on resident purchasing power. Safety, health, schools, and water data are not yet available.
5 / 5
Best for ultra-budget-conscious residents
Wayne County suits retirees, remote workers, and those with alternative income sources who prioritize rock-bottom living costs above local job opportunities. The exceptional housing affordability and minimal tax burden make it viable only for those not dependent on local wages.
Wayne County's composite score of 78.0 towers 56% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the most livable counties nationwide. This exceptional score reflects outstanding affordability despite economic constraints.
Wayne County leads its peers
Wayne County scores 78.0, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by 4 percentage points. It ranks in the upper echelon of Kentucky counties, demonstrating strong fundamentals despite rural challenges.
Housing and taxes nearly unbeatable
Wayne County's cost score of 88.8 and tax score of 86.0 are among the region's best, with median home values of just $121,700 and an effective tax rate of 0.578%. Rent averages a mere $666 monthly, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Kentucky.
Income is severely depressed
Wayne County's income score of only 10.8 reflects a median household income of $41,933, the lowest in this group and a significant constraint on resident purchasing power. Safety, health, schools, and water data are not yet available.
Best for ultra-budget-conscious residents
Wayne County suits retirees, remote workers, and those with alternative income sources who prioritize rock-bottom living costs above local job opportunities. The exceptional housing affordability and minimal tax burden make it viable only for those not dependent on local wages.
Score breakdown
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🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.578% ranks among the nation's lowest-tax jurisdictions, well below the national median of 0.84%. At just $703 annually, Wayne County homeowners pay roughly one-quarter of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Lowest-taxed county in Kentucky
Wayne County's 0.578% effective rate is the lowest among Kentucky's 120 counties, dramatically below the state average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $703 is the smallest in the state, nearly 36% below Kentucky's median of $1,093.
Clear winner for tax-conscious buyers
Wayne County's 0.578% rate substantially undercuts every neighbor: Whitley County at 0.657%, Union County at 0.787%, Washington County at 0.716%, and Webster County at 0.985%. For those prioritizing low property taxes, Wayne County has no peer in the region.
Just $703 on median home value
The median Wayne County home, valued at $121,700, triggers approximately $703 in annual property taxes—the lowest median bill in Kentucky. With mortgage escrow included, costs rise to roughly $975 per year.
Even low assessments can be appealed
While Wayne County taxes are lowest statewide, homeowners shouldn't assume their assessment is accurate without review. An appeal costs nothing and may reveal additional savings or errors in your property record.
Wayne County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, revealing a county where housing costs squeeze household budgets. With a median household income of just $41,933 and monthly rent of $666, residents here struggle more than typical Americans to afford shelter.
Among Kentucky's most burdened
Wayne County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it among the state's most challenged housing markets. The burden reflects limited local income opportunities combined with housing costs that don't adjust downward accordingly.
Struggling harder than peers
Wayne County's 19.1% rent burden exceeds most neighbors, though Whitley (20.7%) and Wolfe (20.9%) face even tighter squeezes. At $41,933 median income, Wayne residents earn significantly less than neighbors in Union ($60,989) and Washington ($59,762) counties.
19% of limited income to rent
Wayne County residents allocate roughly $666 monthly—19.1% of a median household income of $41,933—to rent, leaving only $2,827 for all other expenses. Homeowners face lower absolute costs at $514 monthly, though median home values around $121,700 may still stretch local budgets.
Consider economic opportunities first
Wayne County's affordability challenge stems not from high rents but from limited income—a critical factor to evaluate before relocating. If considering this county, prioritize finding stable employment that justifies the move and eases the housing burden.
Wayne County's median household income of $41,933 falls $32,822 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 44% gap. This substantial shortfall places Wayne among America's lower-income counties, signaling structural economic challenges.
Among Kentucky's lowest-earning counties
Wayne County's $41,933 median income trails the state average of $55,909 by $13,976, ranking it in the bottom tier of Kentucky counties. Economic stagnation and limited job diversity characterize the local labor market.
Struggling alongside Whitley County
Wayne County ($41,933) nearly mirrors Whitley County ($41,719) in household income, both severely lagging regional peers like Union ($60,989) and Woodford ($80,006). This shared struggle suggests common challenges—population loss, limited opportunity, and dependence on declining industries.
Housing costs strain tight budgets
Wayne County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds affordability benchmarks in neighboring counties, indicating housing absorbs a growing share of limited income. The median home value of $121,700 remains accessible but burdensome for median-earning families.
Seek income growth and skill investment
Wayne County residents must prioritize education and vocational training to lift household earnings above the median and build long-term wealth. Even small regular savings and access to employer benefits can compound into meaningful financial security over time.
Wayne County's life expectancy of 72.7 years slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 71.4 years, yet its 28.9% poor or fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 21%. This gap reveals that while residents live roughly as long as Americans overall, many experience significant daily health struggles.
Below Kentucky average but stable
At 72.7 years, Wayne County's life expectancy sits just above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it near the middle of the state's health rankings. However, the 28.9% poor or fair health rate signals deeper health challenges that statistics alone don't capture.
Peer challenges demand attention
Wayne County's life expectancy trails healthier neighbors like Washington County (74.2 years) and Union County (73.3 years), though it exceeds Webster County (70.1 years). The county's 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide decent coverage, yet the high poor/fair health rate suggests barriers beyond just provider availability.
Below-average coverage, moderate access
Wayne County's 7.9% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, leaving about 1 in 12 residents without coverage. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers reasonable access, but uninsured residents may delay or skip preventive care that could improve health outcomes.
Coverage improves Wayne's health
Wayne County's 7.9% uninsured rate is a key barrier to the better health outcomes the county deserves—visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll in coverage today. Expanding insurance coverage opens doors to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management.
Wayne County's composite risk score of 54.68 ranks as Relatively Low but exceeds the national average for natural disasters. The county faces meaningful exposure to floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes despite moderate tornado risk.
Middle-of-pack risk among Kentucky counties
Wayne County's score of 54.68 sits above Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it in the riskier half of the state's counties. This positioning reflects above-average hazard exposure across most major threat types.
Riskier than southern neighbors, safer than north
Wayne County's score of 54.68 exceeds low-risk Washington County (16.73) and Wolfe County (18.54) to the west. However, it trails higher-risk Whitley County (62.21) to the east and Laurel County's similar profile.
Floods and hurricanes top Wayne's hazards
Flood risk of 51.15 and hurricane risk of 52.52 are Wayne County's primary concerns, reflecting its Appalachian position where mountain streams flood seasonally. Wildfire risk of 38.01 remains moderate but can threaten rural properties, especially in dry summers.
Prioritize flood and wildfire protection measures
Wayne County residents should secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if near streams or low-lying areas. Clear gutters and vegetation around your home to reduce wildfire risk, and consider fire-resistant roofing materials.