countyscore
62.5
County Score
Cost of Living 88.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 77.5

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Kentucky

Exceeding National Standards

Wayne County earns a composite score of 63.0, comfortably outpacing the national median of 50.0. This high score is driven primarily by its exceptional affordability and low tax burden.

Stronger than the State Average

The county's 63.0 score sits above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It distinguishes itself by offering a cost of living that is much lower than the state's urban centers.

Exceptional Value and Low Taxes

With a cost score of 92.0 and a tax score of 76.9, Wayne County is one of the most affordable places to live in the region. Median gross rent is a mere $666, and the effective tax rate is a low 0.578%.

Economic and Health Headwinds

Income remains the biggest hurdle with a score of 4.3, reflecting a median household income of $41,933. Health outcomes also lag behind with a score of 30.3, suggesting a need for better wellness infrastructure.

Great for Living on a Budget

Wayne County is best suited for individuals on a fixed income or those looking to maximize their purchasing power. Your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere else in the state.

2040608010077.588.869.430.353.36.445.38668Tax77.5Cost88.8Safety69.4Health30.3Schools53.3Income6.4Risk45.3Water86Weather6862.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Wayne County DNA

Doverall

How Wayne County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wayne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.8/100) but notably weak in Income (6.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.5+25.5
Cost
88.8+40.8
Safety
69.4+14.400000000000006
Health
30.3-19.7
Schools
53.3
Income
6.4-44.6
Risk
45.3
Water
86+28
Weather
68+12
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,739/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Russell County
Kentucky
65.1
Clinton County
Kentucky
70.8
Pickett County
Tennessee
69.3
McCreary County
Kentucky
69.8
Pulaski County
Kentucky
58.6
Scott County
Tennessee
58.1
Cumberland County
Kentucky
72.7
Fentress County
Tennessee
55.7

Deep Dives

Wayne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wayne County

via TaxByCounty

Wayne County offers Kentucky's lowest rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County faces significant income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County remains highly secure

Wayne County holds a strong safety score of 98.9, indicating a very safe environment compared to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 717.0 per 100,000 residents is less than one-third of the national average.

Consistent with Kentucky safety standards

The county's crime rate of 717.0 sits just below the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.9 slightly edges out the state average score of 98.8, reflecting steady local safety.

Regional comparison shows moderate crime

Wayne County experiences more crime than nearby Whitley County, which has a lower rate of 368.3 per 100,000. However, it still maintains a more favorable profile than larger urban hubs in the region.

Analyzing the local crime mix

Property crimes make up 620.4 of the total incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crimes occur at a rate of 96.6. Both figures remain substantially lower than their respective national benchmarks.

Security habits for Wayne County residents

Property theft is the most common local concern, so residents should secure sheds and garages. High-quality deadbolts and neighborhood watch participation help keep Wayne County’s crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Wayne County’s Subtropical Climate Context

Wayne County averages 56.4°F annually, sitting slightly above the national median for a humid subtropical zone. The area receives 52.5 inches of precipitation, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Averages

The county's 56.4°F average temperature is just above the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also records 52.5 inches of annual rain, outpacing the state mean of 50.6 inches.

Comparing Wayne to its Kentucky Neighbors

Wayne is nearly a full degree warmer on average than neighboring Whitley County, which sits at 55.6°F. It also experiences 24 extreme heat days per year, four more than Whitley.

Balancing Summer Heat and Winter Snow

Summers are warm with a 74.5°F average and 24 days topping 90°F. Winters bring an average of 37.7°F and a total of 14.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Preparing for Humidity and Heavy Rainfall

With 52.5 inches of annual rain, residents should focus on gutter maintenance and effective yard drainage. The 24 extreme heat days require reliable cooling systems to combat the 76.0°F July average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Wayne County's Acidic Soil Profile

Wayne County has an average pH of 5.49, making it significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and the state average of 5.8. Gardeners often need to apply lime to bring these soils into a more productive range for standard vegetables.

Higher Sand for Better Aeration

With 26.5% sand, this soil is more aerated and workable than many of its neighboring counties. It is balanced by 53.2% silt and 20.2% clay, a mix that provides decent structure while allowing for easier root penetration.

Managing Fertility in Sandy Loams

The Available Water Capacity of 0.181 in/in is slightly below the Kentucky average of 0.186. Organic matter sits at 2.28%, which is higher than the national average but requires consistent additions to reach the state benchmark of 3.55%.

Understanding a Lower Soil Score

A soil score of 46.2 indicates that Wayne County ground is less naturally productive than the state average of 56.2. The higher sand content improves drainage but means that nutrients and water may leach away more quickly.

Warm Seasons in Zone 7a

Despite the lower soil score, Hardiness Zone 7a offers a robust environment for heat-loving crops like peppers. Adding compost and adjusting the pH can turn a Wayne County backyard into a flourishing garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Wayne County Landscape

Wayne County's lawn difficulty score of 60.8 is higher than the national average but slightly more demanding than the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Situated in Zone 7a, the region offers a reliable growing season for homeowners who stay on top of soil health.

Cooler Temperatures and High Rainfall

Annual precipitation reaches 52.5 inches, exceeding the state average and providing ample water for thirsty lawns. With only 24 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces less summer stress than in many other parts of the state.

Addressing High Soil Acidity

The soil pH of 5.49 is notably acidic, which can stunt grass growth and limit nutrient uptake if not treated with lime. However, the sand content of 26.5% is higher than many neighboring counties, which generally aids in better drainage for the root zone.

Monitoring Dry Pockets

Currently, 8.2% of Wayne County is classified as abnormally dry, though the county only saw six weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and preserve the moisture provided by the generous 52.5 inches of rain.

Optimal Timing for Wayne County

With a last spring frost around April 18th and 4,014 growing degree days, the window for establishment is wide. Tall Fescue is the recommended choice here, as it can withstand the acidic soil conditions better than most other varieties once established.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.5 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 Kentucky?
Wayne County ranks #40 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $758, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Kentucky is $45,739 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Kentucky. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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