countyscore
25.6
County Score
Lawn Care 72.1Water Quality 69.7Soil Quality 57.5

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Michigan

Wayne County Ranks in the Bottom Tier Nationally

With a composite score of 25.6, Wayne County performs significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This placing reflects deep systemic challenges compared to counties across the United States.

Far Below the Michigan State Average

Wayne's 25.6 score trails the Michigan state average of 47.1 by more than 20 points. As the state's most populous county, its low ranking highlights a significant gap in service and quality metrics.

Stability in Water and Health Systems

The county finds its strongest footing in water quality and health, scoring 69.7 and 52.6 respectively. These dimensions provide a foundation of essential services even as other metrics struggle.

Critical Risks and High Taxation

The county faces a critical risk score of 1.0 and a low safety score of 4.7. Economic pressure is also high, with a 1.642% effective tax rate and a tax score of only 8.6.

The Verdict: Best for Urban Resilience

Wayne County suits those committed to urban centers who can navigate high taxes and significant safety risks. It remains a core hub for people who value specific metro amenities despite the low overall composite score.

Score breakdown

Tax8.6Cost26.6Safety4.7Health52.6Schools30.6Income37.5Risk1Water69.7Weather53.5
🏛8.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.1
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

Oakland County
Michigan
43.7
Monroe County
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43.1
Macomb County
Michigan
37.3
Washtenaw County
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Livingston County
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St. Clair County
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Ottawa County
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Lucas County
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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 the national middle ground

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 1.642% sits above the national median of 1.03%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile for property tax burden nationally. However, the median property tax of $2,794 is nearly identical to the national median of $2,690, thanks to Wayne's lower median home values of $170,200.

Wayne exceeds Michigan's statewide average

Wayne County's 1.642% effective rate is 41% higher than Michigan's state average of 1.166%, though its median property tax of $2,794 is only 33% above the state median of $2,102. This reflects Wayne's higher tax rate on relatively modest home values.

Wayne sits between Washtenaw and Wexford

Wayne County homeowners pay $2,794 in median property taxes—substantially less than Washtenaw County ($5,505) but significantly more than Wexford County ($1,868). Wayne's effective rate of 1.642% is actually the highest among the three counties, but lower home values keep total tax bills moderate.

What a Wayne County homeowner actually pays

The median Wayne County home valued at $170,200 generates an estimated $2,794 in annual property taxes at the current 1.642% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $3,315 annually, while those without mortgages pay roughly $2,286.

Check if you're overassessed and appeal

Many Wayne County homeowners are paying taxes based on outdated or inflated assessments—studies show 20-30% of properties are overvalued. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, you can file an appeal and potentially recover thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County faces steep housing burden

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% significantly exceeds the national benchmark and ranks among the least affordable U.S. counties relative to earnings. While the median household income of $59,521 falls 20% below the national average of $74,755, housing costs here claim nearly a quarter of income—a strain amplified by lower wages.

Michigan's affordability challenge

Wayne County's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the three counties analyzed and substantially above Michigan's 16.3% state average. At $1,087 monthly median rent—24% above the state median of $873—Wayne residents face a genuine affordability crisis relative to statewide peers.

Wayne rents fall between peers

Wayne County's $1,087 median rent is lower than Washtenaw's $1,400 but higher than Wexford's $877, positioning it in the middle of the three-county comparison. However, Wayne's lower median income of $59,521 means this housing cost represents a larger burden than in wealthier Washtenaw.

Wayne County's tight housing squeeze

Monthly housing costs run $1,087 for renters and $990 for homeowners on a median home value of just $170,200, yet these figures consume 21.9% of the $59,521 median household income. This leaves Wayne households with limited financial flexibility and reflects a fundamental mismatch between local wages and housing demand.

Moving to Wayne? Plan your budget carefully

Relocating to Wayne County requires acknowledging that $1,087–$990 in monthly housing costs will occupy roughly 22% of a median household income of $59,521. Prospective residents should compare Wayne's lower home values ($170,200 median) and rents against more affordable counties like Wexford, or weigh the housing burden against Wayne's proximity to Detroit's employment centers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne lags behind national average

Wayne County's median household income of $59,521 falls 20% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects post-industrial economic challenges that have affected the county's traditional manufacturing base and overall wage competitiveness.

Below Michigan's already modest average

Wayne County's $59,521 median income trails Michigan's state average of $64,304 by nearly $5,000 per household. While Wayne includes Detroit and its metro area, the county's income ranks in the lower half of Michigan's 83 counties.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Wayne County earns $27,635 less than Washtenaw County ($87,156) and $3,602 less than Wexford County ($63,123). The income disparity reflects Detroit's concentration of lower-wage service and retail jobs, contrasting sharply with Washtenaw's education and tech sectors.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Wayne County's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability danger zone, meaning renters dedicate roughly one-fifth of income to housing alone. With a median home value of $170,200, homeownership remains more accessible than in wealthier counties, but affordability pressures persist across the county.

Prioritize savings despite tight budgets

Wayne County residents earning near the median should prioritize building emergency savings before investing, given tighter household finances. Even small automated transfers to savings accounts—5-10% of income—create a financial cushion and can eventually seed longer-term wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Faces Public Safety Challenges

With 3,583.2 total crimes per 100,000 people, Wayne County exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 94.3, reflecting a higher volume of reported incidents than many other regions.

Ranking Below the State Average

Wayne County’s safety score of 94.3 is the lowest among its peers and trails the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 3,583.2 is more than double the statewide average of 1,371.8 per 100,000 residents.

Highest Crime Rate Among Neighbors

Wayne County’s crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Washtenaw (1,919.6) and Wexford (1,939.8). The 47 reporting agencies in the county manage a volume of crime that is nearly double that of its immediate western neighbors.

Elevated Violent and Property Crimes

Violent crime in Wayne County is 968.2 per 100,000 residents, nearly triple the national rate of 369.8. Property crime also remains high at 2,615.0, necessitating robust community safety initiatives and personal vigilance.

Enhancing Your Personal Security

Active home monitoring and community watch programs are vital in an area with 2,615.0 property crimes per 100,000 people. Taking small steps like reinforcing entry points can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne faces significant health challenges

Wayne County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of the U.S. average and reflects substantial health disparities within the county. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report being in poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, signaling widespread healthcare strain.

Among Michigan's lowest-ranked counties

Wayne County's life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 3.4 years, ranking it among the state's most health-challenged communities. This gap reflects decades of economic transitions, healthcare access barriers, and concentrated poverty across the county.

Significantly behind surrounding counties

Wayne residents live nearly 8 years fewer than those in Washtenaw County (80.5 years) and 2 years less than Wexford County (74.9 years). With only 70 primary care providers per 100,000 people, Wayne faces critical shortages that limit preventive care availability.

Coverage gaps and provider shortage

Wayne's 5.7% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's average, leaving thousands without regular healthcare access amid a severe provider drought. Mental health services are equally strained, with just 365 providers per 100,000 residents, creating long waits for critical care.

Finding coverage starts here

If you're uninsured, applying for Medicaid or marketplace insurance is your fastest path to care—Wayne residents qualify at higher rates. Visit michigan.gov/mdhhs or call 1-855-789-5604 to explore no-cost or low-cost plans available to you today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Michigan's Largest and Most Diverse School System

Wayne County operates a massive network of 566 public schools serving 257,765 students across 134 districts. The landscape is dominated by 319 elementary and 128 high schools, reflecting the high density of this metropolitan region.

Investing in Education Across the Metro Region

The county's graduation rate of 81.7% sits just below the state average of 82.5% and the national mark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure matches the state closely at $7,351, though it trails the national median investment of $13,000.

Detroit Schools and a Strong Charter Presence

Detroit Public Schools Community District is the largest provider with 48,251 students, followed by Dearborn City Schools with nearly 20,000 students. Charter schools play a major role here, making up 27.0% of all schools with 153 individual campuses.

Large Urban Campuses and Suburban Centers

Education in Wayne County is split almost evenly between 283 city schools and 278 suburban campuses, with very few rural options. While the average school size is 471, flagship institutions like Northville High School serve nearly 2,500 students.

Find Your Ideal Neighborhood and School Match

With over 100 districts to choose from, Wayne County offers an unparalleled variety of educational paths for every family. Start your home search by comparing district performance and charter options to find the best fit for your student.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County faces elevated disaster risk

Wayne County's composite risk score of 98.95 places it well above Michigan's state average of 49.56, earning a relatively high risk designation. This score reflects nearly double the state baseline and signals significant exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Michigan's highest-risk county

Wayne County ranks as one of Michigan's most hazard-prone communities with a composite score of 98.95 compared to the state average of 49.56. The county faces compounded risk from both frequent natural events and geographic vulnerability that set it apart across the state.

Wayne towers above surrounding counties

Wayne County's 98.95 risk score dramatically exceeds Washtenaw County's 89.28 and Wexford County's 33.91, making it clearly the highest-risk jurisdiction in this comparison. This elevated position reflects the county's unique exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Tornadoes and floods threaten daily

Tornado risk reaches 99.49 and flood risk hits 99.40—the highest scores for these hazards in this county comparison—making them Wayne's defining natural threats. Earthquake risk at 94.66 also presents above-average exposure, creating a triple threat landscape that demands serious preparation.

Multi-layered protection is non-negotiable

Wayne County residents must secure flood insurance (risk 99.40), earthquake coverage, and tornado safety features given their exceptionally high exposure. Bundle these protections with emergency supplies, a family evacuation plan, and a reinforced safe space to meaningfully reduce risk in Michigan's highest-hazard county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Michigan's Warmest Metropolitan Climate

Wayne County averages 50.1°F, making it one of the few Michigan counties to cross the 50-degree threshold. While still below the national median, it represents the warmer end of the humid continental spectrum.

Leading the State in Heat

At 50.1°F, Wayne County is significantly warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It frequently ranks as the warmest or near-warmest county in the entire state.

Warmer Than All Direct Neighbors

Wayne's 50.1°F average surpasses Washtenaw (48.3°F) and St. Clair (47.9°F). The urban heat island effect likely contributes to these higher temperatures compared to more rural neighbors.

The State's Hottest Summer Highs

The county records 15 extreme heat days over 90°F, more than any other county in this group. July is warm at 73.6°F, while winter remains milder than the state average with 39.3 inches of snow.

Prioritize Cooling and Moderate Snow

Reliable air conditioning is vital to handle the frequent 90°F summer days. Winter drivers should still prepare for nearly 40 inches of snow despite the slightly warmer 28.1°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Wayne's Young Entisol Soils

Wayne County is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with a pH of 6.10. This pH level is more alkaline than the state average of 5.30 but remains below the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score of 57.5 sits just below the Michigan state average of 60.5.

Loamy Sand Textures Dominant

The soil is classified as a loamy sand, consisting of 56.3% sand and a modest 10.1% clay. This high sand content provides excellent workability, making the soil easy to till even for beginner gardeners. The 19.9% silt content helps provide some necessary smooth texture and structural integrity.

Moderate Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter in Wayne County averages 5.26%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.202 in/in. Growers often find that adding compost helps improve the soil's ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Navigating Somewhat Poor Drainage

The soil is categorized as somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group A/D. This means that despite the high sand content, the local water table or landscape position can lead to periods of saturation. Builders and farmers must account for these drainage patterns when planning infrastructure or crop cycles.

Urban Gardening in Zone 6b

Residing in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Wayne County offers a slightly warmer climate for extended growing seasons. The loamy sand texture is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like carrots and radishes that prefer loose soil. Start your urban garden today to make the most of this workable Michigan earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Wayne County Leads in Lawn Ease

Wayne County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 72.1, making it one of the easiest places in the state to grow a lush yard. This score far exceeds both the Michigan average of 60.1 and the national baseline of 50.0.

Warm Summers Drive the Mowing Schedule

With 3,018 growing degree days and 15 days above 90°F, Wayne County experiences more heat than most of Michigan. This warmer climate accelerates grass growth but demands consistent irrigation to offset the 33.9 inches of annual rainfall.

Loamy Sand with Slow Drainage

The soil features a loamy sand texture with a pH of 6.10, which is nearly perfect for most residential turf types. Because the land is classified as somewhat poorly drained, homeowners should avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in the 10.1% clay subsoil.

Staying Green Through Dry Shifts

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, following 15 weeks of drought over the past year. To conserve water while maintaining color, keep your mower deck high to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Seizing the 6b Growing Season

Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a robust selection of fine fescues and perennial ryegrass. Start your lawn projects after April 27th to ensure young sprouts aren't nipped by the final spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Michigan has a composite county score of 25.6 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 Michigan?
Wayne County ranks #83 among all counties in Michigan 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, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $2,794, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Michigan is $59,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Michigan a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 25.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Michigan. 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.