countyscore
50
County Score
Cost of Living 94.4Property Tax 85.9Soil Quality 60.2

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Missouri

An Average National Profile

Wayne County scores an even 50.0, matching the national median perfectly. It offers a standard quality of life that reflects the baseline for American county livability.

Almost Meeting State Standards

Wayne County's score of 50.0 is just a fraction behind the Missouri state average of 50.3. It remains a competitive option within the state, especially for those prioritizing affordability.

Elite Affordability and Minimal Taxes

Wayne County is one of the most affordable spots in the region with a cost score of 94.4 and median rent of $632. Its tax score of 85.9 is equally impressive, driven by a low 0.500% effective tax rate.

Low Incomes and Healthcare Access

The income score of 5.5 is very low, reflecting a median household income of $43,393. Healthcare is also a concern, with a health score of 21.5 indicating limited local resources.

Best for Retirees on a Budget

Wayne County is a premier destination for retirees or those on fixed incomes who need to stretch every dollar. The combination of extremely low taxes and cheap housing is its defining advantage.

Score breakdown

Tax85.9Cost94.4Safety22.9Health21.5Schools43.4Income5.5Risk33Water22.7Weather54.9
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.2
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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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 among lowest-tax U.S. areas

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.500% ranks in the bottom 10% of American counties, offering exceptional tax relief for homeowners. The median annual tax of just $565 is only 21% of the national median of $2,690.

Missouri's lowest effective tax rate

Wayne County's 0.500% rate is the lowest among the eight counties profiled and ranks in Missouri's bottom tier statewide. The county's median tax of $565 represents half the state median of $1,199, making it the most tax-friendly option in this comparison.

Lowest taxes in the south-central Ozarks

Wayne County's 0.500% rate is the lowest in its region, beating all nearby counties including Stone County (0.493%), Texas County (0.529%), and Washington County (0.576%). The county offers unmatched tax affordability for rural property owners.

A $113,100 home costs $565 yearly

The median Wayne County home valued at $113,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $565. With a mortgage, homeowners pay approximately $646, while those without mortgages pay around $532.

Double-check your property valuation

Wayne County homeowners should verify their assessments match fair market value, even in this low-tax environment. A free appeal with the county assessor can ensure you're not overpaying on an already-affordable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County's poverty pressures housing

Wayne County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio matches Stone County's strain, yet results from more severe economic hardship: a median household income of just $43,393—the lowest among these eight counties. Even the region's cheapest rent at $632 consumes a troubling share of already-scarce earnings.

Economic struggle meets modest rents

Wayne County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Missouri's worst, but its $632 median rent—the lowest statewide here—reflects the county's rural, economically challenged profile. The fundamental issue isn't housing cost; it's the county's $43,393 median income, lowest in this entire group.

Cheapest rents in the entire region

Wayne County's $632 median rent undercuts every peer here, making it the most affordable option for renters seeking minimum monthly costs. However, the county's $43,393 median income—$5,000 below Texas County's already-low figure—means affordability remains illusory for households struggling to find work.

Bargain housing, vanishing incomes

Renters in Wayne County pay the region's lowest rent at $632 monthly, and homeowners pay just $494—both extraordinary values—yet the $43,393 median household income remains the county's binding constraint. Housing costs consume 17.5% of gross income for renters and 13.7% for owners, but finding that income is the real challenge.

Cheapest housing masks deeper problems

Wayne County offers rock-bottom housing at $632 rent and $494 mortgages with home values under $115,000, tempting budget hunters. However, the county's median income of $43,393 signals serious economic distress—verify job prospects before relocating, as housing savings cannot offset scarcity of employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County faces severe income challenges

Wayne County's median household income of $43,393 is 42% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the steepest income gaps in the region. This substantial shortfall reflects limited employment opportunities and economic distress affecting most county families.

Missouri's lowest-income county profiled

Wayne County's $43,393 median income trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $16,110, placing it at the bottom of these county rankings. Per capita income of $24,091 falls 22% below the state average of $31,011.

Lowest earner in the profiled counties

Wayne County's $43,393 income ranks below all other counties—Texas County ($48,055) is the next-lowest, while other neighbors earn substantially more. This gap reflects Wayne County's isolation and reliance on agriculture and declining manufacturing.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% represents the highest burden in the county group, stretching household budgets despite low absolute costs. The median home value of $113,100 still represents a significant commitment for families earning $43,393.

Prioritize financial stability and support

Wayne County families face the tightest financial margins and should seek community financial literacy programs, employer benefits, and government assistance resources. Even small savings habits and reduced debt can meaningfully improve long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Total crime remains below national norms

Wayne County reports a total crime rate of 1967.4 per 100K, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a 96.9 safety score.

Wayne County mirrors state averages

The county's total crime rate of 1967.4 is very close to the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Two reporting agencies work to maintain a safety score that is just below the state's 97.0 average.

Higher crime than Washington County

Wayne County experiences more crime than nearby Washington County, which reports a lower rate of 1518.3. This highlights a more active crime environment in the local area.

Significant violent crime rates

Violent crime is unusually high at 613.7 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 1353.7 per 100K is much lower than the national rate of 2,015.7.

Invest in comprehensive home safety

Given the higher violent crime rate, residents should prioritize both personal and property security. Security systems with professional monitoring provide an essential layer of protection for local families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County's life expectancy well below average

Wayne County's life expectancy of 71.2 years falls 3.3 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 21.3% of residents report poor or fair health. This combination places Wayne County among America's communities facing the most severe health challenges.

Among Missouri's least healthy counties

Wayne County's 71.2-year life expectancy is 3.1 years below Missouri's 74.3 average, ranking it in the state's bottom tier. The 21.3% poor/fair health rate compounds the county's struggle, signaling widespread health burdens.

Struggling in a struggling region

Wayne County's 71.2-year life expectancy edges ahead of Washington County (69.7) but trails all other nearby counties, with Stone County (76.0) and Warren County (75.6) far ahead. At 21.3% poor/fair health, Wayne ranks among the region's worst.

Highest uninsured rate, struggling for access

Wayne County's 14.2% uninsured rate ranks among the highest in the region, above Missouri's 12.5% average, limiting healthcare access. Despite 46 primary care providers and 120 mental health providers per 100,000, uninsurance creates a significant barrier to care.

Getting covered is critical

With 14.2% uninsured and below-average life expectancy, Wayne County residents must prioritize health insurance enrollment through the Missouri marketplace or Medicaid. Coverage enables access to the county's available providers and supports preventive care to improve community health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Seven Schools for the Wayne Community

Wayne County operates a streamlined system of seven public schools within two districts, serving 1,599 students. The infrastructure is divided into three elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

High Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

Wayne County achieves a strong 93.1% graduation rate, beating the 87% national average. While spending is modest at $5,783 per pupil, the county's 52.5 school score is nearly identical to the Missouri state average.

Clearwater R-I and Greenville R-II Districts

Clearwater R-I is the larger district, serving 916 students, while Greenville R-II serves 683. The county relies entirely on these traditional public districts, with no charter schools established in the area.

Purely Rural and Personal Education

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering an average size of 228 students per campus. Clearwater Elementary is the largest school with 414 students, while Greenville High serves 214.

Enjoy Rural Living and Reliable Schools

Wayne County is perfect for families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with schools that consistently hit their graduation targets. Proximity to the Clearwater or Greenville districts is a top consideration for homebuyers in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County above national average risk

Wayne County scores 67.02 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating while exceeding the national average and positioning it in the higher tier of U.S. counties. The score reflects Wayne's Ozark location and exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly seismic and tornadic threats.

Elevated for Missouri standards

Wayne County's 67.02 composite score well exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it among the state's higher-hazard jurisdictions. This elevation reflects the county's Ozark geography and vulnerability to earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods.

Hotspot alongside Taney and Washington

Wayne County (67.02) sits within the intense Ozark risk cluster that includes Taney (84.03), Washington (67.78), and Stone (76.75). The county faces substantially higher exposure than neighboring Shannon and Oregon counties, marking the Ozark region as distinctly more hazardous.

Earthquakes dominate; floods secondary

Earthquake risk reaches 85.53—the county's dominant hazard and among the state's highest—while flood exposure hits 68.58, both reflecting Ozark seismic and hydrologic realities. Tornado risk (70.10) adds a third major threat, creating a complex and substantial disaster exposure profile.

Earthquake coverage non-negotiable

Wayne County's 85.53 earthquake score makes a separate earthquake endorsement or policy essential, not optional—standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Add flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage to create multi-layered protection against the county's earthquake, flood, and tornado trio.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Warm Southern Missouri

Wayne County averages 56.5°F annually, which is warmer than the national median and the Missouri average. It also experiences significant annual precipitation.

One of Missouri's Wettest

The county's 50.7 inches of rain far exceeds the state average of 43.8 inches. It also maintains a higher average temperature than the state mean of 54.9°F.

Frequent Heat and Rain

Wayne records 50 extreme heat days, double the count of many northern counties. This combination of heat and 50.7 inches of rain creates a very humid environment.

Intense Summers and Mild Snow

July averages 78.6°F, and heat persists for over 50 days above 90°F. Winters are relatively mild with only 8.9 inches of snowfall.

Prioritize Humidity Control

High-capacity air conditioning and dehumidifiers are vital to manage the 50 days of extreme heat. Homeowners should also ensure sump pumps are ready for the 50.7 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Entisols in Wayne

Wayne County's Entisols have a silty clay loam texture and a pH of 5.66. This acidic profile is lower than both the Missouri state average and the 6.5 national median, requiring lime for many garden favorites.

Well-Structured Silty Clay Loam

The soil consists of 50.6% silt and 12.7% clay, making it lighter than some of its clay-heavy neighbors. The 19.4% sand content contributes to its structure and earns it a well-drained classification.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

Wayne features a massive organic matter content of 14.73%, far exceeding the state average of 4.74%. Even with an available water capacity of 0.159 in/in, this organic richness supports extremely high fertility.

Reliable Drainage and Slow Infiltration

As a well-drained soil in hydrologic group C, it manages water quickly but has a slow infiltration rate when saturated. This makes it a reliable choice for both commercial agricultural use and residential development.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, the long summers are perfect for specialty crops that love rich, organic earth. Your soil is already packed with nutrients, so just a little pH adjustment can yield a massive bumper crop.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Wayne County

Wayne County faces the toughest lawn conditions in this group with a difficulty score of 45.2. This is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0, indicating that Zone 7a gardeners here must be highly proactive.

Extreme Heat and Evaporation

Extreme heat is the primary challenge, with 50 days hitting 90°F or higher. Although the county gets a generous 50.7 inches of rain, the 4,179 growing degree days accelerate moisture evaporation and stress the turf.

Acidic and Well-Drained Soils

The silty clay loam soil is well-drained but carries an acidic pH of 5.66. To support healthy turf, you will likely need to treat the soil to bring it closer to the 6.0 target and manage the 12.7% clay content.

Protecting Lawns in Severe Drought

The county is currently in a severe crisis, with 100.0% of the area in a D2+ drought stage. Following 30 weeks of drought, it is critical to limit foot traffic on dormant grass to prevent permanent damage to the crowns.

Prioritizing Heat Tolerance

Heat-loving Bermuda or Zoysia grasses are the most likely to survive Wayne County's intense summers. With the last frost typically passing by April 9th, you can start your lawn early to establish deep roots before the heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Missouri has a composite county score of 50 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 Missouri?
Wayne County ranks #61 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $565, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 85.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Missouri is $43,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Missouri a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Missouri. 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.