countyscore
41.9
County Score
Cost of Living 80.4Property Tax 55Disaster Risk 44.4

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Mississippi

A low-cost but challenging profile

Wayne County's composite score of 41.8 falls below the national median of 50.0. While the county offers extreme affordability, it lags in the socio-economic metrics used to calculate overall livability. It represents a rural lifestyle where low costs are the primary draw.

Trailing the Mississippi norm

At 41.8, Wayne County scores below the state average of 48.4. It faces tougher economic conditions than many of its neighbors, particularly regarding household earnings. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi counties for overall quality of life.

Superior housing affordability

Wayne County excels in housing value with a Cost Score of 80.4 and a median home value of just $88,000. Tax burdens are moderate, with a Tax Score of 55.0 based on an effective rate of 0.779%. The Safety Score of 42.1 is respectable, providing a stable environment for residents.

Economic and infrastructure weaknesses

The Income Score of 1.4 highlights a critical lack of high-paying local jobs, with median household incomes at $36,791. Water quality and health outcomes also lag, scoring 27.9 and 12.3 respectively. These figures suggest that while living is cheap, essential services require more investment.

A haven for ultra-low-cost living

Wayne County is best suited for those who want to own a home for less than $90,000 and live a quiet, rural life. It appeals to people who are self-sufficient and can travel for specialized healthcare or higher-paying work. It is a niche choice for those prioritizing debt-free living over modern amenities.

204060801005580.442.112.3231.444.427.937.5Tax55Cost80.4Safety42.1Health12.3Schools23Income1.4Risk44.4Water27.9Weather37.541.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Wayne County DNA

Foverall

How Wayne County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wayne County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (1.4/100), though Cost of Living (80.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55
Cost
80.4+32.400000000000006
Safety
42.1-12.899999999999999
Health
12.3-37.7
Schools
23-31
Income
1.4-49.6
Risk
44.4
Water
27.9-30.1
Weather
37.5-18.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$88,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$88,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $36,791/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.2

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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Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
Median income: $69,841
41.9
Madison County
Indiana
Median income: $62,632
41.9
Bourbon County
Kansas
Median income: $67,555
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Daviess County
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Median income: $65,323
41.9
Manistee County
Michigan
Median income: $60,879
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Middlesex County
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Median income: $109,028
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Roosevelt County
New Mexico
Median income: $52,445
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Franklin County
Ohio
Median income: $73,795
41.9

Nearby counties

Clarke County
Mississippi
60.7
Jones County
Mississippi
40.7
Jasper County
Mississippi
53.9
Greene County
Mississippi
55
Choctaw County
Alabama
54.7
Washington County
Alabama
65.4
Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.8

Deep Dives

Wayne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wayne County

via TaxByCounty

Wayne County offers substantial tax savings

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.779% is well below the national median of 0.92%, resulting in a median annual property tax of just $686—about one-quarter of the national median of $2,690. This reflects both modest home values and a relatively favorable tax structure.

Slightly above Mississippi state average

Wayne County's 0.779% effective rate edges above the state average of 0.743%, placing it in the middle tier among Mississippi's 82 counties. It's higher than Union, Webster, and Winston but lower than the top-taxing counties.

Mid-range taxes for the south-central region

Wayne County's 0.779% rate falls between low-tax Union (0.576%) and Webster (0.574%) on one end and high-tax Warren (0.855%) and Wilkinson (0.862%) on the other. It positions homeowners competitively within the broader regional landscape.

Median Wayne home carries just $686 tax bill

The median Wayne County home, valued at $88,000, generates the lowest median annual tax of all eight counties at just $686. This affordability holds even with a mortgage (which raises it to $836) and makes the county attractive to retirees and first-time buyers.

Verify assessment to protect low taxes

Wayne County's already-modest tax burden makes assessment accuracy crucial to maintaining value. Check your assessment against recent comparable sales in your area and file an appeal if your home's assessed value appears out of line with market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County renters severely rent-burdened

Wayne County renters spend 25.6% of income on rent—more than double the national affordability standard of 12%. With median household income at just $36,791, this is Mississippi's most acute housing affordability crisis.

Worst affordability in Mississippi

Wayne County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all Mississippi counties, far exceeding the state average of 19.6%. At median rent of $786 against median income of $36,791, housing costs consume nearly a quarter of household earnings.

Severely burdened relative to region

Wayne County's 25.6% burden nearly doubles neighboring Winston County's 16.0% ratio and significantly exceeds Washington County's 23.5%. Among all eight counties surveyed, Wayne faces the harshest housing cost pressures on the lowest incomes.

Homeownership provides relief

Wayne County homeowners pay just $499 monthly versus renters at $786—a $287 gap that makes purchase attractive despite median home values of $88,000. However, with median household income at $36,791, even homeownership leaves little budget flexibility.

Wayne County: time to explore options

Wayne County residents should seriously compare relocation to counties like Webster (12.4% burden) or Winston (16.0%), where the same income stretches much further. Moving 40 miles to a better-positioned county could mean $150+ monthly rent savings for working families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County among lowest-earning nationally

Wayne County's median household income of $36,791 places it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties, sitting 51% below the national median of $74,755. Even compared to Mississippi's low state average of $48,514, Wayne County lags by 24%, indicating severe economic distress.

Among Mississippi's poorest counties

Wayne County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, with only a handful earning less than its $36,791 median. This position reflects limited employment opportunities, population decline, and historically low wage structures across the region.

Lowest income in this peer group

Wayne County's $36,791 income is the second-lowest among these eight counties, with only Wilkinson County ($35,930) earning less. The gap to Webster County ($59,964) exceeds $23,000, one of the largest disparities in the group.

Housing costs create critical squeeze

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.6% means households dedicate more than one-quarter of earnings to housing, well above the 30% affordability ceiling and limiting resources for food, healthcare, and other essentials. The median home value of $88,000 remains challenging on a $36,791 income.

Start small with financial resilience

Wealth-building on a limited income requires discipline: prioritize paying off high-interest debt first, then save even $25 monthly into a separate account for emergencies. Many communities offer free financial literacy programs—use them to maximize every earned dollar.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Safety Score Below National Benchmarks

Wayne County maintains a safety score of 97.9, supported by a total crime rate of 1,310.7 per 100,000. While the total rate is lower than the national 2,385.5, violent crime exceeds the national average.

Wayne County Trails the State Average

The county's safety score of 97.9 falls below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Additionally, its violent crime rate of 374.5 is more than double the state average of 149.2.

Comparing Rates With Nearby Counties

Wayne County's total crime rate of 1,310.7 is higher than neighbor Walthall County, which sits at 842.4. Local officials from two agencies provide the data for these regional comparisons.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Levels

Wayne County reports 374.5 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, slightly topping the national average of 369.8. Property crime is much lower than the national trend, sitting at 936.2 compared to 2,015.7.

Prioritize Personal and Home Safety

Since violent crime rates are higher than the national average, residents should remain aware of their surroundings. Investing in home security and participating in community watch programs can help improve local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Eight-School System

Wayne County's educational landscape consists of eight public schools serving 2,900 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools and three high schools, all managed under one central district.

Strong Investment Yields Competitive Results

The 86.0% graduation rate is highly competitive, sitting just 1.1% below the state average. The county prioritizes education spending at $6,174 per pupil, significantly outpacing the Mississippi average of $5,954.

Wayne County School District Hub

The Wayne County School District serves as the sole educational authority for the region's 2,900 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all local investment stays within the traditional public school system.

Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

The county features five schools in town locales and three in rural areas, offering a balanced geographic mix. Wayne County High School is the largest site with 840 students, nearly double the county-wide average school size of 483.

Settle Near High-Spending Schools

Wayne County's above-average per-pupil investment makes it a compelling choice for families seeking well-funded public education. Explore residential options near the town centers to be close to the county's largest educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County shows moderate risk

Wayne County's composite risk score of 55.66 places it in the relatively low range and slightly above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. While not among the state's most dangerous counties, Wayne does face notable hazard exposure in several categories.

Slightly above-average risk in state

Wayne County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties for natural disaster risk, sitting just above the state median. This positioning reflects more hazard exposure than the safest counties but considerably less than Mississippi's most at-risk areas.

Riskier than Webster, safer than Warren

Wayne County's risk profile sits between its contrasting neighbors: Webster County (12.60) ranks among Mississippi's safest, while Warren County (86.29) faces far greater threats. This middle positioning makes Wayne a moderate-risk county regionally.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are primary threats

Wayne County residents face the state's highest hurricane risk (89.24), which drives much of the county's overall hazard exposure, combined with moderate tornado risk (71.22). Wildfire exposure (56.90) is elevated, while flood (42.97) and earthquake (53.91) risks remain secondary.

Hurricane coverage is essential

Given Wayne County's exceptional hurricane risk score of 89.24, homeowners must ensure their policies include comprehensive wind and water damage coverage. Consider a separate windstorm policy if standard homeowners insurance limits wind damage, and verify tornado coverage given the county's 71.22 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wayne County

via WaterByCounty

Wayne County Faces Failing Grade

An F grade reflects 16 health violations recorded in Wayne County over the past five years. The violation rate of 76.7 per 100,000 residents is approaching the high state average of 92.1.

Watershed Assessments Currently Missing

Federal Clean Water Act assessments are not yet available for Wayne County's watershed. The EPA ATTAINS portal does not currently list impairment percentages or top contaminants for this area.

Focus on Microbiological Monitoring

Monitoring efforts across 11 sites have produced 1,599 measurements recently. Field teams prioritize physical properties and microbiological data to track the biological health of the county's water supply.

Chickasawhay River Rising Above Normal

The Chickasawhay River near Waynesboro is flowing at 3,500 cfs, which is 131% of its typical mean. This increased volume follows the long-term trend of 2,668 cfs, indicating higher than average runoff.

Immediate Action on Water Compliance

Wayne County's failing grade and frequent microbiological monitoring suggest that residents should use high-quality water filters. Elevated streamflow can also increase sediment, potentially impacting the efficiency of local treatment plants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

The Toasty Climate of Southeast Mississippi

Wayne County’s annual average temperature of 65.2°F is significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical region receives 61.5 inches of rain, contributing to a lush, forested environment.

Among the State’s Warmest Regions

Averaging 65.2°F, Wayne County is warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its location in the southeast makes it a hotspot for both temperature and annual precipitation.

Hotter and Wetter than Central Counties

Wayne County is about three degrees warmer on average than Webster County to the north. It also receives 61.5 inches of rainfall, which is several inches more than the Delta counties receive.

The Peak of Mississippi Summer

The county endures a staggering 87 extreme heat days annually, the highest among its regional peers. Winters are exceptionally mild, with a 49.4°F average and a negligible 0.3 inches of snowfall.

Cooling is the Top Priority

With 87 days above 90°F, residents must have highly reliable HVAC systems and secondary cooling options. The 61.5 inches of rain also necessitates consistent maintenance of roof shingles and home siding.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols of the Piney Woods

Wayne County is dominated by Entisols, soils that show little to no profile development, with an acidic pH of 5.19. This matches the general trend of Mississippi’s acidic coastal plain, sitting well below the national 6.5 median.

Dominantly Sandy and Fast-Draining

The soil is 59.0% sand, categorized as a fine sand texture with only 13.8% clay. This creates a very loose, workable ground that allows roots to penetrate easily but offers very little natural resistance to water flow.

Surprising Organic Matter in Sandy Earth

Wayne County holds a respectable 1.84% organic matter, which is higher than the state average. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.139 in/in, meaning plants may struggle during hot, dry periods without supplemental water.

Somewhat Excessively Drained Landscape

Classified as Hydrologic Group A, these soils drain rapidly, which is ideal for construction but challenging for moisture-loving crops. The 'somewhat excessively drained' status means that nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains.

Thriving Pine and Native Crops

In zone 8b, the sandy Entisols are perfect for timber production and native plants like longleaf pine. Home gardeners should look toward drought-tolerant herbs and native wildflowers that can handle the fast-draining, sandy conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Difficulty in Wayne

Wayne County has a difficulty score of 17.8, representing a very challenging environment for lawn maintenance. It falls dramatically short of the state average (30.9) and the national median (50.0). Growing a green lawn here requires high attention to soil and irrigation.

Eighty-Seven Days of Scorching Heat

The county faces 87 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 73. While 61.5 inches of rain falls each year, the intense heat and sandy soil make it hard for plants to stay hydrated. Mowing should be kept high to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Fast-Draining Fine Sand Foundation

With 59.0% sand and a 'Somewhat excessively drained' class, water and nutrients leave the root zone rapidly. The pH is also quite low at 5.19, well below the 6.0 target for healthy turf. Frequent, light fertilization and lime applications are essential to keep grass fed.

Surviving Half a Year of Drought

Wayne County endured 26 weeks of drought over the past year, the equivalent of six months. Currently, 54.2% of the county is abnormally dry, which is a major concern given the fast-draining sandy soil. Smart irrigation is the only way to keep a lawn alive during these frequent dry spells.

Planting for Success in Zone 8b

Choose St. Augustine or Centipede grass for their ability to handle both the heat and sandy conditions. The best time to start is after the March 17 frost date, once the soil has warmed. Use organic mulch or amendments to help the sand hold onto moisture longer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Mississippi?
Wayne County ranks #63 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $686, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 55/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Mississippi is $36,791 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Mississippi. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.