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Wayne County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#94 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
32.1
County Score
Water Quality 64.2Property Tax 58.3Weather & Climate 52

County Report Card

About Wayne County, North Carolina

Well Below National Benchmarks

Wayne County scores 32.1 overall, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. It faces substantial headwinds in safety and environmental resilience.

Struggling to Match State Averages

The county's 32.1 score sits more than 12 points below the North Carolina average of 44.7. It is one of the more challenged regions in the central-eastern part of the state.

Strong Water and Stable Taxes

Water quality is a highlight with a score of 64.2, and the tax score of 58.3 is respectable. The effective tax rate of 0.744% stays in a moderate range.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

Very low scores in safety (9.5) and risk (9.6) are major points of concern. School performance also lags behind with a score of 22.9, affecting long-term outlooks.

Best for Regional Connectivity

Wayne is a fit for individuals who need access to its central location and regional infrastructure while keeping tax costs moderate. It is a choice for those who prioritize utilities and tax stability.

Score breakdown

Tax58.3Cost38.5Safety9.5Health32.2Schools22.9Income33Risk9.6Water64.2Weather52
🏛58.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.1
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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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 slightly tops national tax norm

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.744% sits modestly above the national median of 0.712%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of counties nationwide. The median property tax of $1,210 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Wayne's more moderate median home value of $162,700.

Wayne exceeds North Carolina average

At 0.744%, Wayne's effective rate runs 6% above North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, positioning it among the state's moderately higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $1,210 falls below the state median of $1,433 due to lower home valuations in the county.

Wayne sits mid-range for the region

Wayne's 0.744% rate falls between Union's favorable 0.614% and Vance's 0.806%, placing it near the regional center. Compared to Western NC options like Watauga (0.415%), Wayne carries a noticeably higher tax burden.

A $162,700 home costs $1,210 yearly

The typical Wayne homeowner with a median-valued home of $162,700 pays approximately $1,210 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.744% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,373 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $935.

Assessment review protects your wallet

Wayne County homeowners should verify their assessments align with recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. Filing an appeal if your valuation seems inflated can result in lower taxes and meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne Balances Wages and Housing Well

Wayne County's median household income of $58,082 runs 22% below the national average, yet its 19.3% rent-to-income ratio stays relatively close to national norms. The $932 median rent reflects a small manufacturing and agricultural economy that has maintained rough balance between wages and housing costs.

Moderate Affordability in Eastern NC

Wayne County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% average, placing it in the middle range of this comparison. For a rural county with modest wages, Wayne demonstrates reasonable stability in the housing market.

Mid-Market Pricing, Mid-Market Wages

Wayne's $932 rent and $58,082 median income position it as the moderate option across Eastern North Carolina in this comparison. The county sits between rural affordability (Tyrrell, Warren) and rural strain (Washington, Vance), offering balance without premium or severe constraints.

Balanced Housing Burden Across Tenures

Wayne renters allocate $932 monthly (19.3% of income) while homeowners spend $903 (18.7%), both hovering near the 20% sustainability threshold. With median home values at $162,700, the county offers accessible homeownership for local wage earners.

Wayne Offers Eastern NC's Best Balance

Wayne County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio represents perhaps the best achievable balance in Eastern North Carolina—higher than affluent areas but more sustainable than severely strained counties. This county suits workers seeking stable, modest-cost living without extreme rural isolation or premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County trails national income

Wayne County's median household income of $58,082 is 22% below the national median of $74,755. The county's economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and regional trade, limiting high-wage opportunities.

Below North Carolina average

Wayne ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Carolina counties at $58,082, earning 5% less than the state average of $61,072. Manufacturing employment and agricultural heritage shape the county's economic profile.

Mid-tier earner in its region

Wayne's $58,082 exceeds rural counties like Vance ($46,943) and Watauga ($51,367) but trails the prosperity of Union and Wake counties. The county occupies a middle position economically within eastern and central North Carolina.

Reasonable housing affordability

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% indicates housing costs remain manageable for households near the median income. A median home value of $162,700 is achievable for households earning at or slightly above the county median.

Build steady financial progress

Wayne County households earning near the median have meaningful capacity to save and invest. Focus on employer retirement plans, automatic savings accounts, and diversified investments to steadily accumulate wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Crime Rates Exceed National Average

Wayne County reports a total crime rate of 2,831.1 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 95.5, indicating that the area faces more security challenges than the average U.S. county. Local authorities are focused on reducing these numbers to improve resident safety.

Trailing the North Carolina Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.5 is lower than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Additionally, the total crime rate of 2,831.1 is higher than the statewide average of 2,050.0. Seven reporting agencies are currently working to manage and report crime data for the county.

Comparing Wayne to Regional Safety Scores

Wayne County experiences significantly more crime than neighboring Wake County, which has an exceptionally low rate of 467.6. With 2,831.1 crimes per 100,000 people, Wayne faces a much different public safety landscape than its neighbor to the west. This regional disparity highlights the need for focused local security efforts.

Property Crime as a Major Concern

Property crime in Wayne County reaches 2,345.1, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 486.0 is also higher than the national benchmark of 369.8. These statistics suggest that theft and burglary are the most frequent issues facing the local community.

Steps to Improve Home Security in Wayne

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should prioritize home defense systems. Installing high-quality locks, security cameras, and alarm systems can act as a strong deterrent to burglars. Staying active in local neighborhood watch programs also helps create a safer environment for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County trails national health norms

Wayne County residents live 73.2 years, just below the U.S. average of 73.4 and 1.2 years below North Carolina's 74.4-year baseline. Nearly one in five (19.5%) report poor or fair health, suggesting moderate chronic disease burden and limited preventive care access. Wayne faces health challenges that require targeted intervention.

Below-average health outcomes for NC

Wayne's 73.2-year life expectancy ranks fourth from the bottom among the eight profiled counties, trailing North Carolina's average by 1.2 years. Its 19.5% poor/fair health rate sits in the middle-to-worse range, indicating both chronic disease burden and care access gaps. Wayne has room for substantial health improvement.

Moderate care infrastructure

Wayne's 51 primary care providers and 282 mental health providers per 100,000 residents place it in the middle tier—better than Warren (5 primary, 117 mental) and Washington (46 primary, 103 mental), but trailing Union (69 primary, 147 mental) and Watauga (79 primary, 524 mental). The mental health workforce is relatively strong, but primary care falls short of the state's healthiest counties. Workforce gaps compound access barriers.

Above-average uninsured rate

Wayne's 13.6% uninsured rate tops North Carolina's 12.5% average, meaning roughly 4,100 residents lack coverage. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000—less than Union's 69 or Watauga's 79—residents face both insurance and access constraints. Uninsured status and sparse primary care create dual barriers to preventive and routine care.

Make coverage your first priority

With 13.6% uninsured and limited primary care access, securing health coverage through Medicaid or Marketplace plans is essential for Wayne residents. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore your options. Coverage opens the door to preventive care that can prevent early mortality and reduce chronic disease burden.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Widespread School System

Wayne County manages a large education network of 35 public schools serving 18,850 students. The system is well-balanced with 14 elementary, 9 middle, and 9 high schools, plus 3 specialized facilities. Three different districts oversee this expansive educational infrastructure.

Educational Access and Opportunities

The county maintains an 81.0% graduation rate, while per-pupil spending is $6,828, which sits very close to the state average of $6,969. The school score of 48.4 is just below the state and national medians, suggesting a system with room for growth. These figures represent a large-scale effort to provide consistent education across a diverse population.

Major Districts and Charter Alternatives

Wayne County Public Schools is the largest district, serving 17,558 students across 33 schools. The county also provides charter options like Wayne Preparatory Academy, which serves over 1,000 students. Charter schools currently make up 5.7% of the total public education options in the area.

From City Centers to Rural Ridges

Wayne County offers a varied locale mix with 18 rural schools and 13 schools located within city limits. The average school size is 539 students, but high schools like Charles B Aycock and Southern Wayne serve over 1,000 students each. This diversity allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility.

Find Your Perfect Fit in Wayne County

With 35 schools to choose from, Wayne County offers an array of neighborhoods near diverse educational settings. Whether you prefer the city life of Goldsboro or a rural farmstead, there is a school to match your family's needs. Explore local homes to see how school proximity can enhance your lifestyle and property value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne ranks among nation's riskiest counties

Wayne County's composite risk score of 90.39 qualifies as Relatively Moderate but places it among the highest-risk counties in the nation. The county faces multiple serious natural disaster threats simultaneously.

Second-highest risk in North Carolina

Wayne's 90.39 score ranks second only to Wake County (95.55) among all North Carolina counties, far exceeding the state average of 66.72. Only a handful of counties nationwide face comparable overall exposure.

Riskier than all surrounding counties

Wayne (90.39) vastly exceeds every adjacent county in risk level, including Union (89.06) and Wake (95.55). The county's Coastal Plain position and proximity to major transportation corridors amplify exposure across multiple hazard types.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornados converge

Hurricane risk peaks at 96.54, flood risk at 89.28, and tornado risk at 89.89—Wayne faces extreme exposure across three categories. Earthquake risk of 73.79 adds a fourth significant concern rarely seen in this region.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Wayne residents must obtain flood insurance, verify windstorm/hail coverage on homeowners policies, and establish tornado shelter plans. The convergence of hurricane, flood, and tornado risks demands layered protection—no single policy covers all threats in this high-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Wayne County averages 63.3°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the U.S. national median. The county experiences a humid subtropical climate with a lengthy growing season.

One of North Carolina's warmer pockets

At 63.3°F, Wayne County sits well above the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It ranks among the warmer counties in the state's coastal plain region.

Warmer and wetter than its neighbors

The county is warmer than neighboring Wilson County by nearly 2 degrees. It also receives 52.3 inches of rain annually, slightly exceeding the state average of 51.5 inches.

Sultry summers and mild winters

The county faces 61 extreme heat days above 90°F every year, mostly during the 81.3°F July peak. Winters are gentle, averaging 46.3°F with only 2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and humidity control

High-efficiency air conditioning is essential to manage the two months of extreme heat. Residents can leave the heavy snow gear behind given the rare 2-inch winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Heart of the Coastal Plain

Wayne County has an average pH of 4.89, which is more acidic than both the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a defining characteristic of the coastal plain's mineral soils. It requires careful management to ensure that essential nutrients remain available for crops.

High Sand, Low Clay Mix

This county features some of the sandiest soil in the region at 68.6%, with only 10.0% clay and 19.6% silt. This extremely coarse texture means the soil is exceptionally easy to till and work. However, such high sand content also leads to rapid drainage and a high potential for nutrient leaching.

Modest Water Capacity

Wayne County’s organic matter is 3.13%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but lower than the NC state average. Its Available Water Capacity is 0.131 in/in, sitting just below the state benchmark of 0.134. A soil score of 25.8 indicates that the soil is capable but benefits from supplemental irrigation and feeding.

Rapid Drainage Challenges

While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, a 68.6% sand composition guarantees very rapid drainage across the county. This is excellent for preventing root rot but makes the land susceptible to drought during dry spells. Efficient irrigation systems are a staple for successful farming in this sandy environment.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, Wayne County is famous for its tobacco and vegetable production, benefiting from the warm climate and easy-to-work soil. Gardeners will find success with crops like corn and peppers that love the heat. With regular watering and organic mulches, your coastal plain garden will truly flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat Tests Wayne County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.1, Wayne County is a very challenging place to maintain a traditional lawn. Residents must navigate a harsh Zone 8a environment that is significantly more difficult than the national average.

Soaring Heat and Long Seasons

Wayne endures 61 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 38. Combined with 5,559 growing degree days, grass grows aggressively but faces massive stress from the sustained high temperatures.

Sandy Terrain and Acidic Conditions

The soil is 68.6% sand, the highest on this list, which can lead to very dry conditions and rapid nutrient loss. With a pH of 4.89, heavy soil conditioning and frequent fertilization are needed to support a healthy green lawn.

Battling Extreme Heat and Severe Drought

Wayne has spent 33 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+). In this heat, it is critical to keep mower blades sharp and high to avoid wounding the grass while it is under stress.

Early Season Success for Warm Turf

The long growing season begins early, with the last frost typically hitting on March 15th. Bermuda and Zoysia are the only practical choices for surviving the extreme 61-day heat cycles of a Wayne County summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 32.1 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 North Carolina?
Wayne County ranks #94 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,210, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 58.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, North Carolina is $58,082 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 33/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 32.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in North Carolina. 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.

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