CountyScore

Wayne County

Nebraska · NE

#31 in Nebraska
73.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Nebraska

Wayne County ranks among top U.S. counties

Wayne County's composite score of 73.2 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 79th percentile nationally. This strong performance reflects a county that delivers affordability, health outcomes, and economic stability above what most American communities can offer.

Outperforms Nebraska's state average

Wayne County scores 73.2, edging ahead of Nebraska's 71.2 state average to rank in the upper tier of the state's 93 counties. The 2-point margin places this county among Nebraska's stronger performers on overall livability.

Affordability and risk resilience shine

Wayne County excels in cost (78.6) with median home values of $203,700 and rent averaging just $732 per month—among Nebraska's most affordable options. Its outstanding risk score of 86.1 demonstrates strong economic stability, while health scores of 81.5 and low taxes (1.194% effective rate) round out the strengths.

Income opportunities need strengthening

The income score of 27.6 is Wayne County's main limitation, with a median household income of $67,687 well below state leaders. This reflects a rural economy with fewer high-income career paths, though the low cost of living partially offsets this constraint.

Ideal for budget-conscious, stability-seeking families

Wayne County appeals to families and early retirees prioritizing affordable housing, low taxes, and economic predictability over maximum earning potential. It's a smart choice for those valuing quality of life and financial security in a tight-knit rural setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.7Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk86.1WaterComing Soon
🏛68.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wayne County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Perry County
Alabama
73.2
Median income: $34,368
Crowley County
Colorado
73.2
Median income: $47,563
Jay County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $54,114
Putnam County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $76,182
Vermillion County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $59,363

Deep Dives

Wayne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wayne County

via TaxByCounty

Wayne County taxes below national average

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 1.194% sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,432 remains below the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value ($203,700) that's lower than the national average.

Wayne County just under state average

Wayne County's effective rate of 1.194% falls marginally below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the middle tier of Nebraska counties. Its median property tax of $2,432 exceeds the state median of $1,972 by about 23%, reflecting above-average home values for the region.

Wayne County moderate among regional peers

Wayne County's 1.194% effective rate sits comfortably between Wheeler County's 0.912% (the region's lowest) and Washington County's 1.475% (the region's highest). It ranks below Webster County (1.439%) and York County (1.202%), making it one of the more affordable options in this five-county area.

Median annual property tax: $2,432

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $203,700 in Wayne County pays roughly $2,432 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the annual bill reaches $2,539; without one, it drops to $2,186—a distinction based on how assessors value the property.

Appeal your assessment at no cost

Many Wayne County property owners pay more than their homes are worth due to overassessment, and challenging your assessment is free through the county's appeal process. Success rates for reasonable appeals remain strong, potentially lowering your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County undercuts national rent burden

Wayne County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national standard, where renters typically spend more of their income on housing. While the median household income of $67,687 trails the national average of $74,755, the county's lower rent of $732 creates genuine affordability for those willing to embrace rural Nebraska living.

Mid-pack rental affordability statewide

Wayne County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio edges below Nebraska's 14.2% state average, offering slightly better rental affordability than the typical Nebraskan. The median rent of $732 sits well below the state average of $783, making this county an accessible option for budget-conscious renters.

Affordable with room to grow

Wayne County's median rent of $732 is lower than Washington County's $958 and York County's $885, though incomes are correspondingly lower too. The county offers genuine affordability compared to its wealthier neighbors, appealing to those prioritizing lower housing costs over maximum income potential.

Modest housing costs, modest incomes

Renters spend $732 monthly (13.0% of income) while homeowners pay $1,103 (19.5% of income), with the median home value standing at $203,700. The balance shows a county where housing remains genuinely affordable relative to local earnings, though both renters and homeowners dedicate meaningful shares to shelter.

Wayne offers true affordability

Relocating to Wayne County makes sense if you prioritize low housing costs and small-town living over maximum income potential. With rents below state average and homeownership within reach for working families, the county rewards those seeking a simpler, more affordable Nebraska lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County Earns Near National Median

Wayne County's median household income of $67,687 falls about $7,068 below the national median of $74,755. While slightly below the national average, the county maintains steady middle-class earnings.

Wayne County Edges Above State Average

Wayne County's median household income of $67,687 exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by just $807. Per capita income of $31,864 sits below the state average of $36,101, indicating some income concentration among households.

Middle-Ground Income in the Region

Wayne County's $67,687 median sits between the higher-earning Washington County ($90,188) and the lower-earning Wheeler County ($55,893). The county ranks as a moderate earner within its regional peer group.

Balanced Housing Costs in Wayne County

A rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% shows Wayne County residents spend a manageable share of income on housing. The median home value of $203,700 aligns reasonably with household earnings, though careful budgeting remains important.

Strategic Planning Strengthens Wayne County Finances

Wayne County residents should focus on building emergency savings and exploring homeownership as wealth-building tools. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts and education savings can significantly improve long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County leads the nation

Wayne County's 82.5-year life expectancy ranks among America's highest, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.1 years by over 4 years. Despite strong longevity, 13.9% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 17%. This county has cracked the code on living longer.

Nebraska's longest-living county

Wayne County residents live 5 years longer than the Nebraska average of 77.5 years, making it a clear outlier for health and longevity in the state. The county's 13.9% poor/fair health rate, while higher than some peers, still reflects a relatively healthy population compared to state norms.

Far ahead of nearby peers

Wayne County's 82.5-year life expectancy towers over Webster County (75.3 years) and exceeds Washington County (79.9 years). With robust mental health provider access at 81 per 100,000, Wayne offers healthcare resources that support its aging population well.

Strong providers, reasonable coverage

Wayne County's 6.7% uninsured rate is below Nebraska's 8.1% state average, though still leaves room for improvement. The county offers 61 primary care providers and 81 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring residents have meaningful access to doctors and behavioral health specialists.

Secure your family's health now

About 1 in 15 Wayne County residents currently lack health insurance, exposing them to medical bankruptcy and preventive care gaps. Check healthcare.gov, Medicaid options, or workplace plans to close any coverage gaps before unexpected illness strikes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County ranks among safest nationally

At 13.96, Wayne County's composite risk score is less than half the state average of 25.80, placing it well below the national baseline. This very low rating means residents enjoy one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the country.

Nebraska's safest county for natural hazards

Wayne County leads Nebraska with the lowest composite risk score among the state's counties. The county's geographic and climatic conditions create a notably protective environment against major natural disasters.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Wayne County's 13.96 score is substantially lower than Wheeler County (5.47 for pure score, but rated very low), Washington County (25.51), and dramatically safer than Webster County (55.47) and York County (52.26). This advantage reflects the county's position in Nebraska's least hazard-prone region.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats

Even Wayne County's primary hazards are relatively mild: wildfire risk scores 58.21 and tornado risk 43.51, both notably lower than neighboring counties. Flood risk remains minimal at 16.54, giving residents unusually comprehensive safety across multiple disaster types.

Standard coverage sufficient for low-risk area

Wayne County's low-risk profile means basic homeowner's insurance with standard wind and weather coverage provides solid protection for most residents. Still, maintaining emergency supplies and reviewing your policy annually ensures you're prepared for the modest hazards the county does face.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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