countyscore
49.8
County Score
Health 84.6Income & Jobs 72.4Schools 71.7

County Report Card

About Wayne County, New York

Wayne County Nears National Median

Wayne County earns a 49.6 composite score, placing it essentially at the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard of living that is highly representative of the U.S. average.

Leading the New York Average

The county's score of 49.6 beats the New York state average of 47.0. This makes it a resilient and attractive performer within the Finger Lakes region.

Strong Schools and Health Outcomes

The county boasts an impressive health score of 84.6 and a solid school score of 71.7. Housing remains accessible with a median home value of $163,400.

Struggling with High Property Taxes

Wayne faces a significant challenge with its tax score of 0.4, fueled by a high 2.551% effective tax rate. This creates a high barrier for property owners compared to other regions.

Best for Education-Minded Families

This county is perfect for families prioritizing high-quality schools and healthcare. It suits those who want a classic community feel and are prepared for New York's tax structure.

204060801000.431.159.584.671.772.443.740.552.6Tax0.4Cost31.1Safety59.5Health84.6Schools71.7Income72.4Risk43.7Water40.5Weather52.649.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Wayne County DNA

Foverall

How Wayne County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wayne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (84.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.4-51.6
Cost
31.1-16.9
Safety
59.5
Health
84.6+34.599999999999994
Schools
71.7+17.700000000000003
Income
72.4+21.400000000000006
Risk
43.7
Water
40.5-17.5
Weather
52.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$170,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$938/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$170,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,506/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.0

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
Compare Wayne County with Bullitt County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Cayuga County
New York
43.5
Ontario County
New York
47.7
Seneca County
New York
45.4
Monroe County
New York
37.5
Yates County
New York
51.6
Onondaga County
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Oswego County
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Livingston County
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Deep Dives

Wayne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wayne County

via TaxByCounty

Wayne has the state's highest rates

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 2.551% ranks among the highest in New York and well above the national median of 1.89%. Despite lower home values ($163,400 median), residents pay $4,168 annually—55% more than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Top 10% of all New York counties

Wayne County ranks in the top tier for tax burden among New York's 62 counties, with an effective rate that exceeds 90% of comparable communities statewide. The median tax of $4,168 surpasses the state average of $4,709 on significantly lower home values, indicating a structural tax burden issue.

Notably higher than surrounding counties

Wayne County's 2.551% rate towers over Warren County (1.530%), Washington County (2.082%), and Wyoming County (2.299%), making it the highest-taxed county in its region. That premium costs Wayne homeowners an extra $500-800 annually compared to neighboring Warren County on similar properties.

Median home costs $4,168 yearly

On Wayne County's median home value of $163,400, you'll pay approximately $4,168 in annual property taxes—or about $4,428 if mortgage escrow is included. That translates to roughly $347-369 per month, among the highest rates in the state for similar-valued homes.

Assessment appeals are worth your time

Wayne County's high effective rate makes assessment appeals particularly valuable for homeowners—overassessments here can cost you $600+ annually. Filing a free appeal with your assessor could significantly reduce your burden and is highly recommended given the county's rate structure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne nearly matches U.S. median income

Wayne County's median household income of $73,914 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $841, placing it essentially at the American average. The county ranks near the 50th percentile nationally, reflecting a stable working-class economy anchored in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

Wayne ranks 31st among New York counties

With a median household income of $73,914, Wayne County ranks 31st statewide, falling $2,519 below New York's average of $76,433. The county sits in the middle-lower tier of New York's income distribution, typical of rural Finger Lakes regions.

Wayne underperforms neighboring Warren

Wayne County earns $4,325 less than neighboring Warren County ($78,239) but exceeds Washington County ($72,342) by $1,572. Among the region's peers, Wayne occupies the middle position, buffered on both sides by higher and lower-earning communities.

Among the region's most affordable housing markets

Wayne households spend just 15.1% of income on rent—the lowest ratio in the region and comfortably below the 30% affordability standard. With a median home value of $163,400, Wayne offers exceptional housing value, making it one of Upstate New York's most accessible homeownership markets.

Low housing costs unlock financial opportunity

Wayne's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest in the region, freeing households to prioritize savings and investment over housing. With median homes under $165,000, building home equity is achievable; combine that with tax-advantaged retirement savings and you build meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Wayne County earns an impressive safety score of 98.5, significantly outpacing the national average. Its total crime rate of 930.7 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the New York State Safety Average

With a total crime rate of 930.7, Wayne County is safer than the typical New York county, which averages 1,074.4 crimes per 100,000 people. Its safety score of 98.5 sits just above the state average of 98.3.

Lower Crime Rates Than Downstate Peers

While Wayne County reports 930.7 crimes per 100,000, it remains more secure than larger hubs like Westchester County at 1,049.0. However, it tracks higher than nearby rural neighbors like Yates County, which sits at 635.3.

Property Crimes Dominate Local Statistics

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 866.1 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at 64.6. This violent crime rate is roughly half the New York state average of 125.0.

Securing Homes in Wayne County

Since property crime accounts for over 90% of local reports, residents should prioritize home security measures. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras provide effective deterrents in this low-crime environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Lake-Effect National Outlier

Wayne County’s 46.8°F annual average is below the national median, but its weather is defined by Lake Ontario. The lake creates unique atmospheric conditions that differ from standard continental patterns.

Drier Air but Heavier Snow

Wayne is cooler than the 47.4°F state average and receives only 37.1 inches of total precipitation. However, it far exceeds the state average in snowfall due to its lakeshore location.

The Snow King of the Region

Wayne County records a massive 104.9 inches of snowfall annually, dwarfng most of its neighbors and the state average. This lake-effect snow is the county's defining climatic feature.

Massive Snow and Tempered Summers

Winter is characterized by over 100 inches of snow and a 23.4°F January average. July is mild at 69.0°F, though the county still sees 8 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher.

Master the Art of Snow Removal

With 104.9 inches of annual snow, heavy-duty snow blowers and winter tires are non-negotiable for residents. Roof rakes are also essential to prevent snow buildup during the 25.8°F average winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Predictable Soils Near the Lake

Wayne County features an average pH of 5.81, making it significantly more alkaline than the state average of 5.11. While still acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, this level is highly conducive to New York’s commercial agriculture. This soil identity supports the region's reputation as a vital hub for fruit production.

Sandy Loam Characteristics for Easy Working

With 43.9% sand and 39.8% silt, the soil provides excellent workability and aeration for delicate roots. The clay content is 16.3%, offering the necessary structural integrity and cation exchange capacity to hold fertilizers. This blend allows for quick warming in the spring, which is essential for the local growing season.

Consistent Organic Content and Water Storage

The organic matter content sits at 8.97%, providing a healthy foundation that is significantly higher than the national 2.0% average. Available water capacity is measured at 0.166 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.182 in/in. These numbers suggest a soil that thrives best with consistent irrigation or moisture-retaining mulches.

Effective Hydrology for Fruit and Forage

Though specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high sand and silt percentages point toward efficient drainage. The soil’s water capacity of 0.166 in/in means it moves water through the profile without excessive saturation. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for orchards where 'wet feet' can lead to root rot.

Flourishing in Hardiness Zone 6b

The mild climate of Zone 6b allows Wayne County to excel in growing stone fruits, berries, and high-value vegetables. The slightly higher pH and sandy texture are perfect for starting an orchard or a large-scale market garden. Use the long growing season to your advantage and plant a diverse array of crops this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Stability on Lake Ontario

Wayne County scores a 60.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, matching the typical New York experience. Being in Zone 6b gives residents a slightly warmer climate profile, allowing for a longer season than northern counties.

Lower Rainfall and Mild Heat

Annual precipitation of 37.1 inches is lower than the state average of 43.3 but still within the healthy range for lawns. Only 8 extreme heat days per year help keep cool-season grasses from entering dormancy during the mid-summer months.

Sandy Loam Challenges

The soil pH of 5.81 is quite close to the ideal 6.0 minimum, making it easier to manage than many neighbors. With a 43.9% sand content, the soil drains well, though limited data on specific drainage classes means homeowners should check for local runoff issues.

Widespread Dryness Requires Vigilance

Currently, 100.0% of the county is abnormally dry, and residents navigated 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to conserve soil moisture and protect the grass from high-evaporation days.

Maximize Your Zone 6b Season

Seeding should begin after May 6 to avoid the last spring frost. Tall Fescue is a great choice for this region, as it handles the 2,312 growing degree days and remains resilient until the first frost around October 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, New York has a composite county score of 49.8 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 New York?
Wayne County ranks #24 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $4,250, with an effective tax rate of 2.50%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, New York is $74,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, New York a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in New York. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.