49.6
County Score
Health 84.6Income & Jobs 75.3Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax0.4Cost29.6Safety59.5Health84.6Schools71.7Income75.3Risk43.7Water40.5Weather52.6
🏛0.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠29.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼75.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡59.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
84.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓71.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
43.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧40.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨62.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱60.2
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 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.

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County's Rents Fall Well Below National

At 15.1%, Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national average by more than two percentage points. With median rent of just $929 monthly against a $73,914 median household income, Wayne delivers genuine housing affordability compared to virtually all American counties.

New York's Affordability Champion

Wayne County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in New York at 15.1%, well below the statewide average of 17.6%. At $929 per month, median rent runs $204 cheaper than New York's typical, establishing Wayne as the state's clearest winner for renters seeking value.

Cheapest Rents in the Region

Wayne's $929 rent stands as the lowest among all surveyed counties, beating Wyoming ($782 is the cheapest, but Wayne keeps strong 15.1% ratio), though Wyoming and Yates are marginally cheaper. Warren County to the north charges $160 more monthly, while Westchester's $1,876 demonstrates the gulf between rural and suburban markets.

Rents and Ownership Both Remarkably Affordable

Renters spend just 15.1% of income on $929 monthly rent, while owners face a modest $1,125 monthly cost, leaving substantial room in the $73,914 median budget for other needs. Wayne County delivers dual affordability for both housing pathways.

Best Overall Value in Upstate New York

Comparing across New York counties, Wayne offers the strongest combination of low rent ($929), excellent rent-to-income ratio (15.1%), and reasonable home values ($163,400). If housing affordability is your primary concern, Wayne County delivers unmatched value in the state.

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.

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.

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County life expectancy near national average

At 77.3 years, Wayne County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though 13.9% report poor or fair health. The county's health profile sits in the middle range nationally, with room to build on its solid foundation.

Slightly below New York State average

Wayne's 77.3-year life expectancy trails New York State's 77.9-year average by 0.6 years, placing it in the middle-to-lower range of state counties. Despite this gap, Wayne's 13.9% poor/fair health rate is one of the best among New York counties.

Healthiest perceptions, fewest providers

Wayne residents report the lowest poor/fair health rate (13.9%) among its neighbors, yet the county has just 23 primary care providers per 100,000—far below Warren's 111. This disconnect suggests residents feel well despite significant barriers to accessing preventive care.

Limited providers despite adequate insurance

Wayne's uninsured rate of 5.4% matches the state average, but the county's 23 primary care providers per 100,000 represent the region's scarcest supply. This provider shortage means insured residents often travel long distances or wait months for appointments.

Wayne County: insurance is your first step

With few primary care providers locally, having active health insurance ensures you can access care when you find it. Visit healthcare.gov or NY's health plan marketplace to verify coverage and prepare for healthcare needs.

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network of Local Districts

Wayne County boasts an extensive educational system of 37 public schools serving 13,532 students across 12 districts. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 15 elementary, 10 middle, and 11 high schools to support a growing student body. This wide array of facilities ensures that families across the county have easy access to grade-specific campuses.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

Wayne County achieves an impressive 89.1% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 85.3% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $13,979 is slightly below the New York average, it remains well above the national benchmark. The county's school score of 68.1 reflects a high-performing system that delivers strong results for its investment.

Wayne and Newark Lead the County

The Wayne Central School District is the county's largest, serving 2,043 students across four schools. Other major players include Newark Central with 1,925 students and Palmyra-Macedon with 1,775 students. The county relies entirely on traditional public districts, with zero charter schools currently in operation.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

Most students attend schools in rural (19) or town (13) settings, creating a quintessential upstate educational experience. With an average school size of 366 students, campuses like Wayne Senior High (670 students) offer a balanced environment that is neither too large nor too isolated. This mix provides students with a sense of community alongside diverse academic and extracurricular options.

Invest in a High-Performing District

Homebuyers in Wayne County often target areas with high graduation rates, such as those served by the Wayne or Palmyra-Macedon districts. The combination of strong academic scores and reasonable per-pupil spending makes this a smart location for family-minded investors. Explore available homes near these top-rated schools to secure your child's educational future.

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County significantly below national risk

At a composite risk score of 56.27, Wayne County ranks as relatively low risk—well beneath the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable standing reflects a county where localized hazards exist but remain manageable compared to higher-risk regions across the United States.

Second safest in the comparison set

Wayne County's 56.27 score sits meaningfully below New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it among the state's lower-risk counties. This position demonstrates that despite New York's overall hazard exposure, certain counties have successfully mitigated or avoided major disaster threats.

Nearly identical to Washington County

Wayne County (56.27) and Washington County (56.62) show remarkably similar risk profiles, both substantially safer than Warren County (62.31) and far safer than Westchester County (96.18). This clustering of upstate counties suggests shared regional advantages in disaster resilience.

Floods and wildfires most pressing

Flood risk (72.33) represents Wayne County's single highest threat, while wildfire risk (40.33) stands unusually elevated compared to neighboring counties—a reflection of local landscape conditions. Tornado risk (38.26) adds a tertiary concern typical of upstate New York's climate patterns.

Prioritize flood and wildfire insurance

Wayne County residents should secure comprehensive flood insurance immediately, as it's your leading hazard exposure. Adding wildfire/property coverage riders to your homeowners policy provides protection against your two most significant disaster risks.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, New York has a composite county score of 49.6 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 $4,168, with an effective tax rate of 2.55%. 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 $73,914 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, New York a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 49.6/100 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.