45
County Score
Lawn Care 79.4Income & Jobs 70.8Soil Quality 69.3

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Ohio

Room to Grow Against National Trends

Wayne County scores 45.0, placing it below the national median of 50.0. The score is dampened by tax and risk factors despite healthy local earnings.

A Competitive Local Economy

While its composite score is below the state average of 48.6, the county remains an economic engine. Its median household income of $71,769 is notably higher than many surrounding rural areas.

Strong Incomes and Water Infrastructure

Wayne County excels with an income score of 70.8 and a reliable water score of 52.2. These metrics point to a hardworking population and stable local utilities.

Navigating Taxes and Environmental Risks

The county faces a low tax score of 25.6, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.201%. A risk score of 35.2 also suggests significant exposure to environmental hazards.

Best for Established Career Professionals

Wayne County suits professionals who earn enough to manage higher tax burdens in exchange for a robust local economy. It is a great fit for those looking for a productive community with high-quality water.

Score breakdown

Tax25.6Cost43.8Safety46.5Health46.7Schools51.8Income70.8Risk35.2Water52.2Weather59.4
🏛25.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠43.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼70.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡46.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
46.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
35.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧52.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤59.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱79.4
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's rate moderately above U.S. median

At 1.201%, Wayne County's effective tax rate sits moderately above the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $2,457 falls just below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a balanced position between affordability and typical American tax loads. Wayne homeowners face a slightly heavier burden than average, but not dramatically so.

Moderate taxes for Ohio's standards

Wayne County's 1.201% effective rate edges above Ohio's state average of 1.148%, with a median tax of $2,457 exceeding the state median of $2,145 by $312. While above average for Ohio, Wayne ranks in the middle half of the state's counties—neither particularly high nor low.

Mid-range within Ohio's northeast cluster

Wayne's 1.201% rate falls between Wood County (1.358%) and Williams County (1.160%), positioning it as a moderate player among northeast Ohio's industrial and suburban counties. Within this regional group, Wayne offers a middle-ground tax environment.

Median home brings $2,457 annual tax

On Wayne's median home value of $204,600, homeowners pay approximately $2,457 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, residents pay an estimated $2,541; without one, approximately $2,333. Wayne's moderate tax burden aligns with its mid-range position in both state and national rankings.

Assessment reviews can help moderate burden

Wayne County homeowners concerned about their tax bills should verify that their assessed value aligns with recent comparable sales in their area. If your home was last appraised well before recent market movements, or if similar homes nearby sold for less, an appeal to the county auditor may justify a lower valuation. Even modest reductions accumulate meaningfully over time.

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County keeps housing costs in check

Wayne County residents earning $71,769—just slightly below the national average of $74,755—spend only 14.2% of income on rent, claiming the best affordability ratio in this entire region. At $849 monthly rent, households here enjoy genuine financial breathing room despite modest regional income levels.

Northeast Ohio's affordability champion

Wayne County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Ohio's 15.6% state average by a meaningful margin, ranking among the state's most accessible counties. Its $849 rent sits just $24 below the state median, proving affordability doesn't require deep rural discounts.

Best value for balanced markets

Wayne's $849 rent undercuts Van Wert ($792 to $873) rivals and Wood County ($950), while home values of $204,600 reflect a robust local market. This northeast Ohio county delivers genuine middle-ground pricing without sacrificing opportunity or community stability.

Income and housing in healthy balance

Wayne households earning $71,769 spend just $849 on rent or $947 on monthly mortgages, dedicating only 14.2% to housing costs. This leaves meaningful income for savings, childcare, and unexpected expenses—a crucial advantage for working families.

Wayne offers balanced affordability and stability

If you seek affordability without extreme rural trade-offs, Wayne County's 14.2% housing ratio combined with near-average income levels makes relocation compelling. Compare your current housing burden against this sweet-spot market in northeast Ohio's productive Wooster region.

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne edges near national median

Wayne County's median household income of $71,769 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling just $2,986 short. This near-parity shows Wayne's economy tracks reasonably well with national trends.

Slight edge on Ohio average

Wayne County's $71,769 exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $3,668, ranking it above the middle of Ohio's 88 counties. The county demonstrates solid economic performance relative to its state.

Strong position among peers

Wayne County's $71,769 ranks it among the stronger earners in its region, beating Van Wert ($65,344), Williams ($61,834), and Washington ($61,355). Only Wood County ($73,124) slightly edges Wayne in the northwest region.

Balanced housing affordability

Wayne County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is favorable, indicating housing costs stay comfortably within household budgets. With a median home value of $204,600 and solid incomes, homeownership is achievable for many.

Invest surplus income wisely

Wayne County households earning $71,769 enjoy discretionary income for saving and investing beyond basics. Establishing a diversified portfolio and maximizing retirement contributions positions families for long-term financial security.

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Halves the National Crime Rate

Wayne County’s total crime rate of 1201.5 per 100K is roughly half of the national average of 2385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.1.

Stronger Safety Scores Than the Ohio Average

With a 98.1 safety score, Wayne County exceeds the state average of 97.8. Its violent crime rate of 119.1 also beats the Ohio average of 180.9.

Transparent Safety Across Eleven Agencies

Eleven reporting agencies provide data showing Wayne County is more secure than many surrounding industrial hubs. The county maintains lower crime rates than its larger neighbors.

Violent Crime Stays Very Low

Residents face a property crime rate of 1082.4 per 100K, while violent crime stays low at 119.1. This distribution indicates that most crime is directed at property rather than people.

Smart Habits Protect Your Home

Preventing the 1082.4 property crimes per 100K begins with vigilant home habits. Basic security technology helps residents uphold Wayne County's high safety ranking.

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne's longevity near national norm

At 75.8 years, Wayne County residents live slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though most residents report good health overall. The 18.2% poor/fair health rate reflects moderate health challenges common in mid-sized industrial counties.

Above Ohio's average, solid standing

Wayne's 75.8-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by one full year, placing the county in the healthier half statewide. However, the 18.2% poor/fair health rate is slightly above state benchmarks, suggesting some health disparity.

Competitive with county peers

Wayne's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks second among the eight counties, behind only Warren at 78.2 years, reflecting decent community health despite industrial roots. With 50 primary care providers per 100,000, Wayne's provider network ranks mid-range among peers, adequate but not abundant.

Uninsured rate a concern here

At 12.6% uninsured, Wayne County has the highest uninsured rate among all eight counties profiled—nearly double Ohio's 7.5% average. This means roughly 1 in 8 Wayne residents lack coverage, straining the healthcare system and leaving families vulnerable to medical hardship.

Coverage crisis demands action

Wayne's 12.6% uninsured rate is a public health emergency, far exceeding healthy benchmarks and putting thousands at risk of delayed care. Visit Healthcare.gov immediately or contact Wayne County's community health office to find affordable coverage—this is one of the most urgent health needs in your county.

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Highly Distributed School System

Wayne County features 45 public schools serving nearly 15,000 students. An unusually high number of 14 districts manage this network, which includes 15 high schools and 17 elementary schools.

Exceeding Benchmarks with Steady Investment

The county's 88.9% graduation rate exceeds the national benchmark of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,845, supporting a school score that matches the Ohio state average exactly.

Wooster City and Diverse Options

Wooster City is the largest provider, serving 3,296 students across seven schools. Unlike many neighboring counties, Wayne offers three charter schools, making up nearly 7% of its total school options.

Small Schools Across Towns and Farms

The county features a mix of town and rural schools with an average size of 330 students. Wooster High School is the largest at 1,227 students, while many other buildings offer a much smaller, community-focused feel.

Endless Options for Every Student

With 14 districts and several charter options, Wayne County provides incredible variety for homebuyers. Start your home search here to take advantage of this high-performing educational diversity.

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne's Above-Average Risk Profile

Wayne County scores 64.85 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This northeastern Ohio county faces meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards, driven primarily by tornado and flood risks in the region.

Higher-Risk County for Ohio

Wayne's composite score of 64.85 surpasses Ohio's 55.03 average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's elevated profile reflects its location in Ohio's more active tornado and flood zones.

Similar Risk to Nearby Counties

Wayne's 64.85 score aligns closely with Wood County (65.68) and exceeds Williams County (44.40), placing it in northeastern Ohio's moderate-to-high risk band. Its exposure patterns reflect the region's tornado corridor vulnerability.

Tornadoes and Floods Lead Concerns

Wayne experiences tornado risk of 76.11 and flood risk of 71.91—both well above national averages and among Ohio's highest exposures. Wildfire risk (38.77) and hurricane risk (52.15) add secondary concerns requiring year-round hazard awareness.

Multi-Hazard Coverage Protects Best

Wayne residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind/hail coverage for tornadoes, plus separate flood insurance for properties in high-risk zones. Consider adding earthquake and windstorm riders to address the county's diverse hazard portfolio affordably.

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and temperate throughout the year

Wayne County’s 49.9°F average temperature is roughly four degrees cooler than the national median. It features the moderate summers and cold winters typical of the Great Lakes region.

Cooler and drier than the state

The county is 1.6 degrees cooler than the 51.5°F Ohio average. It is also one of the drier counties in the state, receiving only 39.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Similar to Trumbull but drier

Wayne County shares a similar temperature profile with Trumbull (49.3°F), but it is much drier. It receives about 16 inches less snow than Trumbull, totaling 29.0 inches annually.

Very few extreme heat days

Summers are exceptionally comfortable with only 8 days exceeding 90°F. Winters are consistently cold, averaging 28.9°F with 29 inches of total snowfall.

Prioritize efficient winter heating

With a January average of 26.3°F, reliable heating and home weatherization are essential. The low number of extreme heat days makes heavy-duty air conditioning less urgent than in southern counties.

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Wayne’s Productive Silt Loam

Wayne County is anchored by Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture and a pH of 5.80. This pH is just below the state average of 5.97, indicating a slightly acidic environment typical of Ohio's prime farmland. With a soil score of 69.3, this land is among the more productive in the region.

Ideal Mix for Silt Loam

The soil contains 51.4% silt, 27.1% sand, and a low 16.3% clay content. This high silt-to-clay ratio gives the soil a floury feel and makes it incredibly easy to work with hand tools or tractors. It strikes the perfect balance for holding nutrients without becoming a sticky mess when wet.

Rich in Life and Water

The organic matter in Wayne County is exceptional at 5.82%, well above the state average of 4.85%. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.196 in/in, this soil acts like a sponge for both nutrients and moisture. It is designed by nature to support high-yield agriculture and lush gardens.

Well Drained with Moderate Runoff

Though the soil is well-drained, it falls into hydrologic group C, meaning it has a slower rate of water transmission through the lower layers. This suggests that while the surface stays dry, the subsoil holds onto water longer. It’s an ideal setup for crops that need a steady water supply through the summer.

Agricultural Excellence in Zone 6a

Wayne County is a gardener's dream in zone 6a, supporting everything from dairies to diverse produce. The high organic matter means your plants have a natural reservoir of nitrogen and carbon. Dig in today and enjoy some of the best soil quality Ohio has to offer.

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Temps, Easier Care

Wayne County is a standout for lawn enthusiasts, boasting a difficulty score of 79.4, well above the state average. This Zone 6a county benefits from a milder summer climate that is less stressful for cool-season grasses. Compared to the national average of 50.0, your lawn has a significant head start.

Milder Summers Benefit Turf

Wayne County enjoys only 8 extreme heat days per year, nearly half the state average of 15. While the 39.8 inches of rain is slightly below the state mean, the lower heat means less evaporation and water stress. Your mowing season begins after the last frost on April 30 and continues through a focused growing window.

Rich Silt Loam Foundations

The county features silt loam soil with a 16.3% clay content, offering a great balance of moisture retention and drainage. The soil pH of 5.80 is just below the ideal threshold, suggesting that a small amount of lime could improve nutrient availability. This texture is generally easy to work with and provides excellent support for root development.

Navigating Brief Dry Windows

The county has no current drought conditions and only saw 6 weeks of drought over the past year. This stability is a major asset, allowing you to maintain a green lawn without constant irrigation. If a dry spell hits, the silt loam soil will hold onto moisture longer than sandy neighboring counties.

Thriving in the 6a Zone

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in Wayne County’s milder summers and silt loam soils. Because your first frost arrives relatively early on October 14, aim to finish any major seeding projects by the end of August. The lower heat stress makes this one of the best areas in Ohio to maintain a high-quality lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Ohio has a composite county score of 45 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 Ohio?
Wayne County ranks #61 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $2,457, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 25.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Ohio is $71,769 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 70.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Ohio a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Ohio. 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.