countyscore
52.1
County Score
Schools 95Safety 67.6Soil Quality 65.1

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Pennsylvania

Solid National Standing

Wayne County earns a composite score of 52.6, sitting just above the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive choice for those looking for a standard quality of life.

Exceeding the State Average

Wayne's 52.6 score slightly exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It holds a respectable and stable position among the state's northern tier counties.

Elite Schools and Safety

Education is the primary draw, with an exceptional school score of 95.0. Public safety is also a major strength, reflected in a safety score of 67.6.

Water and Tax Burdens

The water score lags at 10.9, indicating infrastructure needs attention. High property taxes also weight down the profile, resulting in a tax score of 22.6.

Best for Education Seekers

Wayne is a standout for families where school quality is the absolute number one priority. It suits those who want a safe community and can manage higher tax bills.

2040608010021.332.367.659.49540.843.710.954.3Tax21.3Cost32.3Safety67.6Health59.4Schools95Income40.8Risk43.7Water10.9Weather54.352.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 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 Schools (95/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.3-30.7
Cost
32.3-15.700000000000003
Safety
67.6+12.599999999999994
Health
59.4+9.399999999999999
Schools
95+41
Income
40.8-10.200000000000003
Risk
43.7
Water
10.9-47.1
Weather
54.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wayne County?

Many homeowners in Wayne County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$242,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,038/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$242,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,381/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

39.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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's Rate and Tax Bill Both High

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 1.263% exceeds the national median of 1.281%, and homeowners' median property tax of $2,882 substantially exceeds the national median of $2,690. The county represents one of the pricier tax environments in America, driven by both elevated rates and higher home values.

Higher Than Most Pennsylvania Counties

Wayne's effective tax rate of 1.263% ranks above Pennsylvania's average of 1.317% and its median property tax of $2,882 is the highest in the state—8% above the state average of $2,657. The county represents the costliest tax burden among peer Pennsylvania regions.

Most Expensive Taxes in the Region

Wayne's 1.263% rate exceeds every neighboring county, and its median annual tax of $2,882 dwarfs all regional peers. Homeowners pay roughly $400–$800 more annually than comparable properties in adjacent Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga counties.

Highest Home Values, Steepest Tax Bills

A median Wayne County home valued at $228,200 generates $2,882 in annual property taxes—the highest dollar amount in its region and state. With mortgage considerations, the bill rises to $2,966; without them, it sits at $2,800, reflecting the county's premium homes and tax environment.

High-Value Properties Warrant Appeal

Wayne County homeowners, particularly those with properties above the median, frequently benefit from property tax appeals due to overassessment. A free, straightforward appeal can uncover substantial refunds or lower your future tax obligation significantly.

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne falls below national income baseline

Wayne County's median household income of $62,182 trails the national median of $74,755 by 16.8%—a $12,573 gap. This shortfall reflects Wayne's economic reliance on small manufacturing, retail, and seasonal tourism rather than higher-wage sectors.

Below-average earnings within Pennsylvania

Wayne's $62,182 lags Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $7,432, placing the county in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $33,735 also trails the state average of $37,407, indicating below-average earning across population segments.

Second-lowest income among eight counties

Wayne's $62,182 ranks seventh of eight, above only Warren ($59,013) and below Venango ($61,626), Tioga ($62,932), and all others. This positioning underscores Wayne's economic challenges despite proximity to wealthier northeastern Pennsylvania and metro New York.

High housing costs strain budgets

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% is the highest in the region, signaling affordability pressure despite below-average income. With the second-highest median home value at $228,200, housing costs consume a larger income share than peers, limiting savings capacity.

Navigate housing costs strategically

Wayne residents must carefully manage the county's elevated housing burden relative to income by prioritizing debt reduction and lower-cost financial strategies. Explore co-ownership models, refinancing opportunities, and income-boosting side ventures to offset housing pressure and build long-term wealth.

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County excels in safety

Wayne County holds a top safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 757.4 per 100k is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the state safety score

The county's safety score of 98.8 outperforms the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Nine reporting agencies keep the total crime rate at 757.4, much lower than the state's 932.4 average.

Consistent regional safety

Wayne's crime rate of 757.4 per 100k is slightly higher than Susquehanna’s 736.9. However, it remains safer than neighboring Sullivan County, which reports a rate of 816.3.

Low risk for violent crime

Violent crime is low at 101.5 per 100k, well below the national 369.8. Property crime is the primary issue, occurring at a rate of 655.9 incidents per 100k residents.

Keep your household secure

Property crime at 655.9 per 100k indicates a need for continued awareness. Simple measures like locking doors and using motion-activated lights provide effective deterrence.

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A high-altitude, cool northern climate

Wayne County is one of the coolest spots in the country with an annual average of 44.1°F, nearly 10 degrees below the national median. This highland climate produces long, intense winters and brief, cool summers.

One of Pennsylvania's coldest counties

The county's average temperature of 44.1°F is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It consistently ranks among the coldest regions in the state due to its northern latitude and elevation.

Colder and wetter than regional peers

Wayne County receives 48.0 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 45.3 inches. It is notably cooler than almost every other county in the eastern Pennsylvania region.

Harsh winters and almost no extreme heat

January temperatures average a freezing 20.5°F, contributing to a heavy annual snowfall of 69.2 inches. Extreme heat is virtually non-existent here, with an average of only one day per year reaching 90°F.

Focusing on heating and winter durability

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems and roof snow rakes to manage the nearly 70 inches of annual snow. Air conditioning is rarely a necessity, as summer highs are among the lowest in the state.

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Inceptisols

Wayne County features Inceptisols with a very low pH of 4.90, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.22. This level is far below the national median of 6.5, which strongly favors acid-loving plants.

Gravelly Loam Workability

Gravelly sandy loam is the dominant texture, containing 29.7% sand and only 10.3% clay. This coarse mix ensures easy workability and prevents the soil from becoming overly heavy or sticky during wet weather.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

The county has a massive 26.66% organic matter content, more than double the Pennsylvania state average. This richness results in a high available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, which is among the best in the state.

Rapid Water Drainage

These soils are somewhat excessively drained and belong to hydrologic group A. Water moves through the soil very quickly, which prevents root rot but may require more frequent irrigation during dry summer spells.

A Berry Grower's Dream

In Zone 6a, Wayne County's acidic, well-drained soil is a paradise for blueberries, raspberries, and azaleas. The incredible organic matter levels provide a perfect foundation for a high-yield vegetable garden.

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges for Wayne County Lawns

Wayne County presents significant challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 49.5, the lowest in this group. This score falls below the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 59.2. Homeowners in this 6a zone must work harder to overcome difficult soil and short growing seasons.

Cold Climates and Short Growth Windows

With only 1887 growing degree days, your grass develops much slower than in other parts of Pennsylvania. However, you enjoy 48 inches of rain and almost no extreme heat, with only 1 day above 90°F annually. This means your lawn rarely dies from heat, but it struggles to recover from damage quickly.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Hurdles

The soil pH is a very low 4.90, making it extremely acidic and difficult for standard grass to thrive. The texture is a gravelly sandy loam that is somewhat excessively drained, meaning water and nutrients wash away quickly. You will need aggressive lime treatments and frequent, light fertilization to sustain growth.

Managing Rapid Soil Drying

Wayne County faced 22 weeks of drought last year, and 71% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Because your soil drains so quickly, these dry spells hit your lawn harder and faster than in clay-heavy regions. Focus on adding organic matter to your soil to improve its ability to hold onto moisture.

Focus on Hardy Cool-Season Mixes

Planting should begin after May 14 to avoid late spring frosts. Fine Fescue is a great choice here as it can handle the acidic, sandy conditions better than most other species. Be sure your lawn is ready for winter by October 1, when the first frost typically arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Pennsylvania?
Wayne County ranks #37 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $3,039, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Pennsylvania is $62,381 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Pennsylvania. 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

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