CountyScore

Wayne County

Pennsylvania · PA

#36 in Pennsylvania
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Pennsylvania

Wayne matches national threshold

Wayne County's composite score of 66.1 runs 32% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The score reflects modest strength across most measured dimensions.

Right at Pennsylvania average

At 66.1, Wayne essentially matches the state average of 66.0, representing the baseline of livability among Pennsylvania counties. It performs neither distinctly better nor worse than typical.

Modest affordability advantage

Wayne offers a cost score of 76.1 with median home values of $228,200 and rents at $979/month, delivering reasonable housing costs for the region. The tax score of 66.7 and effective rate of 1.263% are moderate by comparison.

Limited income and higher taxes

The income score of 24.0 and median household income of $62,182 indicate modest earning potential, while the effective tax rate ranks second-highest on this list. Data on health, safety, schools, and environment is not yet available.

For balanced-needs households

Wayne County suits families seeking middle-ground livability—neither exceptional nor struggling—with moderate housing costs and tax rates that match modest incomes. It's a steady choice for those without specific priorities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.7Cost76.1SafetyComing SoonHealth70.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome24Risk43.7WaterComing Soon
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.7
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

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Grady County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $54,312
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615

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'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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County: Most Expensive Housing Market

Wayne County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county cluster and well above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average, reflecting its premium real estate market. Renters earning $62,182 spend $979/month on housing, consuming nearly one-fifth of household income.

Wayne's Housing Costs Outpace Incomes

Wayne County ranks as Pennsylvania's least affordable county in this cluster, with a 18.9% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds the state's 16.5% average. Its $979 monthly rent is the highest among Pennsylvania's northern and central counties.

Premium Pricing in the Northeast Market

Wayne's $979 rent and $957 mortgage lead the eight-county cluster, while its $228,200 median home value is the highest outside Washington County. This positions Wayne as the region's premium housing market, driven by proximity to New York and resort communities.

Wayne: Housing Dominates the Budget

Wayne residents earning $62,182 median income allocate 18.9% to rent ($979/month) or similar percentages to mortgages ($957/month), leaving just over 81% for all other expenses. This relatively heavy housing burden limits discretionary spending compared to more affordable counties.

Wayne County for Location-Focused Relocators

Wayne County's premium rents ($979) and highest home values ($228,200) reflect its desirable location near regional amenities and New York proximity. Consider relocating here only if proximity to these assets justifies absorbing an 18.9% housing-cost burden—the highest in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County's Life Expectancy Near U.S. Average

Wayne County residents live to 76.5 years, trailing the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years by about 2.4 years but remaining within a reasonable range of national averages. With 19.6% reporting poor or fair health, Wayne County shows the highest poor/fair health rate among these eight counties, signaling population health concerns that warrant attention. This divergence between moderate life expectancy and high health concern reports suggests underlying chronic disease challenges.

Near State Average, Highest Health Concerns

Wayne County's 76.5-year life expectancy sits 0.1 years above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average—virtually identical to the state—yet its 19.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state pattern. This suggests Wayne residents experience health concerns and chronic conditions more acutely than their comparable lifespan would indicate. The county may face behavioral health, substance use, or chronic disease management challenges requiring focused intervention.

Moderate Provider Capacity, Room for Growth

Wayne County supports 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—matching Susquehanna County but trailing Washington County's 77—and 117 mental health providers per 100,000, a solid mid-range capacity. While these figures provide basic access, they fall below the exceptional networks of Union County (193 mental health providers) and Venango County (235). Expanding primary care and behavioral health capacity could better serve Wayne's population health needs.

Moderate Uninsured Rate, Growing Access Needs

Wayne County's 7.4% uninsured rate sits above Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, affecting roughly one in fourteen residents navigating healthcare without coverage. With 37 primary care and 117 mental health providers per 100,000, insured Wayne residents have reasonable access, but high poor/fair health reports suggest those services may not fully address underlying health challenges. Uninsured residents face compounded barriers to addressing the county's notable health concerns.

Address Wayne County's Health Gaps

Wayne County's 19.6% poor/fair health rate—highest in this group—suggests immediate need for preventive care and chronic disease management that start with affordable insurance coverage. The Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace and community health programs can connect Wayne's 7.4% uninsured with plans that unlock access to local providers within days. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Wayne County health services to explore coverage and begin managing health concerns before they worsen.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County faces moderate national risk

Wayne County scores 56.33 nationally, placing it in the moderate range of U.S. disaster vulnerability. While not among the highest-risk American communities, this profile indicates meaningful natural hazard exposure requiring active household preparation and awareness.

Below state average but still exposed

Wayne County ranks below Pennsylvania's average of 67.45 with a score of 56.33, placing it in the relatively low-risk tier statewide. The county performs better than most of its Pennsylvania peers on composite disaster vulnerability metrics.

Mid-range risk in northeastern region

Wayne County (56.33) sits between Sullivan County (10.72) and Susquehanna County (53.59) in the northeastern Pennsylvania risk hierarchy, driven by moderate flood (71.31) and hurricane (75.97) risk. The county's earthquake exposure (47.55) also ranks above several regional neighbors.

Hurricane and flood risks dominate

Wayne County's primary hazards are hurricane risk (75.97) and flood risk (71.31), both well above the state average and creating significant water-related exposure. Earthquake risk (47.55) and tornado risk (30.44) present secondary concerns for households in the county.

Flood and windstorm coverage essential

Wayne County residents should secure dedicated flood insurance plus comprehensive homeowners coverage, given the county's high hurricane risk (75.97) and flood risk (71.31). This dual-protection strategy ensures financial resilience against the county's primary natural hazards.

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.