countyscore
52.6
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.

Score breakdown

Tax22.6Cost32.6Safety67.6Health59.4Schools95Income45.7Risk43.7Water10.9Weather54.3
🏛22.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓95
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.5
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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Nearby counties

Sullivan County
New York
44.6
Lackawanna County
Pennsylvania
43.8
Pike County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Susquehanna County
Pennsylvania
57.1
Delaware County
New York
50.2
Wyoming County
Pennsylvania
56.2
Monroe County
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42.5
Broome County
New York
37.3

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 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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts with Large Resources

Wayne County manages 11 public schools for 4,334 students through just two primary districts. The infrastructure is geared toward early education, featuring seven elementary schools alongside middle and high school campuses.

Exceptional Investment and Outcomes

Wayne County leads with a 95.8% graduation rate and a superior school score of 71.8. This high performance is backed by a generous per-pupil expenditure of $14,055, which is well above both state and national averages.

Two Strong Pillars of Education

Wayne Highlands SD and Western Wayne SD manage all public education in the county with no charter schools present. Wayne Highlands is the larger of the two, serving 2,309 students across its six campuses.

Rural Roots with Growing Campuses

While nine schools are rural, the average size of 394 students remains healthy for social and academic development. Honesdale HS is the county's largest school, serving 697 students in a setting that bridges town and rural life.

High-Value Homes Near Elite Schools

Wayne County’s high school score and graduation rates make it a gold mine for families and investors. Look for homes in the Honesdale or Western Wayne areas to secure your place in this high-performing educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Pennsylvania?
Wayne County ranks #35 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 $2,882, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 22.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Pennsylvania is $62,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 45.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 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.

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