countyscore
61.4
County Score
Cost of Living 93.2Property Tax 81.7Safety 69.7

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Tennessee

Leading the National Average

Wayne County boasts an impressive composite score of 61.4, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more livable rural counties in the country.

Well Above State Standards

The county's 61.4 score is significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It represents a high-value option within the state's rural landscape.

Exceptional Affordability and Safety

Wayne County shines with a 93.2 cost score, featuring a median gross rent of just $619. A strong safety score of 69.7 and a low tax rate of 0.539% further bolster its appeal.

Water Infrastructure and Low Income

The water score of 8.2 is a notable outlier that warrants attention for local residents. Additionally, an income score of 20.4 reflects a median household income of $52,824, which is lower than many neighboring areas.

Best for Thrifty Homesteaders

This county is perfect for those seeking extreme affordability and a safe, quiet environment. It suits individuals with independent income sources who want to maximize their purchasing power.

Score breakdown

Tax81.7Cost93.2Safety69.7Health26.9Schools46.8Income20.4Risk57Water8.2Weather64.8
🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.5
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

Lawrence County
Tennessee
53.8
Hardin County
Tennessee
46.3
Lauderdale County
Alabama
53.8
Lewis County
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Perry County
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Decatur County
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Colbert County
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Giles County
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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 taxes low despite rate

Wayne County's effective tax rate of 0.539% is near the national median, but homeowners pay just $683 annually—only 25% of the national median tax of $2,690. This reflects Wayne's much lower median home values compared to the nation.

Slightly above Tennessee average

Wayne County's effective rate of 0.539% runs above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, yet its median tax of $683 falls below the state average of $1,016. The county's lower property values offset its slightly higher rate.

Mid-range among regional peers

Wayne County's 0.539% rate sits between Warren County (0.447%) and Washington County (0.552%), but its median tax of $683 is the lowest in this cluster. Despite a moderate rate, lower home values keep the actual tax bill remarkably affordable.

A $126,600 home costs $683

The typical Wayne County homeowner with a median-valued property of $126,600 pays approximately $683 in annual property taxes. At just $57 per month, this is among the lowest actual tax burdens in Tennessee.

Review your assessment annually

Even in counties with lower overall tax burdens, individual homeowners may be overassessed. Contact your county assessor to request a free reassessment review if your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent neighbor sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County: Tennessee's Housing Bargain

Wayne County achieves a remarkable 14.1% rent-to-income ratio, the lowest among its peer counties and well below both Tennessee's 17.6% state average and national affordability benchmarks. At just $619 per month, renters here enjoy housing costs that leave substantial income for savings, healthcare, and other essentials.

Among Tennessee's Most Affordable Markets

Wayne County's 14.1% ratio ranks it near the top of Tennessee counties for housing affordability, a remarkable position for working families. Monthly rents running $241 below the state average signal a genuinely accessible housing market in rural middle Tennessee.

The Clear Affordability Champion

Wayne County's $619 rent dramatically undercuts all neighboring counties—Warren ($775), Warren ($775), White ($838), Weakley ($760)—making it the region's most accessible option. Even homeownership is affordable here: $126,600 median home value is the lowest in the cluster, paired with just $537 monthly ownership costs.

Maximum Income Flexibility Here

The median renter allocates only $619 monthly while homeowners pay $537 on properties valued around $126,600—creating genuine breathing room in household budgets. With housing consuming just 14% of income, Wayne County residents retain significantly more earnings for investment, emergency reserves, and quality of life improvements.

Relocating on a Tight Budget? Start Here

Wayne County delivers unbeatable housing affordability without requiring sacrifice in other areas—your salary will stretch further here than nearly anywhere else in Tennessee. If cost of living is your primary concern, this county merits serious consideration before exploring pricier alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne ranks among America's lowest earners

Wayne County's median household income of $52,824 ranks in the bottom quartile nationally, sitting 29.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $29,526 mirrors this struggle, suggesting limited high-wage employment and limited economic diversification. Wayne faces significant income challenges relative to the broader American economy.

Among Tennessee's lowest-income counties

Wayne County earns $52,824 against Tennessee's $58,994 state median, ranking in the lower third of the state's 95 counties. Per capita income of $29,526 also significantly trails the state's $31,458 average. The county reflects broader rural Tennessee struggles with wage stagnation and limited job growth.

Poorest-earning neighbor in the cluster

Wayne County ($52,824) sits at the lower end of its regional peer group, behind Warren ($54,088) and White County ($52,206). Only Weakley County ($49,502) earns less in this immediate radius. The pattern suggests shared economic challenges across this cluster of rural South-Central Tennessee counties.

Lowest housing costs offset low wages

Wayne County's lowest rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% provides rare breathing room on housing affordability. With median home values of just $126,600, homeownership remains genuinely accessible for working families. Housing affordability is Wayne's economic bright spot and a foundation for financial stability.

Maximize affordability to build reserves

Wayne County households earning $52,824 benefit from the lowest housing costs in this comparison—use that advantage to build emergency savings first. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts compound meaningfully over decades. Local employers and workforce development agencies offer training opportunities that can lift earning potential above current county averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County ranks among the safest

Wayne County boasts a 98.9 safety score, with a total crime rate of 710.6 per 100K residents. This is dramatically lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Well above the Tennessee safety average

The county's 98.9 safety score easily surpasses the state average of 97.2. Wayne County is a standout performer in Tennessee, maintaining crime levels well below the state's 1785.6 average.

Wayne County leads neighbors in safety

Wayne's crime rate is roughly half that of Wilson County and much lower than Warren County's 1950.8. Four reporting agencies collaborate to keep these numbers consistently low.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crime is the most common issue at 526.8 per 100K, while violent crime stays at a low 183.8. These figures suggest a community with very few physical safety threats.

Protecting your Wayne County residence

Even in very safe counties, property crimes like theft can occur. Basic home security measures, such as locking gates and garages, go a long way in this rural landscape.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne County life expectancy lags U.S. average

At 73.7 years, Wayne County residents live about 2.7 years less than the national average of 76.4 years, though only 25.9% report poor or fair health. This relative health perception suggests unmet care needs or social factors limiting longevity despite residents' reported satisfaction.

Wayne ranks above state average on lifespan

Wayne's life expectancy of 73.7 years exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year average by 16 months, placing it in the upper half of state counties. The 25.9% poor/fair health rate is moderate among Tennessee peers, indicating a county with mixed health outcomes.

Wayne faces severe provider shortage crisis

With only 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Wayne County has the lowest primary care density of these seven counties—less than one-tenth of Washington County's rate. Mental health providers at 75 per 100K are also sparse, creating real barriers to routine and specialized care.

Low uninsured rate masks access challenges

Wayne's uninsured rate of 11.3% is the lowest among these counties, yet severe provider shortages mean insurance doesn't guarantee timely care. Residents may need to travel significant distances to find a primary care doctor willing to accept new patients.

Wayne residents: secure coverage and plan ahead

If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov can connect you to plans quickly—having coverage is your first step toward care. Given Wayne's provider shortage, get covered now so you can access telehealth options and plan for specialists outside the county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Education in Wayne County

Wayne County operates nine public schools within a single district, serving a total of 2,162 students. The landscape is characterized by small-scale facilities, including two elementary schools and four high schools.

Solid Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

Wayne County maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0% but trailing the state average of 93.3%. The county spends $6,533 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $6,215 despite the remote nature of the district.

Unified District Serving Small Communities

The Wayne County school district manages all 2,162 students, with zero charter schools in operation. Waynesboro Elementary is the largest campus in the county with 426 students, reflecting the smaller, personalized scale of the local school system.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

Every school in Wayne County is classified as rural, with an average school size of only 270 students. Families can expect a close-knit atmosphere at schools like the Frank Hughes School, which serves 304 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Discover Quiet Living Near Wayne Schools

For families seeking a rural lifestyle and small class sizes, Wayne County offers a unique and supportive educational environment. Look for homes in the Waynesboro or Collinwood areas to join this community-focused school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County's favorable risk position

Wayne County scores 42.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 in the 'Relatively Low' category. The county faces lower natural disaster exposure than most of Tennessee, positioning it among the state's safer communities.

Tennessee's lower-risk counties

Wayne County ranks in the lower-risk quartile of Tennessee's 95 counties, with a composite score substantially below the state median. This favorable positioning reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types and minimal wildfire risk.

Wayne County's protective geography

Wayne County (42.97) enjoys significantly lower risk than nearby Warren County (63.45) and Washington County (61.16), approaching the even-safer profile of White County (38.55). This cluster of lower-risk counties in south-central Tennessee offers residents relatively stable natural hazard conditions.

Wayne's moderate hazard exposures

Tornadoes (73.89) and earthquakes (77.54) pose Wayne County's primary risks, though both remain below the state average. Flooding (47.74) represents a secondary concern, while the county's extremely low wildfire risk (12.15) is a distinct advantage compared to other Tennessee counties.

Disaster preparedness for Wayne County

Wayne County residents should focus on tornado preparedness and basic earthquake safety, given the county's moderate exposure to both hazards. While the county's overall risk is favorable, having a household emergency plan and secure shelter space remains essential for protection during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rainfall

Wayne County averages 58.0°F annually, aligning with the typical climate of the Mid-South. It stands out for its high moisture levels compared to national averages.

Right at the State Average

With an average of 58.0°F, Wayne County sits almost perfectly on the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It provides a quintessential Tennessee weather experience.

The Wettest in the Region

Wayne County receives 61.8 inches of rain, far exceeding the state average of 55.9 inches. It is significantly wetter than neighbors like Williamson County, which sees only 55.3 inches.

Long Summers and Trace Snow

Summer heat persists for 39 days above 90°F, while July averages a warm 77.2°F. Snow is rare, with only 1.3 inches falling annually during the mild 39.8°F winter season.

Invest in Heavy-Duty Drainage

Because the county receives nearly 62 inches of rain, managing runoff is the top priority for property owners. Don't worry about snow tires, as the 1.3-inch annual average rarely impacts travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Wayne's Silty Ultisol Profile

Wayne County is dominated by highly weathered Ultisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.28. This acidity level is nearly identical to the Tennessee average but remains well below the national median of 6.5. These soils represent the classic, aged woodland soils common to the Southern Highland Rim.

Silt-Heavy Composition for Soft Soil

A high silt content of 55.4% defines the soil's physical character, complemented by 24.2% sand and 20.3% clay. This creates a flour-like texture that feels soft to the touch and offers good workability. However, the high silt levels can make the surface prone to crusting after heavy rains.

High Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter

Wayne County excels in moisture storage with an available water capacity of 0.176 in/in, surpassing the state average. Conversely, its organic matter of 1.68% is quite low compared to the state's 2.44% benchmark. This soil is excellent at holding onto hydration, even if it needs supplemental nitrogen.

Slow and Steady Drainage

The soil is moderately well drained but sits in hydrologic group C, indicating higher runoff potential during saturated conditions. The silty structure slows downward water movement compared to sandier soils nearby. Proper terracing or cover cropping can help manage water flow on sloped terrain.

Resilient Growing in Wayne County

The high water capacity in zone 7b helps your plants survive the hot Tennessee summers with less frequent watering. Corn and leafy vegetables do well here if you supplement the soil with compost to offset low organic matter. It is a great time to leverage that moisture-holding potential for a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Difficulty in Wayne County

With a lawn difficulty score of 36.5, Wayne County presents significant challenges for turf management. This is well below the national median of 50.0 and the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Growing a lush lawn in this Zone 7b environment requires a targeted strategy.

Managing Excessive Rain and Heat

Wayne County receives 61.8 inches of annual rainfall, far exceeding the 50-inch ideal threshold for most grass types. Paired with 39 extreme heat days, this moisture can lead to fungal issues and rapid weed proliferation. Your mowing schedule must remain aggressive to manage growth during the 4,279 growing degree days.

Amending Silt Loam Foundations

The silt loam soil features a pH of 5.28, which is too acidic for many popular turf varieties. While it is moderately well drained, the 20.3% clay content requires careful management to prevent compaction. Focus on adding organic matter and lime to bring the pH closer to the 6.5 sweet spot.

Surviving Long Seasonal Droughts

Lawns here endured 25 weeks of drought over the past year, making drought resilience a top priority. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, requiring smart water conservation like early morning irrigation. These dry spells are particularly hard on lawns already stressed by the high local humidity.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties are Essential

Hybrid Bermuda or Zoysia are strong choices because they can handle the 39 heat days better than cool-season fescues. Wait until the threat of the April 14 spring frost passes before you begin any major seeding or sodding projects. Establishing roots before the October 24 fall frost ensures your lawn survives the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 61.4 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 Tennessee?
Wayne County ranks #10 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $683, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 81.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Tennessee is $52,824 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 20.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Tennessee. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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