countyscore
75.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.2Safety 97.5Property Tax 96.4

County Report Card

About Wayne County, Utah

A National Leader in Livability

Wayne County earns an impressive 71.8 composite score, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the most livable counties in the entire country.

Setting the Standard in Utah

Wayne County significantly outpaces the state average of 53.9. It serves as a standout model for safety and stability within the state of Utah.

Unmatched Safety and Low Risk

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 98.2 and a safety score of 97.5. Low taxes further enhance its appeal, with a tax score of 96.2 and a 0.349% effective rate.

Water Scarcity and Health Access

Resource management is a struggle, as the water score is a low 25.9. Additionally, a health score of 44.7 suggests there is room to improve local medical access and outcomes.

Best for Peace and Security

This county is a premier choice for families or individuals who value personal safety and protection from natural disasters above all else. It offers a secure, low-tax environment for those comfortable with rural resource levels.

2040608010096.468.597.544.778.576.498.225.939.1Tax96.4Cost68.5Safety97.5Health44.7Schools78.5Income76.4Risk98.2Water25.9Weather39.175.8/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Wayne County DNA

C+overall

How Wayne County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wayne County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (98.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96.4+44.400000000000006
Cost
68.5+20.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
44.7
Schools
78.5+24.5
Income
76.4+25.400000000000006
Risk
98.2+51.2
Water
25.9-32.1
Weather
39.1-16.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$411,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$884/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$411,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,607/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Garfield County
Utah
66.5
Emery County
Utah
67.7
San Juan County
Utah
58.6
Sevier County
Utah
47.5
Piute County
Utah
64.5
Grand County
Utah
46.9
Sanpete County
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55.1
Kane County
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59.7

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 County has Utah's lowest tax rate

Wayne County's effective rate of 0.349% is Utah's lowest and ranks among the nation's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $1,274 represents a 53% discount versus the national median of $2,690.

Utah's clear tax leader

Wayne County's 0.349% rate stands alone as the lowest in Utah, trailing the state average of 0.498% by nearly 0.15 percentage points. No other Utah county comes close to this advantage.

Dramatically lower than all nearby counties

Wayne County's 0.349% rate undercuts Wasatch and Washington (0.446%) by 0.097 percentage points and Weber (0.621%) by 0.272 percentage points. This represents unmatched regional tax relief.

Exceptionally low bills for homeowners

On a median home value of $364,800, Wayne County residents pay just $1,274 annually in property taxes. That's approximately $106 per month—the state's lowest homeowner burden.

Verify your assessment is accurate

Even at Utah's lowest rate, assessment errors still occur and can inflate your bill. Contact the Wayne County assessor for a free review to ensure you're not paying a penny more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne County below national income level

Wayne County's median household income of $70,074 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,681, ranking it in the lower-earning tier nationwide. Its rural character and tourism-dependent economy create more limited earning opportunities than urban and suburban regions.

Utah's lowest-earning county

Wayne County's median household income of $70,074 ranks last among Utah's 29 counties, falling $10,102 below the state average of $80,176. Limited job diversity, small population, and dependence on natural resource and tourism sectors constrain household earnings significantly.

Significant income gap with adjacent counties

Wayne County residents earn $26,803 less than Utah County ($96,877) and $6,337 less than Washington County ($76,411). Even compared to rural peers, the gap is substantial—Wayne households earn $17,009 below Weber County ($87,083), underscoring regional economic disparities.

Housing affordable on modest income

Wayne County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the affordability threshold, and its median home value of $364,800 is the lowest among these five counties. Housing affordability is the county's economic strength, though modest overall incomes limit wealth-building capacity.

Prioritize earnings growth and skill-building

Wayne County residents should focus on career development and skill-building to increase earning potential, since incomes here lag state and national peers. Even small income gains compound significantly; investing in education, training, or business ownership offers paths to improved financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect Safety Score Recorded

Wayne County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, indicating an incredibly low volume of criminal activity. Data shows a 0.0 crime rate per 100K, though this reflects only a single reporting agency.

Wayne County Leads State Safety

While the state average safety score is a high 98.1, Wayne County sits at the very top of the list. It reports zero crimes compared to the state average rate of 1,204.8 per 100K.

Unmatched Tranquility in the Region

Wayne County is statistically the safest in the region, far surpassing Washington County's rate of 1,429.3. Even accounting for limited reporting, it remains a remarkably quiet area.

Analyzing Limited Crime Data

Current data shows zero violent or property crimes, though reporting is limited to one agency. This suggests a very high level of public safety for the small local population.

Preserving a Low-Crime Environment

Even with no reported crimes, it is wise to maintain situational awareness. Basic home security provides peace of mind while preserving the county's tranquil reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Desert Continental Climate

Wayne County averages 50.8°F, placing it near the national median for temperature but far below for moisture. With only 8.1 inches of rain annually, it is one of the driest regions in the country.

Drier than the Utah Average

While its temperature is close to the 48.9°F state average, Wayne County receives 5.6 inches less moisture than the state typical. This creates a landscape defined by aridity and high evaporation rates.

Aridity Defines the Local Region

Wayne County is significantly drier than its northern neighbor, Wasatch County, which sees over double the precipitation. Its temperature profile is nearly identical to Utah County, but it receives less than half the snow.

Dry Summers and Moderate Winters

The county sees 42 extreme heat days and a 72.1°F summer average. Winters are relatively dry for Utah, with only 19.0 inches of snow and a January average of 28.5°F.

Plan for Arid Conditions

Water conservation is a way of life here given the extremely low 8.1 inches of annual precipitation. Residents should prepare for dusty conditions and sharp temperature drops after sunset in this high-desert environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Red Rock Soil Characteristics

Wayne County’s specific soil taxonomic data is currently limited, but regional trends align with the state’s 7.71 average pH. This alkaline profile exceeds the national median of 6.5, a result of the county's arid climate and parent rock. Knowledge of these levels helps farmers choose the right fertilizers for their land.

Understanding the Mineral Mix

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently available for Wayne County. These components determine how soil feels in your hands and how well it supports heavy machinery. Without data, observing how quickly puddles disappear after a storm can offer clues about your soil's texture.

Fertility Metrics in Canyon Country

Local organic matter and water capacity levels are not recorded, but they can be measured against the state average of 7.59%. Maintaining the state's average water capacity of 0.138 in/in is a challenge in this dry climate. Intensive mulching is a key strategy for preserving moisture and boosting fertility here.

Drainage in a High Desert

The county's drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unlisted. In this rugged terrain, soil drainage affects everything from trail stability to orchard health. Understanding local water movement is vital for sustainable land use in such a beautiful, sensitive environment.

Cultivating Success in Zone 6a

With a Zone 6a rating, Wayne County is ideal for hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions that thrive in cooler temperatures. The distinct seasons offer a clear window for summer squash and resilient greens. Start your garden this year to enjoy the unique flavors of high-desert produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

High-Desert Lawn Care in Wayne County

Wayne County earns a difficulty score of 31.7, making it the most manageable county in this set despite being below the national average. It sits slightly above the Utah state average of 28.5, offering a marginally easier path for Zone 6a gardeners. However, low rainfall remains the primary obstacle for anyone seeking a lush green lawn.

Extreme Aridity Tests Turf Survival

Wayne County is exceptionally dry, receiving just 8.1 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state average of 13.7 inches. While the 42 extreme heat days are standard for the region, the lack of natural moisture puts immense pressure on irrigation systems. Grass requires nearly four times the local rainfall to thrive during the peak growing season.

Building a Better Soil Base

Local soil data is limited, so gardeners should prioritize a professional analysis to check for high alkaline levels common in Utah. Without significant organic amendments, the natural soil may struggle to support the heavy nutrient needs of traditional turf. Adding topsoil or compost can help bridge the gap for new lawn establishments.

Coping with Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of Wayne County is under severe drought, a condition that has persisted for the entire past year. This makes water conservation not just a suggestion, but a necessity for all property owners. Using drought-tolerant grass blends and reducing mowing frequency during heat waves can help plants survive these harsh cycles.

Planting for the Zone 6a Climate

Buffalo grass or wheatgrass varieties are excellent choices for this arid climate due to their low water needs. The spring planting window opens after May 1st, providing several months of growth before the October 16th fall frost. Focus on establishing deep roots early in the season to withstand the inevitable dry summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, Utah has a composite county score of 75.8 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 Utah?
Wayne County ranks #1 among all counties in Utah 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, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $1,394, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, Utah is $76,607 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 76.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, Utah a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 75.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Utah. 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

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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