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Wayne County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#47 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.5
County Score
Property Tax 88.6Safety 69.4Lawn Care 69.3

County Report Card

About Wayne County, West Virginia

Wayne County Tops National Baseline

Wayne County holds a composite score of 55.5, which ranks above the national median of 50.0. While it outperforms many U.S. counties, it sits in the middle tier of national livability rankings.

Chasing the West Virginia Average

The county’s score of 55.5 falls below the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It faces steeper hurdles in regional competition compared to some of its higher-scoring neighbors.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

Tax burden is a significant strength with a score of 88.6 and an effective tax rate of 0.472%. Housing remains affordable with a Cost Score of 68.0 and a median gross rent of just $883.

Infrastructure and Environmental Risks

Environmental vulnerability is a concern with a Risk Score of 20.2 and a low Water Score of 25.5. Low health and income scores further emphasize the need for systemic community investment.

Value for Budget-Conscious Residents

Wayne County is best for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burdens above all else. It appeals to those willing to navigate infrastructure challenges in exchange for rural affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax88.6Cost68Safety69.4Health26.6Schools38.6Income26.6Risk20.2Water25.5Weather67.8
🏛88.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.3
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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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 tax rate stays well below national

Wayne County's effective rate of 0.472% is one-fifth the typical American property tax burden, making it a tax-friendly destination. The median tax bill of $589 represents just 22% of the national median of $2,690, even as home values average $124,900.

Slightly above West Virginia average

Wayne County's 0.472% rate sits just below the state average of 0.497%, positioning it near the middle of West Virginia's tax spectrum. The median property tax of $589 falls below the state median of $699, reflecting Wayne's lower home values.

Mid-range among regional peers

Wayne's 0.472% rate is moderate compared to neighbors—lower than Wetzel (0.646%), Wirt (0.534%), and Wood (0.614%), but higher than Webster (0.389%) and Upshur (0.436%). The median tax of $589 is lower than most neighbors due to Wayne's smaller median home values.

A $125k home costs $589 yearly

Wayne County's median home value of $124,900 translates to approximately $589 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay about $876 annually, while mortgage-free owners average $475.

Assessment appeals could save you hundreds

Wayne County homeowners have a straightforward path to tax relief through property assessment appeals, which are free to file. If your property value has dropped or your home is assessed higher than comparable recent sales, an appeal could cut your tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wayne County

via CostByCounty

Wayne County rents strain local wages

Wayne's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of West Virginia's tightest affordability squeezes, driven by an $883 median rent against a $55,539 median household income. The gap widens when comparing to the national income median of $74,755—Wayne renters earn less but pay more.

Most expensive rentals in this county cluster

Wayne County leads the seven-county comparison with the highest median rent at $883, nearly $123 above the state average. This affordability challenge places Wayne among West Virginia's pricier rental markets despite below-average incomes.

Wayne's rents outpace comparable counties

Wayne's $883 monthly rent significantly exceeds Upshur ($799) and Wood County ($789), making it the costliest rental market in this regional cluster. Renters seeking lower costs should consider Wirt County's $575 or Wetzel County's $703 just miles away.

Renters pay heavily; buyers get relief

Wayne renters dedicate a stinging 19.1% of income to rent, while homeowners pay just 11.5% toward a median owner cost of $531. The dramatic $352 gap suggests Wayne's real affordability story lies in homeownership at a median value of $124,900.

Consider Wayne carefully for rental living

Wayne County appeals to homebuyers seeking modest prices and low ownership costs, but renters should compare options with nearby Wirt, Wetzel, or Upshur before committing. The county's tight rental affordability may require higher income to live comfortably in a rented home.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wayne County

via IncomeByCounty

Wayne inches closer to national income

Wayne County's median household income of $55,539 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,216—roughly 26% below the U.S. average. However, Wayne outperforms West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by $793, making it one of the stronger-earning counties in a below-average state.

Wayne ranks high among West Virginia

Wayne County places in the upper third of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income, driven partly by its robust per capita income of $32,003—notably above the state average of $30,335. This strong per capita showing suggests Wayne has a healthy mix of full-time earners and multiple income streams across households.

Second strongest in the regional block

Wayne's $55,539 median ranks second only to Wood County ($56,193) among the seven-county group examined here, outpacing Upshur ($51,859) and all other regional peers. The county's per capita income of $32,003 is the third-highest in this cluster, indicating competitive earning power across the workforce.

Rent and mortgages fit the budget

Wayne's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% remains well below the 30% danger zone, confirming that housing costs consume a manageable share of household income. With a median home value of $124,900—among the lowest in the region—Wayne offers genuine affordability for buyers and renters alike.

Position yourself for future growth

Wayne households earning $55,539 benefit from lower home costs relative to income, creating a genuine surplus for savings and investment. Taking advantage of employer retirement plans, IRAs, and even modest stock index funds now can meaningfully increase family wealth over the next 10–20 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wayne County

via CrimeByCounty

Wayne County Far Surpasses National Safety Levels

Wayne County maintains a total crime rate of 716.6 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5. This performance results in a safety score of 98.9 out of 100. Residents benefit from a environment that is substantially safer than the typical American county.

Consistently Beating the State Crime Average

The county's total crime rate of 716.6 per 100,000 is lower than the West Virginia average of 949.0. Eight reporting agencies work together to maintain a safety score of 98.9, which sits above the state average of 98.5. Wayne County remains a pillar of stability within the mountain state.

Wayne County vs. Nearby Wyoming County

Wayne County proves safer than its neighbor to the southeast, Wyoming County, which has a total crime rate of 758.1 per 100,000. Wayne also reports a significantly lower violent crime rate than Wyoming. This comparison highlights Wayne's position as a regional leader in public safety.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is rare in Wayne County, occurring at a rate of just 61.6 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is the primary concern at 655.0 per 100,000, though this is still far below national levels. These figures reflect a community where major safety incidents are infrequent.

Simple Security for Wayne Residents

With property crimes making up the bulk of local reports, basic home security measures go a long way. Locking all entry points and using smart doorbells can prevent opportunistic thefts. Consistent vigilance helps preserve Wayne County's reputation as a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wayne County

via HealthByCounty

Wayne struggles with health outcomes

Wayne County's life expectancy of 70.4 years trails the U.S. average by 6 years, reflecting serious and persistent health challenges. Nearly 26.3% of residents report poor or fair health, mirroring national rates but concentrated in a smaller, more vulnerable population. These numbers signal elevated rates of chronic disease, injury, and preventable death across the county's 41,000 residents.

Significantly below state average

At 70.4 years, Wayne ranks among West Virginia's worst-performing counties, nearly 2 years below the state average of 72.2. This gap reflects a confluence of economic hardship, limited healthcare access, and high rates of substance use and opioid addiction. The county faces structural health inequities that require sustained community investment.

Facing regional health crisis

Wayne's 70.4-year life expectancy is significantly lower than nearby counties like Upshur (74.7) and Wood (73.4), and it's the poorest-performing in its peer group. Its 26.3% poor/fair health rate aligns with regional patterns, but the shorter lifespan suggests deeper systemic problems. With only 47 primary care providers per 100,000, Wayne has less physician access than wealthier neighbors.

Insurance gaps amid scarcity

Wayne's 7.9% uninsured rate edges above the state average, leaving roughly 3,200 residents without coverage and vulnerable to medical hardship. Mental health providers are abundant at 244 per 100,000—paradoxically higher than most counties—yet addiction and behavioral health crises continue. Daily reality: residents struggle to afford care, travel long distances for specialists, and face limited prevention options.

Coverage is your first step

With nearly 3,200 uninsured residents, Wayne County has room to improve coverage rates and connect people to care. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact the West Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace for free help finding a plan. Insurance opens doors to preventive visits, medications, and specialist care that can slow disease progression and extend healthy life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wayne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive School Network in Wayne County

Wayne County supports 18 public schools including 11 elementary, four middle, and three high schools. This network serves a total enrollment of 6,240 students under the management of one central school district.

Investment in a Growing Student Population

The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which sits below the state average of 92.8%. With per-pupil spending at $7,538, the county invests nearly the state average to improve its 52.1 composite school score.

Focusing on Local Public Districts

Wayne County Schools is the sole provider for the region, overseeing 6,240 students with no charter schools currently available. This centralized approach allows for shared resources across the 18 local campuses.

From River Suburbs to Rural Hills

The school landscape is diverse, featuring 11 rural schools alongside suburban and city locales near Huntington. Spring Valley High School is the largest campus with 910 students, while the average school size across the county is 347 students.

Suburban and Rural Living Combined

Prospective homeowners often look toward the Ceredo-Kenova or Spring Valley areas for established school communities. Exploring homes in these districts offers a blend of suburban convenience and dedicated educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wayne County

via RiskByCounty

Wayne County faces above-average disaster risk

Wayne County's composite risk score of 79.80 places it well above the national average and 62% higher than West Virginia's state average of 49.21. This elevated risk profile reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and wildfires that compound the county's vulnerability.

Among West Virginia's riskiest counties

Wayne ranks in the top tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for natural disaster risk, sitting near Wood County as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities. Only a handful of counties carry higher composite risk scores, reflecting Wayne's unique geographic and climatic exposure.

Riskier than most Appalachian peers

Wayne's 79.80 score edges out neighbors like Wyoming County (67.37) and substantially exceeds Upshur County (44.85) and Webster County (35.27). The gap reflects Wayne's outsized wildfire risk of 76.08—among the highest in the state—combined with severe flood exposure.

Wildfire and flooding threaten simultaneously

Wayne County faces a dual hazard crisis: flood risk of 89.19 and wildfire risk of 76.08, both ranking among West Virginia's highest. Tornado risk adds a secondary concern at 34.10, creating a complex disaster landscape where residents must prepare for fast-moving water and fire threats year-round.

Bundle flood and wildfire protections now

Wayne residents should secure both flood and comprehensive homeowners insurance immediately, as dual exposure to water and fire makes standard coverage insufficient. Consider property hardening measures like fire-resistant roofing and maintaining clear vegetation zones around your home to reduce vulnerability to both hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wayne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Appalachian Pocket

Wayne County’s 56.0°F average is warmer than the national median, reflecting its lower elevation and southern position. It is one of the warmest regions in the state.

Much Warmer Than State Norms

Averaging 56.0°F, Wayne is over three degrees warmer than the West Virginia average of 52.8°F. This makes it a standout for heat in a primarily cool state.

Lower Snowfall Than Northern Neighbors

Wayne receives only 15.8 inches of snow, far less than the state’s mountain counties. It is also slightly drier than the state average, with 46.5 inches of precipitation.

High Heat and Mild Winters

Summer is intense here, with 22 days reaching over 90°F and a July average of 75.9°F. Winters are relatively mild, with January averages staying above freezing at 34.4°F.

Prioritize Cooling Capacity

Homeowners should ensure air conditioning units can handle 22 days of extreme heat. Snow removal needs are minimal compared to the rest of West Virginia.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wayne County

via SoilByCounty

Wayne's Milder Appalachian Acidity

Wayne County features an average soil pH of 5.55, which is notably less acidic than the West Virginia state average of 5.25. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Silt-Heavy Soils Offer Smooth Texture

The soil is comprised of 42.8% silt, 23.6% sand, and 12.9% clay. This high silt content makes the soil easy to work and provides a smooth texture that is generally favorable for agricultural root development.

Reliable Water Storage for Crops

Organic matter stands at 18.10%, which is slightly below the state average of 21.03% but still far above the national 2% norm. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a healthy reservoir for plants during dry spells.

Navigating Wayne's Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for this county. However, the balanced mix of silt and sand suggests moderate permeability that typically prevents heavy waterlogging in most fields.

Warm Zone 7a Garden Potential

Wayne County's soil score of 57.1 is well above the state average, and its 7a hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season. It is a fantastic environment for growing tomatoes, peppers, and even peaches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wayne County

via LawnByCounty

Wayne Leads the State in Lawn Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.3, Wayne County is one of the easiest places in the state to grow grass. This score beats both the West Virginia average of 66.5 and the national median of 50.0. The local Zone 7a climate provides a longer window for growth and maintenance than most of the state.

High Heat and Long Seasons

Wayne County experiences 22 extreme heat days per year, which is higher than the state average of 17. The 46.5 inches of annual precipitation falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With 3935 growing degree days, grass grows faster and longer here than in cooler upland counties.

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

The soil features a pH of 5.55, which requires lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for grass. While specific drainage data is limited, the 23.6% sand content suggests better natural drainage than the clay-heavy soils found elsewhere in West Virginia. Periodic soil testing will help you manage these slightly acidic conditions effectively.

Consistent Moisture Reliability

Wayne County is remarkably resilient, enduring only 4 weeks of drought over the past year. Current data shows 0.0% of the county is under drought stress, making it an ideal time for lawn establishment. This consistency allows for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to the more volatile eastern counties.

Maximize Your Zone 7a Season

The early last frost on April 13 allows for a head start on spring projects compared to the rest of the state. Because the first fall frost doesn't arrive until October 26, you have an extended window for autumn recovery. Transition zone grasses like turf-type tall fescue are perfect for handling the local combination of 75.9°F July averages and 22 heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wayne County's county score?
Wayne County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 55.5 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 West Virginia?
Wayne County ranks #47 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Wayne County is $589, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Wayne County a tax score of 88.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wayne County?
The median household income in Wayne County, West Virginia is $55,539 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wayne County earns an income score of 26.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wayne County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Wayne County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in West Virginia. 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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🏛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.