CountyScore

Wayne County

West Virginia · WV

#50 in West Virginia
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Wayne County, West Virginia

Wayne outpaces U.S. peers comfortably

Wayne County's composite score of 68.5 is 37% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating competitive livability for a rural Appalachian county. This puts Wayne in the upper half of American counties despite regional economic headwinds.

Just shy of West Virginia's average

At 68.5, Wayne trails the state average of 72.2 by a modest margin, ranking it slightly below the middle tier of West Virginia counties. The gap reflects specific weaknesses rather than broad livability concerns.

Cheap taxes and strong affordability

Wayne posts a tax score of 89.0 with a 0.472% effective rate and a cost score of 84.4, with median home values of $124,900 and rents at $883/month. These metrics make Wayne genuinely accessible to working-class households and young families.

Income and risk require focus

The income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,539—solid but still below broader state opportunities. More concerning is the risk score of just 20.2, signaling elevated exposure to natural hazards or economic volatility that residents should understand.

A practical choice with conditions

Wayne suits budget-minded individuals and families willing to accept modest incomes and some environmental or economic risk in exchange for low housing costs. Those seeking stability should investigate the county's risk profile more closely.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth59.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.6Risk20.2WaterComing Soon
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.2
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

DeKalb County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $51,149
Russell County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $50,046
Talladega County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $56,249
Dodge County
Georgia
68.5
Median income: $50,152
Rice County
Kansas
68.5
Median income: $63,947

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 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

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

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

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.