Wayne County, Kentucky

Income Data

-25% vs. Kentucky average
$41,933
Median Household Income
$27,424
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$41,933
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,424
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#97 / 120
by median household income

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$41,933
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$41,933
Median Household Income
$27,424
Per Capita Income
$121,700
Median Home Value
34.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, Kentucky

Wayne County faces significant income gap

Wayne County's median household income of $41,933 falls $32,822 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 44% gap. This substantial shortfall places Wayne among America's lower-income counties, signaling structural economic challenges.

Among Kentucky's lowest-earning counties

Wayne County's $41,933 median income trails the state average of $55,909 by $13,976, ranking it in the bottom tier of Kentucky counties. Economic stagnation and limited job diversity characterize the local labor market.

Struggling alongside Whitley County

Wayne County ($41,933) nearly mirrors Whitley County ($41,719) in household income, both severely lagging regional peers like Union ($60,989) and Woodford ($80,006). This shared struggle suggests common challenges—population loss, limited opportunity, and dependence on declining industries.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Wayne County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds affordability benchmarks in neighboring counties, indicating housing absorbs a growing share of limited income. The median home value of $121,700 remains accessible but burdensome for median-earning families.

Seek income growth and skill investment

Wayne County residents must prioritize education and vocational training to lift household earnings above the median and build long-term wealth. Even small regular savings and access to employer benefits can compound into meaningful financial security over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Wayne County, Kentucky is $41,933, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Wayne County?
The per capita income in Wayne County is $27,424, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $41,933.
How does Wayne County compare to the Kentucky average?
Wayne County's median household income of $41,933 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $27,424, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Wayne County, Kentucky is $27,424, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Wayne County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Wayne County's median household income of $41,933 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $27,424 is also lower than the state average of $29,616. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Wayne County rank for income in Kentucky?
Wayne County ranks #97 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $41,933 and per capita income of $27,424, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wayne County

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County median: $41,933 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-44%

vs. Wayne County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average25% below
vs. National Median44% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,494) vs. median rent ($666/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.