Wayne County, Mississippi

Income Data

-24% vs. Mississippi average
$36,791
Median Household Income
$26,336
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$36,791
-24% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,336
-33% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Mississippi
#71 / 82
by median household income

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$36,791
Mississippi Average$48,514
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$36,791
Median Household Income
$26,336
Per Capita Income
$88,000
Median Home Value
41.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, Mississippi

Wayne County among lowest-earning nationally

Wayne County's median household income of $36,791 places it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties, sitting 51% below the national median of $74,755. Even compared to Mississippi's low state average of $48,514, Wayne County lags by 24%, indicating severe economic distress.

Among Mississippi's poorest counties

Wayne County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, with only a handful earning less than its $36,791 median. This position reflects limited employment opportunities, population decline, and historically low wage structures across the region.

Lowest income in this peer group

Wayne County's $36,791 income is the second-lowest among these eight counties, with only Wilkinson County ($35,930) earning less. The gap to Webster County ($59,964) exceeds $23,000, one of the largest disparities in the group.

Housing costs create critical squeeze

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.6% means households dedicate more than one-quarter of earnings to housing, well above the 30% affordability ceiling and limiting resources for food, healthcare, and other essentials. The median home value of $88,000 remains challenging on a $36,791 income.

Start small with financial resilience

Wealth-building on a limited income requires discipline: prioritize paying off high-interest debt first, then save even $25 monthly into a separate account for emergencies. Many communities offer free financial literacy programs—use them to maximize every earned dollar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, Mississippi?
The median household income in Wayne County, Mississippi is $36,791, 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 $26,336, 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 $36,791.
How does Wayne County compare to the Mississippi average?
Wayne County's median household income of $36,791 is lower than the Mississippi state average of $48,514. The per capita income is $26,336, compared to the state average of $27,136.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, Mississippi?
The per capita income in Wayne County, Mississippi is $26,336, 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 Mississippi?
Wayne County's median household income of $36,791 is below the Mississippi average of $48,514. The per capita income of $26,336 is also lower than the state average of $27,136. 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 Mississippi?
Wayne County ranks #71 out of 82 counties in Mississippi by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $36,791 and per capita income of $26,336, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wayne County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Wayne County median

County median: $36,791 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-24%

vs. National Median

-51%

vs. Wayne County MedianAbout equal
vs. Mississippi Average24% below
vs. National Median51% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.9x

Your monthly income ($3,066) vs. median rent ($786/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Wayne County, Mississippi? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Mississippi

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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