Wayne County, Missouri

Income Data

-27% vs. Missouri average
$43,393
Median Household Income
$24,091
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$43,393
-27% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$24,091
-39% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
38.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#112 / 115
by median household income

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$43,393
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$43,393
Median Household Income
$24,091
Per Capita Income
$113,100
Median Home Value
38.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, Missouri

Wayne County faces severe income challenges

Wayne County's median household income of $43,393 is 42% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the steepest income gaps in the region. This substantial shortfall reflects limited employment opportunities and economic distress affecting most county families.

Missouri's lowest-income county profiled

Wayne County's $43,393 median income trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $16,110, placing it at the bottom of these county rankings. Per capita income of $24,091 falls 22% below the state average of $31,011.

Lowest earner in the profiled counties

Wayne County's $43,393 income ranks below all other counties—Texas County ($48,055) is the next-lowest, while other neighbors earn substantially more. This gap reflects Wayne County's isolation and reliance on agriculture and declining manufacturing.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Wayne County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% represents the highest burden in the county group, stretching household budgets despite low absolute costs. The median home value of $113,100 still represents a significant commitment for families earning $43,393.

Prioritize financial stability and support

Wayne County families face the tightest financial margins and should seek community financial literacy programs, employer benefits, and government assistance resources. Even small savings habits and reduced debt can meaningfully improve long-term financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, Missouri?
The median household income in Wayne County, Missouri is $43,393, 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 $24,091, 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 $43,393.
How does Wayne County compare to the Missouri average?
Wayne County's median household income of $43,393 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $24,091, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Wayne County, Missouri is $24,091, 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 Missouri?
Wayne County's median household income of $43,393 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $24,091 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. 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 Missouri?
Wayne County ranks #112 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $43,393 and per capita income of $24,091, 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: $43,393 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-42%

vs. Wayne County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average27% below
vs. National Median42% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($3,616) vs. median rent ($632/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, Missouri? 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 Missouri

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.