IncomeBy County

Wayne County, Tennessee

Income Data

-10% vs. Tennessee average
$52,824
Median Household Income
$29,526
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,824
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,526
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#62 / 95
by median household income

How Wayne County Compares

Wayne County$52,824
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,824
Median Household Income
$29,526
Per Capita Income
$126,600
Median Home Value
41.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wayne County, Tennessee

Wayne ranks among America's lowest earners

Wayne County's median household income of $52,824 ranks in the bottom quartile nationally, sitting 29.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $29,526 mirrors this struggle, suggesting limited high-wage employment and limited economic diversification. Wayne faces significant income challenges relative to the broader American economy.

Among Tennessee's lowest-income counties

Wayne County earns $52,824 against Tennessee's $58,994 state median, ranking in the lower third of the state's 95 counties. Per capita income of $29,526 also significantly trails the state's $31,458 average. The county reflects broader rural Tennessee struggles with wage stagnation and limited job growth.

Poorest-earning neighbor in the cluster

Wayne County ($52,824) sits at the lower end of its regional peer group, behind Warren ($54,088) and White County ($52,206). Only Weakley County ($49,502) earns less in this immediate radius. The pattern suggests shared economic challenges across this cluster of rural South-Central Tennessee counties.

Lowest housing costs offset low wages

Wayne County's lowest rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% provides rare breathing room on housing affordability. With median home values of just $126,600, homeownership remains genuinely accessible for working families. Housing affordability is Wayne's economic bright spot and a foundation for financial stability.

Maximize affordability to build reserves

Wayne County households earning $52,824 benefit from the lowest housing costs in this comparison—use that advantage to build emergency savings first. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts compound meaningfully over decades. Local employers and workforce development agencies offer training opportunities that can lift earning potential above current county averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wayne County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Wayne County, Tennessee is $52,824, 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 $29,526, 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 $52,824.
How does Wayne County compare to the Tennessee average?
Wayne County's median household income of $52,824 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $29,526, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Wayne County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Wayne County, Tennessee is $29,526, 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 Tennessee?
Wayne County's median household income of $52,824 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $29,526 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. 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 Tennessee?
Wayne County ranks #62 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,824 and per capita income of $29,526, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $52,824 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Tennessee Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 29% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,402) vs. median rent ($619/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Forrest County
Mississippi
$52,821
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Cabell County
West Virginia
$52,828
+0%
Caddo County
Oklahoma
$52,817
+0%
Sedgwick County
Colorado
$52,833
+0%
Randolph County
Arkansas
$52,838
+0%
Hamblen County
Tennessee
$52,794
+0%
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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.

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