Wayne
Mississippi

What stands out

What stands out about Wayne County: homeownership is among the highest in America (87%), the median household income is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($34,875), and home internet speed is in the top 4% of American counties (303 Mbps). Within Mississippi it ranks 1st of 82 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Wayne County, Mississippi. 19,760 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +106).

Mississippi exempts all retirement income from its income tax, which is a flat 4% on income over $10,000 for 2026 and is scheduled to be eliminated over the coming decade. Home prices and overall cost of living are the lowest in the country. The state also ranks last or near last on health, income and school measures, and the Gulf coast carries hurricane exposure.

Money

The typical household here brings in $34,875 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,388. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 87% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 29 minutes each way.

Mississippi takes 2.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $995 a year.

Home

The median home costs $149K, cheaper than 84% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $666 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $688 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 87% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 61% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 72.8 years, shorter than 81% of American counties. There are 11 active physicians in the county, about 5.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 15.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 68% of American counties. 82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 32 points. 67% of eligible voters turned out. Under Mississippi law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 66°F, highs near 78 and lows near 54, warmer than 85% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 69 out of 100, riskier than 69% of American counties; the county has had 32 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 303 Mbps down, faster than 96% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.