Wayne
Tennessee

What stands out

What stands out about Wayne County: population growth is in the bottom 7% of American counties (-1.2% a year), the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 9% of American counties (0.4 per 1,000), and violent crime is in the top 10% of American counties (4.8 per 1,000). Within Tennessee it ranks 2nd of 95 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wayne County, Tennessee. 16,325 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -90).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $49,360 a year, lower than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,559. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 82% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $185K, cheaper than 69% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $671 a month. Property tax is 0.49% of home value, roughly $639 a year on that median home, lower than 88% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 90% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.2 years, shorter than 68% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 1.8 per 10,000 people. 12.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 62% of American counties. 82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 75 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 49% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 70% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 45 out of 100, safer than 55% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 122 Mbps down, slower than 81% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.