Cost of Living in Wayne County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wayne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wayne County ranks #1,074 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Indiana
Wayne County rents squeeze tighter than nation
Wayne County residents spend 17.2% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average by over a percentage point. With a median household income of $56,652—about $18,000 below the U.S. median—housing costs take a steeper bite here than in most American counties.
Above Indiana's affordability average
Wayne County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's least affordable counties, above the state average of 15.6%. Only a handful of Indiana counties face higher housing cost burdens than Wayne.
Higher costs than surrounding counties
Wayne County's median rent of $813 undercuts the state average of $883, yet its rent-to-income ratio remains worse due to lower median incomes. Neighboring Wells County achieves a healthier 14.4% ratio despite similar rents, thanks to $13,000 higher median household income.
Rent and mortgage burden in Wayne
Renters pay $813 monthly while homeowners carry $836 in mortgage costs, both reasonable in absolute dollars but consuming a larger share of Wayne's $56,652 median household income. Housing costs consume roughly one-sixth of household budgets here, leaving less for savings, healthcare, and other necessities.
Consider Wayne for affordable homeownership
With median home values at $126,100—the lowest among these four counties—Wayne offers an entry point for first-time homebuyers despite income challenges. If your household earns near the state median, Wayne's housing market is worth comparing to pricier neighboring counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
Wayne County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $813/month representing approximately 17.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wayne County is $813/month, while owner costs run $836/month. Renting saves approximately $23/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,829/year. With a median household income of $56,652, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Wayne County is less affordable than Jefferson County by roughly 6% ($813/mo vs $865/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,322
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wayne County
Median home value is $126,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,007 vs. your max of $1,322.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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