Cost of Living in Wayne County, Ohio
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 #2,092 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Ohio
Wayne County keeps housing costs in check
Wayne County residents earning $71,769—just slightly below the national average of $74,755—spend only 14.2% of income on rent, claiming the best affordability ratio in this entire region. At $849 monthly rent, households here enjoy genuine financial breathing room despite modest regional income levels.
Northeast Ohio's affordability champion
Wayne County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Ohio's 15.6% state average by a meaningful margin, ranking among the state's most accessible counties. Its $849 rent sits just $24 below the state median, proving affordability doesn't require deep rural discounts.
Best value for balanced markets
Wayne's $849 rent undercuts Van Wert ($792 to $873) rivals and Wood County ($950), while home values of $204,600 reflect a robust local market. This northeast Ohio county delivers genuine middle-ground pricing without sacrificing opportunity or community stability.
Income and housing in healthy balance
Wayne households earning $71,769 spend just $849 on rent or $947 on monthly mortgages, dedicating only 14.2% to housing costs. This leaves meaningful income for savings, childcare, and unexpected expenses—a crucial advantage for working families.
Wayne offers balanced affordability and stability
If you seek affordability without extreme rural trade-offs, Wayne County's 14.2% housing ratio combined with near-average income levels makes relocation compelling. Compare your current housing burden against this sweet-spot market in northeast Ohio's productive Wooster region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Wayne County is affordable. The median rent is $849/month against a median household income of $71,769, putting rent at 14.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $849/month rent versus $947/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $98/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,586/year. With a median household income of $71,769, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Wayne County sits 6% more expensive than Gallia County ($798/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,675
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wayne County
Median home value is $204,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,633 vs. your max of $1,675.
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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