Cost of Living in Wayne County, Utah
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 #40 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Utah
Wayne County offers surprising affordability
Wayne County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio puts it among America's most affordable housing markets, despite a median income of $70,074 that's below the national average of $74,755. Rents of just $1,018 monthly suggest a rural county where housing costs haven't surged with the state's growth.
Utah's most affordable rental county
Wayne County ranks as Utah's most affordable county for renters, with a 17.4% ratio sitting just 0.8 percentage points above the state average of 16.6%. At $1,018 per month, median rents run 7% below the state median of $1,101, making Wayne a haven for budget-conscious renters.
Wayne outpaces all neighbors on affordability
Wayne County's $1,018 rent is dramatically lower than all regional neighbors: Utah County ($1,441), Wasatch County ($1,905), Washington County ($1,464), and Weber County ($1,269). Its 17.4% rent-to-income ratio matches or beats every surrounding county, making Wayne uniquely accessible.
Lower income, lower costs equal balance
Wayne County residents earning a median $70,074 annually pay just $1,018 in rent—the lowest in the region—resulting in a lean 17.4% rent-to-income ratio. Owner-occupants spend even less proportionally at 11.3%, suggesting this rural county offers genuine housing affordability across both renting and buying.
Wayne County for the budget-conscious mover
If you prioritize affordability and don't mind rural living, Wayne County delivers the state's lowest housing costs at just $1,018 monthly rent with a 17.4% income ratio. Compare this to Washington County's strained 23.0% ratio or Wasatch's 19.9% to see how much financial breathing room Wayne provides.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
Wayne County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,018/month — about 17.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,018/month rent versus $661/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $357/month cheaper — a 35% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,329/year. With a median household income of $70,074, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Duchesne County where rent averages $934/month, Wayne County is approximately 9% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,635
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.3%
of gross income
The median home in Wayne County may be a stretch
Median home value is $364,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,912 vs. your max of $1,635.
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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