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Wayne County

KY · Pop. 19,592 · Suburban County

88/100Homestead Score

Wayne County, Kentucky covers 458 square miles with a population of 19,592 and a density of 42.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $122,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.58% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 184-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.3°F and average winter lows of 26.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 50 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Wayne County Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.58%
Growing Season: 184 days
Broadband: 79.6%
Density: 42.8/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.58% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $122,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Wayne County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • Annual rainfall of 50 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.

Cons

  • Broadband reaches only 79.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 24.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
  • Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.58%
Median Household Income$41,933
Poverty Rate24.3%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$122K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season184 days
Annual Rainfall50 inches
Avg Summer High85.3°F
Avg Winter Low26.9°F
Top CropsHay, Soybeans, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire4/10
Tornado5/10
Flood6/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalWayne County Hospital (2.6 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage79.6%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate5.9%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Wayne County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Wayne County?
Wayne County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 184-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.3°F, and average winter lows of 26.9°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $122,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.58%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 79.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Wayne County Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.