Median Income
$64,028
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,000
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$810
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How South Wayne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population475
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density572/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,028
Per Capita$35,386
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$2,497M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,000
Rent$810
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$240,086
Housing Units202
Rent Burden28.2%
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured3.2%
Smoking17.2%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Elevation842 ft (257 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute18 min
Broadband81.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is South Wayne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Wayne receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. South Wayne offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Wayne is $64,028, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Wayne is $123,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Wayne experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow.
South Wayne has a population of 475 with a density of 572 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.2% female and 63.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 7.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.1% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
475
Total Population
2023 Census
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Wayne vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.1%
17% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Wayne vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Wayne is $64,028, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,386. The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,156 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income: South Wayne vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,028 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,386 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,156 |
| County GDP | $2,497M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 143 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in South Wayne is $123,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,086, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 202 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $6,464 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,086 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 202 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.26% |
In South Wayne, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370. The dentist ratio is 1:1,938. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Wayne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 3.2% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,370 |
| Dentists | 1:1,938 |
| Mental Health | 1:660 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,852/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
South Wayne experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 39.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 842 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 842 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 572/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5676°N, 89.8761°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Green County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.54"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
534 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 998 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
46 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
24 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
South Wayne has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in South Wayne. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141-$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188-$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94-$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753-$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71-$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141-$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376-$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94-$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141-$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764-$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376-$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176-$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471-$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705-$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882-$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753-$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188-$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941-$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82-$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35-$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35-$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82-$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76-$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56-$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71-$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129-$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565-$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471-$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188-$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376-$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705-$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94-$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Wayne
What is the population of South Wayne?
South Wayne has a population of 475 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 572 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.2% female and 63.8% male.
Is South Wayne expensive to live in?
South Wayne is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,028, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in South Wayne?
South Wayne has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in South Wayne?
The unemployment rate in South Wayne is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 1,156 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Wayne?
The median home value in South Wayne is $123,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,086. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,464.
How are the schools in South Wayne?
Schools in South Wayne score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in South Wayne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Wayne?
The obesity rate in South Wayne is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 3.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370.
What is transportation like in South Wayne?
The average commute in South Wayne is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Wayne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Wayne is 90.7% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino. 92.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.