Median Income
$52,804
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$198,600
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.0%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Wayne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,055
Median Age23.1 yrs
Density2,081/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,804
Per Capita$24,294
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$804M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,600
Rent$707
Ownership55.0%
Zillow$231,952
Housing Units2,249
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression18.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,463 ft (446 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.0%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute12 min
Broadband90.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Wayne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wayne receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wayne offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wayne is $52,804, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wayne is $198,600, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wayne is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wayne experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wayne has a population of 6,055 with a density of 2,081 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 23.1 years, 41% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (86.9%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.5% of residents, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.1yrs
Median Age
41% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.5%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.5%
22% below US avg
The median household income in Wayne is $52,804, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,294 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,804 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,294 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $804M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,525 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Wayne is $198,600, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,952, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $732 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,249 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,525 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,600 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,952 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $732 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,249 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,525 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.28% |
In Wayne, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.8% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,631. The dentist ratio is 1:1,974. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wayne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 18.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,631 |
| Dentists | 1:1,974 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,234 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Wayne has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wayne receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wayne vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wayne experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,463 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,463 ft (446 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,081/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2375°N, 97.0089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 377 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
82 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Wayne has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Wayne. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne
What is the population of Wayne?
Wayne has a population of 6,055 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,081 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Wayne expensive to live in?
Wayne is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,804, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,600 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wayne safe?
Wayne is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wayne receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wayne?
Wayne has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wayne?
Wayne has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wayne?
The median home value in Wayne is $198,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,952. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. Fair market rent is $732 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,525.
How are the schools in Wayne?
Schools in Wayne score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.0% of adults in Wayne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wayne?
The obesity rate in Wayne is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 18.8% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,631.
What is transportation like in Wayne?
The average commute in Wayne is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wayne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wayne is 86.9% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 89.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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