Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,400
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
43/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$469
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
6% higher than US avg
How Waynesboro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,483
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density580/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$25,255
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty13.1%
County GDP$546M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,400
Rent$469
Ownership53.7%
Zillow$177,891
Housing Units1,175
Rent Burden37.0%
Crime
F
Violent43/100K
Property345/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured20.4%
Smoking22.2%
Depression31.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain61.8 in/yr
Elevation714 ft (218 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute36 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Waynesboro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waynesboro receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Waynesboro has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waynesboro is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waynesboro is $81,400, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $469 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Waynesboro is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 43 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 345 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waynesboro enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.8 inches.
Waynesboro has a population of 2,483 with a density of 580 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,483
Total Population
2023 Census
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waynesboro vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waynesboro vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waynesboro is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,255 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 296 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waynesboro vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,255 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,066 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 296 |
| County GDP | $546M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,133 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Waynesboro is $81,400, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,891, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $469 (60% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,175 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,133 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,400 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,891 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $469 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,175 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,133 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.62% |
In Waynesboro, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 22.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 20.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,470. The dentist ratio is 1:16,308. 49.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waynesboro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.2% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 31.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.6% |
| Uninsured | 20.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,470 |
| Dentists | 1:16,308 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 44.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,259/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Waynesboro has a violent crime rate of 43 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 345 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waynesboro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waynesboro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 43.1/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 344.8/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waynesboro enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 714 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 714 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 580/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3235°N, 87.7593°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Maury County Regional (MRC)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.8"
63% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.18"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 13, 2022.
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Nov 6, 1994 |
11 km WSW of Trenton, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
66 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
66 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
7 km NW of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
27 km |
| Mar 11, 2017 |
6 km SW of Trinity, Alabama |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Aug 13, 2022 |
6 km NW of Hazel Green, Alabama |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Jan 15, 2016 |
8 km ENE of Natural Bridge, Alabama |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Jul 31, 1999 |
5 km SW of Moulton, Alabama |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Jul 31, 1999 |
3 km SSW of Moulton, Alabama |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Jul 8, 2001 |
7 km SE of Franklin, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Dec 8, 1997 |
6 km NE of Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| May 27, 1998 |
1 km S of Rutherford, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
13 km S of Moulton, Alabama |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
473 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 102 fatalities, 1,378 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
26 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
95 km |
16 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
98 km |
28 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
31 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
9 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCKHOUSE ROAD (791 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
ROCKHOUSE ROAD |
791 |
25 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
762 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
PRENTISS CR 1331 |
713 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
CHERRY HILL |
659 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
YELLOW CREEK |
572 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
564 |
15 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
523 |
27 km |
| 2014 |
HIGHWAY 77 |
518 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
MERIWETHER LEWIS |
513 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
Waynesboro has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.2") and November the driest (4.2").
Average costs for common services in Waynesboro. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waynesboro
What is the population of Waynesboro?
Waynesboro has a population of 2,483 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 580 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Waynesboro expensive to live in?
Waynesboro is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,400 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $469 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waynesboro safe?
Waynesboro is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 43 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 345 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waynesboro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waynesboro?
Waynesboro enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 61.8 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waynesboro?
The unemployment rate in Waynesboro is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 296 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waynesboro?
The median home value in Waynesboro is $81,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,891. For renters, the median monthly rent is $469. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,133.
How are the schools in Waynesboro?
Schools in Waynesboro have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.1% of adults in Waynesboro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waynesboro?
The obesity rate in Waynesboro is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.2% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 31.7% of residents report depression. 20.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,470.
What is transportation like in Waynesboro?
The average commute in Waynesboro is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waynesboro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waynesboro is 84.9% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.2% of residents have a disability. 79.6% have health insurance coverage.