Median Income
$62,702
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,200
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.3%
128% higher than US avg
How Waynesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population979
Median Age25.9 yrs
Density1,064/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$62,702
Per Capita$23,109
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.3%
County GDP$372M
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,200
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$165,691
Housing Units178
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property1,524/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured17.2%
Smoking24.7%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation50 ft (15 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 91% / D 9%
Broadband69.1%
EV Stations20
Libraries1
Is Waynesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waynesville receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Waynesville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waynesville is $62,702, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waynesville is $172,200, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waynesville is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waynesville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Waynesville has a population of 979 with a density of 1,064 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 25.9 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.8% female and 39.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.9yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waynesville is $62,702, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,109 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $865, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 262 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waynesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,702 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,109 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $865 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.3% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 262 |
| County GDP | $372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,573 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Waynesville is $172,200, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,691. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $2,573 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,200 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,691 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,573 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.49% |
In Waynesville, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.0% have high blood pressure. 24.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 38.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,034. The dentist ratio is 1:18,183. 17.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.7% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.0% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 23.8% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 17.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,034 |
| Dentists | 1:18,183 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,680 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 49.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Waynesville has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waynesville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 190.5/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,523.8/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waynesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 50 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.5°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,064/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2272°N, 81.7836°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Brantley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wright Army Air Field (Fort Stewart)/Midcoast Regional (LIY)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
144 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
103 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
198 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
200 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
223 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
114 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
265 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
198 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
256 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
166 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 2 |
189 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
259 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2018 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
67 km |
4 |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
63 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
56 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
7.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Waynesville has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 50°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 51.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.1") and November the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Waynesville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waynesville
What is the population of Waynesville?
Waynesville has a population of 979 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 1,064 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.8% female and 39.2% male.
Is Waynesville expensive to live in?
Waynesville has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,702, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,200 (39% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waynesville safe?
Waynesville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waynesville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waynesville?
Waynesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Waynesville?
The job market in Waynesville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $865. There are 262 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Waynesville?
The median home value in Waynesville is $172,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,691. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,573.
How are the schools in Waynesville?
Schools in Waynesville score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in Waynesville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waynesville?
The obesity rate in Waynesville is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.7% of adults are smokers. 38.0% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 17.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 17.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,034.
What are the demographics of Waynesville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waynesville is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 4.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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