Median Income
$75,179
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$204,100
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
458/100K
20% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.6%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$899
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.9%
147% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Waynesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,422
Median Age34.1 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans27.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$75,179
Per Capita$34,992
Unemployment8.9%
Poverty3.2%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$204,100
Rent$899
Ownership60.9%
Zillow$251,392
Housing Units2,997
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent458/100K
Property952/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured4.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain47.5 in/yr
Elevation817 ft (249 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.6%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations2
Is Waynesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waynesville receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. Waynesville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waynesville is $75,179, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.2% 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 Waynesville is $204,100, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $899 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 458 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 952 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.6% 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 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches, including 10.2 inches of snow.
Waynesville has a population of 5,422 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age is 34.1 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (76.7%), with 4.4% Hispanic, 5.7% Black, 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 27.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,422
Total Population
2023 Census
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waynesville is $75,179, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,992. The unemployment rate is 8.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waynesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,179 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,992 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.9% |
| 147% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Waynesville is $204,100, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,392, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $262,500 with homes selling in an average of 102 days. Homes sell for 99.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $899 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,997 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. 26.9% 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 | $204,100 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,392 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $262,500 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $262,500 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Days on Market | 102 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.7% |
| Price Drops | 14.7% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $899 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,039 |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,997 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
In Waynesville, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.0% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
Food & Exercise
Waynesville has a violent crime rate of 458 per 100,000 residents, 20% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 952 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. Overall, Waynesville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 457.6/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 951.9/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 27 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waynesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 817 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 817 ft (249 m) |
| Area | 6.5 sq mi (16.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8287°N, 92.2007°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.5"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.18"
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
12 km NE of Alton, Missouri |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Oct 26, 1998 |
10 km NE of Van Buren, Missouri |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
104 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Sep 20, 1997 |
6 km NE of Ellington, Missouri |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
6 km NNE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
349 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
56 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2012 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
64 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
60 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
23 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
46 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
65 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Waynesville has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (2.7").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Waynesville
What is the population of Waynesville?
Waynesville has a population of 5,422 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Waynesville expensive to live in?
Waynesville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $75,179, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $204,100 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $899 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waynesville safe?
The violent crime rate in Waynesville is 458 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 952 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 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.5 inches, with 10.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waynesville?
The job market in Waynesville faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waynesville?
The median home value in Waynesville is $204,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,392. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $262,500, with homes typically selling within 102 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $899. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.9%.
How are the schools in Waynesville?
Schools in Waynesville score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.6% of adults in Waynesville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waynesville?
The obesity rate in Waynesville is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 4.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Waynesville?
The average commute in Waynesville is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waynesville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waynesville is 76.7% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 27.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.