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Waynesville, MO

Missouri

Waynesville is a small city in Missouri with a population of 5,422. Residents earn $75,179 per year, which is 0% below the national average.

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
5,422 Population 758/sq mi density
$75,179 Median Income $34,992 per capita
$204,100 Home Value $239,626 Zillow
$899 Median Rent 26.9% income on rent
56°F Avg Temperature 259 sunny days/yr
351 Violent Crime/100K 1,607 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$75,179 median income, 5.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$204,100 home value, $899/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
351 violent crimes/100K (8% below avg)
B+
Education
3.9 / 5.0
36.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $75,179
0% lower than US avg
Home Value $204,100
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 351/100K
8% lower 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 5.0%
39% 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

A
Median Income$75,179
Per Capita$34,992
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty3.2%
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$204,100
Rent$899
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$239,626
Housing Units2,997
Rent Burden26.9%

Crime

F
Violent351/100K
Property1,607/100K
Murder18.5/100K
Assault314/100K
Burglary240/100K

Health

Obesity36.7%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.2%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Sunny Days259/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 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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

Violent crime in Waynesville is below the national average at 351 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,607 per 100,000, near 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 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Waynesville has a population of 5,422 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 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 2.2% Hispanic, 5.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 27.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

5,422
Total Population
758
People / sq mi
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
7.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Waynesville vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish3.0%
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 5.0% (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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$75,179
0% below US avg
Per Capita Income$34,992

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.0%
39% above US avg
Poverty Rate3.2%
74% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.4 min
Drive Alone82.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home8.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Waynesville is $204,100, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,626, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$204,100
28% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$239,626
Median List Price$299,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$299,900
$/Sq Ft$136
Homes Sold12
Sale-to-List Ratio99.7%
Price Drops14.7%
Inventory34

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$899
23% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,039
Rent Burden26.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied60.9%
Housing Units2,997
Median Year Built1977

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. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.7%
14% above US avg
Diabetes10.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
High Blood Pressure32.4%
Asthma10.7%
COPD6.2%
Cancer7.1%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking14.5%
4% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.9%
Physical Inactivity25.9%
Depression24.8%
Mental Distress17.6%
Physical Distress12.9%
Short Sleep42.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate94.7%
Uninsured8.3%
3% below US avg
Checkup Rate77.6%
Dental Visits60.5%

Food & Exercise

Waynesville has a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 313.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 18.5. The murder rate is 18.5 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,607 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,348, burglary at 240, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Waynesville receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent350.9/100K
8% below US avg
Murder18.5/100K
193% above US avg
Rape18.5/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault313.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,606.7/100K
18% below US avg
Burglary240.1/100K
Theft1,348.1/100K
Vehicle Theft18.5/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Waynesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. The area receives 5.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 817 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average55.5°F
3% above US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average78°F (25°C)
Sunny Days259 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall42.6 inches
12% above US avg
Snowfall5.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation817 ft (249 m)
Area7.2 sq mi (18.5 km²)
Population Density758/sq mi
Coordinates37.8287°N, 92.2007°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 1.9 in Coldest, Driest
February 36°F (2°C) 2.3 in
March 46°F (8°C) 3.8 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.9 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.8 in Wettest
June 72°F (22°C) 4.1 in
July 78°F (25°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 76°F (25°C) 3.5 in
September 68°F (20°C) 4.0 in
October 58°F (14°C) 3.8 in
November 46°F (8°C) 3.8 in
December 35°F (2°C) 3.1 in

Waynesville has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.9").

36.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 9% above the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 91.0% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 2 EV charging stations. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+36.6%
9% above US avg
High School+96.6%
Graduate Degree+12.4%
School Test Score5.51
B+ Education Grade (3.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density758/sq mi
Total Area7.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access91.0%
EV Charging Stations2
Alt Fuel Stations4

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.4 min
Drive Alone82.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home8.5%

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 7.2 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?

Waynesville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,607 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 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.6 inches, with 5.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Waynesville?

The unemployment rate in Waynesville is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 $239,626. For renters, the median monthly rent is $899. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

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. 8.3% lack health insurance.

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, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 27.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

St. Robert, MO 5,327 pop · 3.6 mi Fort Leonard Wood, MO 15,317 pop · 8.8 mi Richland, MO 2,256 pop · 11.3 mi Dixon, MO 1,267 pop · 12.7 mi Rolla, MO 20,144 pop · 24.9 mi Lebanon, MO 15,157 pop · 27.3 mi Licking, MO 2,816 pop · 29.5 mi Osage Beach, MO 4,715 pop · 32.2 mi Camdenton, MO 4,017 pop · 32.2 mi Lake Ozark, MO 2,451 pop · 35.0 mi Houston, MO 2,407 pop · 37.2 mi Village of Four Seasons, MO 2,077 pop · 37.7 mi Salem, MO 4,673 pop · 38.5 mi Belle, MO 1,476 pop · 40.9 mi
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