Median Income
$72,569
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$241,300
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.5%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Waynesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,723
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density1,154/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,569
Per Capita$33,578
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$18,762M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$241,300
Rent$892
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$456,447
Health
Obesity35.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.0 in/yr
Elevation840 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.5%
High School+93.2%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute22 min
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Waynesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waynesville receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Waynesville stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waynesville is $72,569, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waynesville is $241,300, 14% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waynesville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waynesville has a population of 2,723 with a density of 1,154 people per square mile. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96.2%).
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.2% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Waynesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waynesville is $72,569, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: Waynesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,569 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,578 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,338 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,185 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,527 |
| County GDP | $18,762M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 439 |
| Healthcare | 551 |
| Retail | 520 |
| Manufacturing | 217 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,928 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Waynesville is $241,300, 14% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $456,447.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,300 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $456,447 |
| Median List Price | $365,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $365,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $892 |
| 23% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,928 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.87% |
In Waynesville, 35.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.6% report depression. 21.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,327/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 551 |
Crime Rates: Waynesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
Safety Score
Waynesville has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 41.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.1°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 41.0 inches |
| 8% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,154/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5319°N, 84.0909°W |
| County FIPS | 39165 |