Waynesville, MO
Population 5,422 · Missouri
About Waynesville, MO
Waynesville is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 5,422 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,179 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waynesville features a median home value of $204,100, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waynesville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $899, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,745 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,454 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (933 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waynesville shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waynesville have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.6% of Waynesville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waynesville, MO
Compared to national averages, Waynesville has a median household income of $75,179 (0% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,100, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $899 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Waynesville's income is 23% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 35% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Waynesville, MO?
Waynesville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,179, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $204,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $899/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Waynesville has a population of 5,422 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare Waynesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Waynesville
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caruthersville | 5,426 | $35,903 | $118,700 | Compare |
| Macon | 5,457 | $51,103 | $133,800 | Compare |
| Glasgow Village | 5,491 | $38,571 | $69,600 | Compare |
| St. Robert | 5,327 | $60,219 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Trenton | 5,542 | $49,836 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Weldon Spring | 5,291 | $155,081 | $523,300 | Compare |
| Odessa | 5,589 | $85,592 | $209,600 | Compare |
| Imperial | 5,617 | $87,949 | $221,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waynesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waynesville
What is the population of Waynesville, MO?
The population of Waynesville, MO is 5,422 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Waynesville?
The median household income in Waynesville, MO is $75,179 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waynesville?
The median home value in Waynesville, MO is $204,100, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waynesville?
The median monthly rent in Waynesville, MO is $899, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waynesville?
The unemployment rate in Waynesville, MO is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waynesville, MO a good place to live?
Waynesville offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,422 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waynesville, MO?
36.6% of residents in Waynesville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Waynesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waynesville, MO: median home value is $204,100 (17% below national), median rent is $899/month, and median household income is $75,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waynesville?
The poverty rate in Waynesville, MO is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waynesville, MO?
Waynesville's population is 4.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.7% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.