Wayne, WV
Population 1,433 · West Virginia
About Wayne, WV
Wayne is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,433 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,797 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wayne features a median home value of $74,200, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wayne one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $732, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 730 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (223 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (300 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wayne shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wayne have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.1% of Wayne residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wayne, WV
Compared to national averages, Wayne has a median household income of $31,797 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $74,200, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $732 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Wayne's income is 41% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 42% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Wayne, WV?
Wayne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $74,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $732/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,797) that falls below the national average. However, Wayne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wayne has a population of 1,433 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Wayne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Wayne
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceredo | 1,432 | $48,184 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Bradley | 1,429 | $58,984 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Mount Gay-Shamrock | 1,440 | $49,063 | $81,400 | Compare |
| Oceana | 1,421 | $47,548 | $60,800 | Compare |
| Coal Fork | 1,414 | $64,053 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Mallory | 1,453 | $0 | $101,000 | Compare |
| Lubeck | 1,412 | $69,616 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 1,408 | $45,988 | $115,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wayne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayne
What is the population of Wayne, WV?
The population of Wayne, WV is 1,433 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Wayne?
The median household income in Wayne, WV is $31,797 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wayne?
The median home value in Wayne, WV is $74,200, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wayne?
The median monthly rent in Wayne, WV is $732, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Wayne, WV is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wayne, WV a good place to live?
Wayne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,433 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wayne, WV?
6.1% of residents in Wayne aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wayne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wayne, WV: median home value is $74,200 (70% below national), median rent is $732/month, and median household income is $31,797. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wayne?
The poverty rate in Wayne, WV is 24.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wayne, WV?
Wayne's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.