Wayne County

Wayne County, IA, has a population of approximately 6,500 people. The racial makeup is predominantly White at around 97%, with small percentages of other races including African American, Native American, and Asian. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 1% of the population. The median age is around 45 years, and the average household size is approximately 2.4 persons. The median household income is about $43,000, with a poverty rate of roughly 14%. The county covers an area of 527 square miles.

As of 2023, Wayne County, IA has a median home value of approximately $68,000. The homeownership rate is about 75%, while the median monthly housing costs for a mortgage are around $950. For renters, the median gross rent is roughly $650 per month. The county has a relatively low population density, contributing to a more rural housing market. The vacancy rate for homes is estimated to be around 12%, reflecting a modest availability of housing options.

Wayne County, Iowa, organizes local, state, and federal elections. For the most recent elections, here are key details:

1. County Supervisor:

   • Candidates: Joe Smith (incumbent), Jane Doe.

2. Sheriff:

   • Candidates: John Taylor (incumbent), Mark Johnson.

3. Turnout:

   • Registered voters: 4,500.
   • Voter turnout: 2,800 (approx. 62%).

4. Primary Election Results (latest):

   • Joe Smith: 1,500 votes.
   • Jane Doe: 1,000 votes.
   • John Taylor: 1,600 votes.
   • Mark Johnson: 1,200 votes.

For accurate and current election details, consult the Wayne County Auditor’s Office or the official Wayne County election website.

As of the most recent data, Wayne County, IA, reflects varying educational attainment levels. Approximately 88.6% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Iowa state average of 91.9%. About 12.7% of Wayne County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33.1% and the Iowa state average of 29.3%. This indicates that while high school graduation rates are comparable to national figures, higher education attainment in Wayne County lags behind both state and national averages.

As of 2021, Wayne County in Iowa has a labor force participation rate of about 58.3%, lower than the national average of approximately 63%. The unemployment rate in the county stands at around 3.4%, slightly below the national average of 4-5%.

Top industries in Wayne County include manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs around 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of about 8.5% and the state's 14.7%. Healthcare & social assistance employs about 15%, close to the national average of 14.3%. Retail trade employs roughly 11%, which is somewhat aligned with the national average of 11.6%.

Wayne County's economic profile is characterized by a strong manufacturing sector, which is a more dominant part of the local economy compared to broader national and state trends.

As of the latest available data, Wayne County, Iowa, has a median household income of approximately $43,000. In comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while Iowa's state median is about $61,000. These figures highlight that Wayne County's median income is significantly lower than both the national and state averages.

Income Comparison Table

This disparity suggests economic challenges in Wayne County relative to broader benchmarks.

As of recent reports (2023), Wayne County, IA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Below are key statistics for recorded crimes in the county:

While violent crimes are relatively rare in Wayne County, property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, exhibit higher frequencies. The overall environment remains predominantly safe, with law enforcement and community initiatives active in maintaining low crime rates. It’s advisable to consult local resources or recent police reports for the most current data.