Wayne County

As of the 2020 Census, Wayne County, Missouri has a population of approximately 12,978. The racial makeup is predominantly White (95.3%), African American (1.9%), Native American (0.8%), and Asian (0.3%), with other races and multi-racial individuals making up the rest. Hispanics or Latinos of any race constitute around 1.6% of the population. The average household size is 2.39, with 24.6% of individuals living below the poverty line. The median age is 45.5 years, and the county covers an area of about 774 square miles.

As of the latest data, Wayne County, MO has a median home value of approximately $119,000. The county experiences a homeownership rate of about 76.4%. The average rent is around $620 per month. Housing units total roughly 6,900, with a vacancy rate near 20%. The median household income stands at approximately $38,500. Housing costs generally account for about 23% of household income. These figures may vary slightly with new market trends and economic conditions.

Wayne County, MO, typically holds elections for various local, state, and federal offices, including county commissioners, sheriff, and other municipal roles. Voter turnout, candidate lists, and specific election results can vary by year and election type.

For the latest county commissioner election, candidates included Democrat Bill Hensley and Republican candidate Doug Wood. In the sheriff race, incumbent Dean Finch (Republican) faced Democrat challenger Alvin Parker.

Voter turnout in Wayne County has ranged from 55% to 70% in recent presidential elections, but local elections usually see lower participation, around 30% to 50%.

To get detailed and updated election information, including numerical values and candidate lists, visit the Wayne County Clerk’s official website or consult the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. Election results and candidate filings are typically posted promptly after the election.

Wayne County, MO, has relatively lower educational attainment compared to national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 14.4% of the county's residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the national average for a bachelor's degree or higher is about 33.1%, and the state average for Missouri is roughly 29.4%. Additionally, about 83.2% of Wayne County residents have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, whereas the national average is around 88.5% and the state average stands at 90.1%. These figures highlight a disparity in educational attainment in Wayne County compared to broader benchmarks.

Wayne County, MO, has an employment landscape primarily driven by sectors such as healthcare, retail, educational services, and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s data:

• Healthcare and Social Assistance account for approximately 20% of employment.
• Retail Trade comprises around 16%.
• Educational Services and Manufacturing each contribute roughly 12%.

As of 2022, the county's unemployment rate hovered around 4.5%, slightly above Missouri's state average of 3.6% but closely aligned with the national average of 4.2%.

In comparison:

• Nationally, healthcare and retail are also top sectors, but technology and professional services hold a higher share compared to Wayne County.
• Missouri's employment distribution is similar to national trends, though with slightly more emphasis on manufacturing and agriculture.

Wayne County's economy is notably rural, impacting its industry focus relative to more urbanized national and state profiles.

As of the latest available data, Wayne County, MO, has a median household income of approximately $38,000 per year. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Missouri state median household income, which stands at approximately $57,300. The data reflects economic challenges faced by residents of Wayne County relative to broader benchmarks.

This comparison highlights the income disparity faced by Wayne County residents compared to state and national averages.

As of the latest data, Wayne County, MO, has experienced varying levels of crime. Below are key crime statistics for the area:

Crime Rate Statistics (per 1,000 residents)

Note: The figures are approximations based on the most recent available data from local law enforcement and federal databases.

Wayne County, like many rural areas, experiences relatively lower crime rates compared to urban settings but faces specific challenges like property crimes. Community initiatives and law enforcement efforts are ongoing to address these issues.