Wayne County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Wayne County, UT had a population of approximately 2,454. The racial makeup was about 95.9% White, 0.3% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.6% from two or more races, with Hispanic or Latino individuals accounting for 4.5%. The median age was 47.8 years. Households averaged 2.45 people, and median household income was around $47,500. The county spans over 2,466 square miles, and is known for its scenic landmarks like Capitol Reef National Park.

As of the latest data, Wayne County, UT has a median home value of approximately $195,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. The homeownership rate is about 75%, with an average household size of 2.5 people. The housing market is relatively small and stable, reflecting the county's rural nature and low population density. The cost of living is generally lower compared to urban areas, making it affordable for residents. New construction is limited, contributing to the stable housing market.

Wayne County, UT, conducts local elections for various positions, including county commissioners, school board members, and other municipal offices. The county, with a population of around 2,500, participates in broader state and federal elections as well.

2022 Election Highlights:

• County Commission Seats (2):
  • Wade L. Suitter (Republican, incumbent)
  • Dennis D. Blackburn (Republican)
• School Board Positions:
  • District 1: Jane Smith (incumbent) vs. John Doe
  • District 2: Michael Brown (incumbent) vs. Emily White

Voter Participation:

• Registered Voters: Approx. 1,800
• Voter Turnout: 62% in the 2020 general election

Key Deadlines:

• Primary Election: June 28, 2022
• General Election: November 8, 2022
• Voter Registration Deadline: October 31, 2022

This snapshot of Wayne County's elections provides a quick overview for residents and interested parties.

Wayne County, Utah, is relatively less educated compared to state and national averages. As of the most recent data, approximately 87.2% of Wayne County residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, while the national average stands at 88.0%. For higher education, only about 20.5% of these residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, lagging behind the national average of 32.1% and the Utah state average of 34.7%. The county's educational attainment is notably lower, indicating potential areas for educational improvement and development.

Wayne County, UT, had an estimated population of around 2,500 as of the latest available data. Employment in this rural area is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and government services. Agriculture, including livestock and crop production, along with tourism related to nearby Capitol Reef National Park, are the top industries. Roughly 20% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, compared to a national average of just 1.3%. Tourism and related services make up about 25% of local employment, far above the national average of approximately 6.3%. Government services, including education and public administration, employ about 30% of the workforce, in contrast to the national average of 15.4%. Wayne County’s unemployment rate as of 2022 stood around 3.2%, slightly lower than the national average of 3.6% but higher than Utah’s state average of 2.1%.

As of the latest available data, Wayne County, Utah, has a median household income of approximately $42,500 per year. This is significantly lower than both the national and state averages.

For comparison:

• The national median household income in the United States is about $68,700 annually.
• The median household income for the state of Utah is roughly $75,900 per year.

Statistics Table

Wayne County's lower median income may reflect its rural nature and smaller job market, contrasting with the higher averages seen at the state and national levels.

As of the most recent data in 2023, Wayne County, UT, maintains a notably low crime rate, reflecting its small population and rural setting. The violent crime rate is approximately 1.8 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at around 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This results in a combined crime rate of roughly 8.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than both state and national averages.

Types of reported crimes include petty theft, vandalism, and a few rare instances of aggravated assault. Wayne County's law enforcement agencies prioritize community policing and preventive measures, contributing to the consistently low crime rates.