Wayne County
TN · Pop. 16,251 · Rural County
Wayne County, Tennessee covers 734 square miles with a population of 16,251 and a density of 22.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. The median home price is $127,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.4°F and average winter lows of 27.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 59.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Wayne Medical Center is 6.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 186-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $127,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 97.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Wayne Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 6.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 18.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Wayne County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 99/100
- Median home price
- $127k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 186 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 59.3"
- Broadband
- 97.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Wayne Medical Center, 6.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Wayne County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Wayne County?
- Wayne County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.4°F, and average winter lows of 27.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $127,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Wayne Medical Center is 6.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Tennessee Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Tennessee
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The closest counties to Wayne County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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