Demographics
As of 2020, Wayne County, NY, had a population of approximately 91,283. The median age was 44.8 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (90.2%), with Black or African American (4.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.3%), and smaller proportions of Asian (0.5%) and other races.
Education, Employment and Housing
Wayne County, NY has 11 public school districts serving around 8,800 students with over 15 elementary, 9 middle, and 9 high schools. The high school graduation rate averages 88%, while 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are close to New York State norms. Adult education is available through Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES programs. School safety initiatives prioritize prevention and reporting, and districts offer career and technical education, Advanced Placement, and special needs programs to support diverse learning needs.
Wayne County, NY, has an employment rate of approximately 58.7% (2022 ACS), with major industries including manufacturing (20.2%), health care and social assistance (16.4%), and retail trade (12.3%). Top occupations are in production (13.8%), office and administrative support (13.4%), and sales (10.4%). Most employed residents commute by car, with an average travel time of 26.7 minutes; 64% work within the county, while the rest commute mainly to Monroe and Ontario counties.
Wayne County, NY has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $153,000 (2022). Rental units make up about 25% of housing, with median rents near $900 per month. Property values have shown steady growth, averaging a 5% increase year-over-year. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some multi-family and apartments concentrated in towns like Lyons and Newark. Neighborhoods vary from rural settings to small villages. Property tax rates average $30 per $1,000 assessed value, contributing significantly to local public services and schools.
Elections
Wayne County, NY, has approximately 60,000 registered voters as of 2024, primarily affiliated with the Republican and Democratic parties. The Board of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections, with over 35 polling locations countywide. In the 2020 Presidential election, Wayne County favored the Republican candidate by 55%. Voter registration and turnout remain steady, with key issues including agriculture, economic development, and infrastructure. The bipartisan Board ensures election integrity and accessibility; voters may check polling locations and results via the official county website.
County Crime & Safety
Wayne County, NY, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stood at 8.3 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office and local police actively report and address incidents, with a clearance rate of about 35% for violent crimes. Regular community outreach and prevention programs aim to enhance safety across areas like Lyons and Newark. Despite isolated thefts and burglaries, Wayne County remains safer than many comparable New York counties.
Popular names
- David Smith
- James Smith
- Scott Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Daniel Smith
- Jeffrey Smith
- John Smith
- Brian Smith
- James Brown
- Mark Smith
- Robert Smith
- John Gardner
- John Miller
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Miller
- Michael Smith
- David Brown
- Jennifer Smith
- Joshua Smith
- Mary Miller
- Mary Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Murray
- Patricia Smith
- Richard Smith
- Robert Jones
- William Miller
- Amanda Smith
- David Johnson
- Donald Smith
- Eric Williams
- Jason Johnson
- Jennifer Dennie
- Jennifer Miller
- Karen Wright
- Robert Brown
- Robert Miller
- Robert Stone
- Robert Turner
- Scott Young
- Todd Smith
- William Smith
- Adam Smith
- Ashley Smith
- Barbara Smith
- Christopher Miller
- Ja Smith
- James Miller
- Jessica Smith
- Jose Rodriguez
- Joseph Smith
- Kathleen Smith
- Lisa Smith
- Lisa Williams
- Michael Jones
- Richard Allen
- Ryan Smith
- Sarah Smith
- Timothy Johnson
- William Jones
Other Counties in New York
- Albany
- Allegany
- Bronx
- Broome
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- Cayuga
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Chenango
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Erie
- Essex
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Genesee
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Lewis
- Livingston
- Madison
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Nassau
- New York
- Niagara
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Ontario
- Orange
- Orleans
- Oswego
- Otsego
- Putnam
- Queens
- Rensselaer
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Saint Lawrence
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben