Special Interest
Housing in Wayne County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Wayne County averages $619/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Tennessee median of $1,189 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 37% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Wayne County FMR Area are $700 for a studio, $705 for 1‑bedroom, $925 for 2‑bedroom, $1,109 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,289 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $306 increase for a 2-bedroom in Wayne County shows a 49% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Wayne County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to Tennessee at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
