RANK #47 / 996 · POP 91,324 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.5%
Wayne County, New York, is often recognized as the top apple-producing county in the state, with orchards and farm stands dotting its landscape. Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, it is part of the Finger Lakes region, situated less than 50 miles west of Syracuse and near Rochester. The historic Erie Canal also flows through the southern part of the county, with villages like Newark, Lyons, and Palmyra featuring canal locks and towpaths now popular for hiking and biking. This blend of agricultural heritage and natural waterways contributes to a community feel that balances rural charm with access to larger urban centers. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking along Lake Ontario's bluffs at Chimney Bluffs State Park, exploring wildlife refuges, and enjoying various water activities.
Life in Wayne County offers a more relaxed pace, appealing to families and individuals seeking a connection to nature and a sense of community. Public transportation, including bus routes and shuttle services, connects towns within the county and provides links to Rochester, particularly for medical appointments. The county is served by multiple public school districts, including Wayne Central, Palmyra-Macedon, and Gananda. The economy is historically rooted in agriculture, particularly fruit cultivation, but recent developments show investment in other sectors. There has been recent growth in advanced manufacturing and optics, photonics, and imaging industries, with companies expanding operations. Additionally, efforts are underway to create affordable housing options through the repurposing of historic buildings.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant License Extension
Constellation Energy Generation LLC
|
$33,000M | Planned |
|
Rosalen Solar+Storage Project
EDF Renewables
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Coventry Commons Affordable Housing
Housing Visions and New CDM, LLC
|
$59M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Wayne County has a Boom Town Index score of 95/100, ranking #47 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $71,007, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Wayne County is $151,900 with median rent at $877/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4675, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +3.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.66% of Wayne County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.