RANK #144 / 1001 NAT · #13 / 45 NY · POP 90,929
1YR FORECAST: +3.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +35%
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.
Wayne County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.3% matches the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 1001 counties.
Wayne County ranks #144 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 86/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.9% and a median household income of $74,506 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Wayne County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $170,000, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.44 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $938/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Wayne County are hiring — job growth of +1.9% — but the population is close to flat (-0.2% YoY). Home values moved +5.3% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.08% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Wayne County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Wayne County is now valued at $170,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.