Arcadia
RANK #266 / 996 NAT · #15 / 45 NY · POP 91,324
1YR FORECAST: +3.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
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 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 73/100, Wayne County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.0%, and median household income stands at $71,007 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NY.
By national standards, Wayne County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $151,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.47 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $877/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Wayne County are both close to flat — population -0.0% YoY and jobs +1.0%. Home values shifted +3.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.66% 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.