RANK #255 / 996 · POP 116,680 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.8%
Wayne County, Ohio, often recognized as the "gateway to Amish Country," offers a blend of rural charm and academic distinction. The county seat, Wooster, is home to the College of Wooster, a private liberal arts institution nationally recognized for its mentored undergraduate research and internationalized campus. Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Cleveland and 35 miles west of Akron and Canton, Wayne County provides access to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. Its landscape features rolling hills, lush woods, and agricultural land, with numerous parks and trails for outdoor recreation, including Secrest Arboretum and Wooster Memorial Park.
Life in Wayne County balances agricultural heritage with a growing economy. The county is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States, contributing to its distinctive cultural fabric. Major companies like The J.M. Smucker Co. and Morton Salt have operations here, alongside the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), the nation's largest ag-bioscience research facility. Public schools in Wayne County generally perform above average, and recent developments include the WayGo public transit service, offering fixed routes and demand-response options within Wooster and surrounding areas. This combination of educational opportunities, a diverse economy, and a focus on quality of life attracts families and individuals seeking a community with both rural character and modern amenities.
Above national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Wayne County has a Boom Town Index score of 74/100, ranking #255 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $70,320, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Wayne County is $189,800 with median rent at $824/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3705, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +4.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.64% of Wayne County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.