Wooster
RANK #121 / 996 NAT · #12 / 49 OH · POP 116,680
1YR FORECAST: +1.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +35%
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.
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Wayne County ranks #121 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 88/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $70,320 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Wayne County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $189,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $824/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Wayne County are both close to flat — population -0.1% YoY and jobs +0.5%. Home values shifted +4.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.64% 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.