Wayne County Public RecordsMissouri

Wayne County, MO, has a crime rate below the national average, with about 1,125 crimes per 100,000 residents reported annually. Violent crime accounts for approximately 230 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime approximates 895 cases per 100,000. The county sheriff’s office actively addresses safety through community outreach and regular reporting. In 2022, only 2 homicides and 18 burglaries were documented. Local law enforcement emphasizes transparency with quarterly crime statistics updates. Overall, Wayne County remains relatively safe, with steady or declining crime rates over recent years.

Wayne County, MO, had 8,312 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general contests. In the 2020 presidential election, 82% voted Republican, 16% Democrat. Major polling locations include Piedmont City Hall and Greenville Courthouse. Issues often focus on school funding, road maintenance, and law enforcement. The County Clerk's office administers elections, with Republican and Democratic parties active locally. Turnout averaged 62% in recent major elections.

Wayne County, MO, has 7 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving about 1,000 students. Approximately 77% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only around 9% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, lower than state averages. School safety is generally ranked average, with no recent major incidents. The district offers basic programs, including career and technical education, though advanced placement options are limited. The average school rating is around 5/10, indicating room for improvement. Adult education and GED programs are primarily provided through regional partnerships.

Wayne County, MO, had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2% in 2023. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (21%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (14%), sales (12%), and production (11%). About 76% of workers commute outside the county for employment, with an average commute time of 31 minutes. Key employment destinations include neighboring counties like Butler and Stoddard.

Wayne County, MO, has a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $110,000 as of 2023. Rental occupancy is low, with median rents near $660 per month. The housing market saw moderate annual appreciation of about 4% recently. Most homes are single-family houses, with few apartment complexes. Key neighborhoods include Piedmont and Greenville, featuring rural settings and affordable prices. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective rate of 0.65%. Wayne County appeals to buyers seeking affordable, spacious living with a small-town atmosphere.

As of the 2020 Census, Wayne County, MO, had a population of 10,974. The median age is 46.6 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (92.7%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.7%), Native American (1.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Other races and those identifying as two or more races make up the remainder.