Cost of Living in Waynesville, MO
Population 5,422 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Waynesville stay well under national norms: a median home value of $204,000 against median household incomes of $75,179 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Missouri. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 75 miles northeast of Springfield, Waynesville is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Springfield's $165,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waynesville
The median home value in Waynesville is $204,100 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $899/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,179/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Waynesville has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.
Waynesville has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waynesville, MO?
Waynesville has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waynesville, MO?
The median gross rent in Waynesville is $899 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waynesville?
The median home value in Waynesville is $204,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waynesville?
The median household income in Waynesville is $75,179 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waynesville, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waynesville is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Waynesville, MO affordable?
Yes, Waynesville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
Waynesville at a Glance
- Population
- 5,422
- Median Income
- $75,179
- Home Value
- $204,100
- Median Rent
- $899/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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