Cost of Living in Waynesboro, MS

Population 4,552 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023

41
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Waynesboro run well below national norms — a median of $30,910 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $84,000). Around 35% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Waynesboro lies roughly 75 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Mobile. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Mobile's $170,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 62

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Waynesboro

The median home value in Waynesboro is $84,400 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $810/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $30,910/year is 59% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. Overall, Waynesboro has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$84,400
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$136,616
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$810/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$770
1 BR
$802
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,238
4 BR
$1,321
Owner-occupied 78.7%
Renter-occupied 21.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$810
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,424/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
32.6 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.7%
Carpooled
4.0%
Work from home
5.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.7%
Total Sales Tax 7.1%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.1%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$30,910
59% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,455
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
4% above avg
Poverty Rate
34.6%
Labor Force Participation
39.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.6%
Graduate degree 8.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.2
Male median age 32.6
Female median age 39

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

86%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
3,340
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Waynesboro, MS?

Waynesboro has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.

What is average rent in Waynesboro, MS?

The median gross rent in Waynesboro is $810 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Waynesboro?

The median home value in Waynesboro is $84,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Waynesboro?

The median household income in Waynesboro is $30,910 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Waynesboro, MS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waynesboro is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.

Is Waynesboro, MS affordable?

Yes, Waynesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.

Waynesboro at a Glance

Population
4,552
Median Income
$30,910
Home Value
$84,400
Median Rent
$810/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.1%
View all cities in Mississippi →
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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