Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Waynesville is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,454 people. At 91%, the majority of the Waynesville population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Waynesville is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Waynesville could be a positive experience compared to other cities in North Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Waynesville and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.
With a livability score of 66 out of 100, Waynesville is ranked #10,943 in the United States and #239 in North Carolina. For each of the livability categories, we see that Waynesville ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). Waynesville does not fare well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F) and education (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The unemployment rate in Waynesville has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.4%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Waynesville excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waynesville is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Waynesville come in at $300,306, which is 3.7% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waynesville, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 19.5% higher than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Waynesville | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.3% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 16.6% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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