Wayne County, MO Property Tax: $565/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Wayne County is 0.50% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $113,100, that works out to about $566 per year, or $47 per month. Wayne County is located in southeastern Missouri, and is home to approximately 10,942 residents.
About Wayne County
Wayne County covers approximately 759.2 square miles in Missouri. The county is home to about 10,942 residents living in roughly 6,148 housing units, of which 55.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $43,393, and the median home was built in 1979.
Wayne County borders Bollinger County, Butler County, Carter County, Iron County, Madison County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Missouri
Property taxes in Missouri are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Missouri offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Wayne County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Wayne County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County, MO | 0.50% | $113,100 | $566 |
| Missouri state average | 0.73% | — | $826* |
| Bollinger County | 0.61% | $142,400 | $874 |
| Butler County | 0.67% | $138,800 | $934 |
| Carter County | 0.44% | $147,600 | $654 |
| Iron County | 0.65% | $113,000 | $736 |
| Madison County | 0.74% | $155,900 | $1,146 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Wayne County's median home value of $113,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wayne County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Missouri?
At 0.50%, Wayne County is lower than the Missouri state average of 0.73%. On a home at the county median of $113,100, that means about $566 per year — versus $826 at the state average rate, a difference of $260 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Wayne County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Wayne County?
For a home at the county median value of $113,100, the annual property tax in Wayne County is approximately $566 — or about $47 per month. For a home worth $169,650, expect around $848 per year. For a $226,200 home, approximately $1,131 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Wayne County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Wayne County are handled by the Wayne County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Wayne County?
Missouri counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.50% shown here. Contact the Wayne County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File