Wayne County, PA Property Tax: $2,882/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Wayne County is 1.26% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $228,200, that works out to about $2,875 per year, or $240 per month. Wayne County is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, and is home to approximately 51,189 residents.
About Wayne County
Wayne County covers approximately 725.8 square miles in Pennsylvania. The county is home to about 51,189 residents living in roughly 32,054 housing units, of which 51.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,182, and the median home was built in 1980.
Wayne County borders Broome County, Delaware County, Sullivan County, Lackawanna County, Monroe County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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, PA | 1.26% | $228,200 | $2,875 |
| Pennsylvania state average | 1.32% | — | $3,012* |
| Broome County | 2.64% | $145,100 | $3,824 |
| Delaware County | 1.74% | $176,200 | $3,059 |
| Sullivan County | 2.16% | $234,800 | $5,082 |
| Lackawanna County | 1.53% | $189,900 | $2,910 |
| Monroe County | 1.84% | $241,200 | $4,435 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Wayne County's median home value of $228,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wayne County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
At 1.26%, Wayne County is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 1.32%. On a home at the county median of $228,200, that means about $2,875 per year — versus $3,012 at the state average rate, a difference of $137 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Wayne County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Wayne County?
For a home at the county median value of $228,200, the annual property tax in Wayne County is approximately $2,875 — or about $240 per month. For a home worth $342,300, expect around $4,313 per year. For a $456,400 home, approximately $5,751 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?
Pennsylvania 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 1.26% 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