Wayne County Public RecordsGeorgia

Wayne County, GA had approximately 19,800 registered voters as of 2024. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, runoffs, and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, about 75% voted Republican and 24% Democrat. Polling locations include Jesup’s Wayne County Auditorium and various precincts. Key issues are education, infrastructure, and job growth. Election administration is handled by the Wayne County Board of Elections, with both Democratic and Republican parties active in voter outreach and election monitoring. Voter turnout in recent major elections averaged around 65%.

Wayne County, GA, has a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 280 total crimes, with 32 violent crimes and 248 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at about 2.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are 20.2 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office encourages active public reporting and community watch programs. Overall, Wayne County’s crime rates are slightly below the Georgia state average, reflecting relatively stable safety conditions, but residents are still advised to remain vigilant and practice standard safety precautions.

As of the 2020 Census, Wayne County, GA, had a population of approximately 30,144. The median age was about 39 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was 76.2% White, 16.0% Black or African American, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races or other.

Wayne County, GA, hosts 7 public schools, including Wayne County High School, serving about 5,000 students. Approximately 81% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, trailing the state average. Schools average a 6/10 rating on GreatSchools, reflecting steady performance. Initiatives for adult education are present through Coastal Pines Technical College. School safety is prioritized, with district investment in security upgrades. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, and career-technical education, aiming to boost student achievement and workforce readiness in the community.

Wayne County, GA, had an employment rate of 56.2% in 2022. Major industries include health care and social assistance (16.9%), manufacturing (15.6%), and retail trade (13.7%). Common occupations are office and administrative support (11.8%), production (11.2%), and sales (10.3%). About 82.6% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 24.9 minutes; over 33% work outside the county, mainly traveling to Glynn and Brantley counties.

Wayne County, GA, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with a median home value of approximately $145,000, and typical rents averaging $900 per month. The housing market has shown steady growth, with property values rising about 5% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family houses, though some apartments and mobile homes exist. Popular neighborhoods include Jesup, Odum, and Screven. Property taxes in Wayne County average 0.9% of assessed home value, making it comparatively affordable within Georgia.