Wayne County Economic Development Council : Economy

Wayne County's favorable business climate and high quality of living, combined with low business and personal costs, make it a competitive location for business growth.

Wayne County’s cost of living is considerably lower than other parts of the United States and Ohio. In fact, recent studies confirm that Wayne County is the lowest cost location among major micropolitan and metropolitan areas in the state. You can use our calculator to demonstrate the cost savings your company can realize with a move to Wayne County.

Employers report a generally favorable labor cost advantage of ten to fifteen percent over neighboring counties to the east and north. Our most recent wages survey can be downloaded here.

ACCRA Cost of Living Survey

METRO/MICRO	COMPOSITE	GROCERY	HOUSING	UTILITIES	TRANSP.	HEALTH CARE	MISC. GOODS

Ashland OH Micro	87.8	97.4	71.5	90.4	95.7	89.5	94.7
Youngstown-Warren OH	90.5	92.7	78.3	107.9	91.4	86.2	95.5
Dayton OH Metro	90.7	91.6	73.2	107.2	104.8	90	96
Wooster OH Micro	91.7	99	71.2	120.2	101.8	94.9	94.2
Columbus OH Metro	92.8	91.9	87.8	101.2	98.9	110	90.7
Lima OH Metro	93.5	107	68.1	98.5	95.3	107.9	107.1
Cincinnati-Middletown OH-KY-IN Metro	93.9	93.8	81.1	99.9	95.7	97.3	102.6
Findlay OH Micro	94.2	102.8	76.6	98.6	98.3	90.7	104.3
Akron OH Metro	99.1	107.6	97	104.3	105.5	87.7	94.9
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor OH Metro	101.1	105.1	94.2	110.4	100.9	103.5	102.7

Source: ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX, Data for Second Quarter, 2010, published August, 2010