AcreScore β€” What's this?
74/ 100

Wayne County, TN

Natchez Trace and Tennessee River. Some of the cheapest land in Tennessee with beautiful rolling hills and zero building restrictions.

πŸ“Š74/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$6KLand $/acre
🏠$155KHome Value
πŸ‘₯17,189Population
πŸ“ˆ+2.1%Growth (10yr)
🌊11%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Mild Four-SeasonClimateZone 4A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Yes β€” Wayne County has virtually no zoning. Build whatever you want on your land. This is true rural freedom.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
Agricultural/UnzonedNoneβœ… Yes
Residential (town)0.5 acre⚠️ Conditional

Source: Wayne County. Virtually no zoning β€” unrestricted building on most land.

πŸ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • β€’ Building permit
  • β€’ Septic permit
  • β€’ Electrical permit
  • β€’ Plumbing permit

Permit Office

Wayne County Building Dept 100 Court Circle, Waynesboro, TN 38485 (931) 722-3653 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Moderate flood risk near the Tennessee River and Buffalo River. Upland parcels β€” which are abundant β€” are clean.

11%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Wayne County is one of the cheapest places to buy land in Tennessee at $5,500/acre. Build a homestead for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.

$6K
Median $/acre
$155K
Median Home Value
$120–170
Build Cost $/sqft
0.43%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Wayne County Assessor

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Wayne County is for people who want land, privacy, and the Natchez Trace Parkway at their doorstep. It's remote, it's quiet, and it's yours.

πŸ›€οΈ

Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through Wayne County β€” one of America's most scenic drives.

πŸ’°

Dirt-Cheap Land

$5,500/acre. Twenty acres for under $110K. Build your homestead here.

🦌

Hunting Paradise

Whitetail deer, turkey, and abundant wildlife. Hunters love Wayne County.

At a Glance

Population17,189
10-Year Growth+2.1%
County SeatWaynesboro
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMild four-season (Zone 4A)

How Close Is Everything?

Nashville2 hr
Florence AL40 min
Lawrenceburg25 min
Natchez TraceIn county
Columbia1.5 hr

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Very rural infrastructure. Wells, septic, and propane are standard. Broadband is extremely limited.

Electric ProviderWayne County Electric / TVA
WaterWell (most areas)
SewerSeptic (nearly all)
InternetVery limited / Starlink
Cell CoveragePoor in many areas
Natural GasPropane only

🏦 Financing & Incentives

All of Wayne County qualifies for USDA Rural Development β€” zero down payment for eligible buyers.

βœ… USDA Eligible
Zero down payment
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.43%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

πŸ“ Nearby Counties

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See if you qualify β†’

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Wayne County?
Yes β€” Wayne County has virtually no zoning. Build what you want on your land.
Is Wayne County eligible for USDA loans?
Yes β€” the entire county qualifies for USDA Rural Development zero-down-payment loans.
How remote is Wayne County?
Very remote. Nashville is 2 hours away. The nearest big-box store is in Lawrenceburg or Florence, AL. Plan for self-sufficiency.
What about the Natchez Trace?
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through Wayne County, providing a scenic corridor to Nashville (north) and Natchez, MS (south). No commercial traffic allowed.