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About Wayne County
Where the Poconos Meet Opportunity
Wayne County stretches across northeastern Pennsylvania's lake country, where 51,000 residents and over 2,100 businesses thrive amid 750 square miles of forests, lakes, and rolling hills. This is where the Delaware River forms our eastern border, Lake Wallenpaupack attracts millions of visitors, and small-town entrepreneurs build lasting legacies far from urban chaos.
A Different Kind of Business Environment
Honesdale, our historic county seat, exemplifies Wayne County's unique business philosophy - quality over quantity, community over competition. Once the birthplace of the American railroad, today's Honesdale hosts artisan shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and professional services in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. The town's 850 businesses serve both year-round residents and the millions who visit our Pocono Mountain region annually.
Along Route 6, America's most scenic highway, Hawley has transformed from a silk mill town into a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers. Beach Lake, Waymart, and Hamlin maintain their rural character while embracing modern connectivity. Throughout the county, family businesses that have operated for generations work alongside newcomers drawn by our quality of life and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Why Businesses Choose Wayne County
The economics are compelling: commercial space costs 60-70% less than metro areas. Our proximity to New York and Philadelphia markets - without their overhead - attracts businesses seeking sustainable growth. The tourism economy, driven by 3 million annual visitors to Lake Wallenpaupack alone, creates year-round opportunities in hospitality, retail, and services.
Remote work has revolutionized our business landscape. Professionals who once commuted to Manhattan now run consulting firms from lakeside homes. Tech workers code from converted barns. Creative professionals find inspiration in our natural beauty while maintaining global client bases through high-speed internet that reaches even our rural corners.
Life in Wayne County
This is Pennsylvania's playground - 60 lakes, thousands of acres of state gamelands, and four seasons of outdoor recreation. Lake Wallenpaupack's 52 miles of shoreline host marinas, restaurants, and vacation rentals. The Delaware River offers world-class fly fishing. Winter brings skiing at local resorts and endless snowmobile trails.
Yet we're more than a vacation destination. Our communities maintain strong schools, active volunteer fire departments, and the kind of neighborhoods where people still know each other. The Cooperage Project in Honesdale showcases local arts. The Stourbridge Line tourist railroad celebrates our heritage. Farmers markets and craft fairs dot the calendar from spring through fall.
Strategic Location, Natural Advantage
Wayne County sits just 30 miles from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 100 miles from New York City, and 125 miles from Philadelphia. Interstate 84 crosses our southern tier, providing direct access to New England and the Hudson Valley. Route 6 runs east-west through the county, while Route 191 and Route 590 connect our communities north-south.
This location offers the best of both worlds - close enough to major markets for business, far enough away for peace of mind. Many residents maintain part-time presence in metro areas while basing their businesses and families here.
Industries That Thrive Here
Tourism and hospitality lead our economy, but healthcare, construction, and professional services show strong growth. The Wayne Memorial Health System anchors medical services. Local contractors stay busy with new construction and renovations. Specialty manufacturing, from custom furniture to craft beverages, finds success here. Agriculture remains vital, with dairy farms, maple syrup producers, and emerging agritourism ventures.
Discover Wayne County Businesses
Whether you're seeking local services, planning a Pocono vacation, exploring relocation opportunities, or researching business ventures, our directory connects you with Wayne County's diverse business community. From Honesdale's Main Street to lakeside resorts, from family farms to professional offices, discover why more businesses are choosing Wayne County's sustainable, community-focused approach to success.
Wayne County Demographics & Statistics
Population Statistics (2023)
Total Population
51,189
Median Age
48.9 years
Population Density
0 communities
Wayne County Economic Overview
Median Household Income
$62,182
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Unemployment Rate
6%
Wayne County Housing Market
Median Home Value
$228,200
Median Rent
$979/mo
Owner Occupied
82%
Wayne County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne County
What is the population of Wayne County?
As of 2023, Wayne County has a population of approximately 51,189 residents, making it one of Pennsylvania's more rural counties. The population density is just 68 people per square mile across our 750 square miles, providing plenty of space for businesses and residents while maintaining a strong sense of community.
What are the major cities and towns in Wayne County?
The largest communities are Honesdale (county seat) with 4,500 residents, Hawley with 1,200 residents, and Waymart with 1,300 residents. Other significant communities include Beach Lake, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and South Canaan. The county comprises 28 townships and boroughs with over 2,100 businesses serving residents and tourists.
How do I start a business in Wayne County?
Starting a business in Wayne County requires registering with the PA Department of State, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and securing local permits through your township or borough. Honesdale and Hawley have specific business licensing requirements. The Wayne Economic Development Corporation and the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance offer free business counseling and resources.
What are the major employers in Wayne County?
The largest employers include Wayne Memorial Hospital (1,000+ employees), Wayne Highlands School District, Highlights for Children (publishing), Kessler Rehabilitation, and numerous hospitality businesses around Lake Wallenpaupack. The county has over 2,100 businesses with strong tourism, healthcare, and service sectors.
What is the average commercial rent in Wayne County?
Commercial rental rates vary by location: Honesdale Main Street retail spaces average $8-15/sq ft, Hawley commercial properties run $10-18/sq ft, and rural commercial spaces cost $5-10/sq ft. These rates are 60-70% lower than Philadelphia or New York metro areas, making Wayne County extremely attractive for business startups.
What business incentives are available in Wayne County?
Wayne County offers Keystone Opportunity Zone tax benefits, USDA Rural Development grants and loans, PA DCED funding programs, and local revolving loan funds through the Wayne Economic Development Corporation. The county's rural designation qualifies businesses for numerous state and federal programs not available in urban areas.
How far is Wayne County from major cities?
Wayne County is strategically located 30 miles from Scranton (40 minutes), 100 miles from New York City (2 hours), 125 miles from Philadelphia (2.5 hours), and 20 miles from the New York state border. This provides access to major markets while maintaining our rural quality of life.
What highways run through Wayne County?
Major highways include Interstate 84 (crossing the southern portion connecting to New England), US Route 6 (scenic east-west corridor through Honesdale and Hawley), Route 191 (north-south), and Route 590 (connecting to I-84). These provide good access for the county's tourism and distribution businesses.
What is the workforce like in Wayne County?
Wayne County has a labor force of approximately 23,000 workers with strong skills in hospitality, healthcare, and trades. The median age is 48 years, providing experienced, reliable workers. With 22.2% holding bachelor's degrees or higher and growing remote work opportunities, the workforce is increasingly diverse and educated.
What languages are spoken in Wayne County?
English is the predominant language in Wayne County, spoken by over 95% of residents. There's a growing Spanish-speaking population (about 3%) and seasonal influx of diverse languages from tourists visiting the Pocono region. Most businesses operate in English with increasing bilingual services in hospitality sectors.
Is Wayne County good for tourism businesses?
Yes, tourism is Wayne County's largest industry with 3+ million annual visitors to Lake Wallenpaupack alone. The county offers year-round recreation including boating, fishing, skiing, hiking, and hunting. Tourism businesses benefit from proximity to NYC and Philadelphia markets while operating at significantly lower costs.
What agricultural businesses thrive in Wayne County?
Wayne County supports dairy farming, maple syrup production (50+ producers), Christmas tree farms, and growing agritourism ventures. The county has 400+ farms covering 65,000 acres. Farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, and agricultural tourism create opportunities beyond traditional farming.
How is the healthcare sector in Wayne County?
Healthcare is a major employer with Wayne Memorial Hospital as the anchor, complemented by numerous medical practices, rehabilitation centers, and senior care facilities. The aging population and tourism create steady demand for healthcare services, with opportunities for specialized and home health businesses.
Where are the main commercial districts in Wayne County?
Key commercial areas include Historic Downtown Honesdale (Main Street shopping and dining), Hawley's Silk Mill and downtown (boutiques and restaurants), Route 6 corridor (auto dealers and services), and Lake Wallenpaupack region (marinas, resorts, and vacation services). Most of the county's 2,100 businesses cluster in these areas.
What is the sales tax in Wayne County?
Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout Wayne County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits our retail and hospitality businesses compared to neighboring New York (8%+) and New Jersey (6.625%+).
Is Wayne County growing?
Wayne County shows steady, sustainable growth focused on quality over quantity. While population remains stable around 51,000, business diversity is increasing with remote workers, retirees with entrepreneurial ventures, and tourism-related businesses. The county added over 200 new businesses in the past five years.
What is the cost of living in Wayne County?
Wayne County offers affordable living with median home values at $228,200 and median household income at $62,182. Overall cost of living is 10% below the national average and 30-40% lower than NYC or Philadelphia metros, allowing business owners to maintain better profit margins and quality of life.
Does Wayne County have public transportation?
Wayne County has limited public transportation with some shared-ride services through Wayne County Transportation. Most residents and businesses rely on personal vehicles. The county is 2.5 hours from Philadelphia International Airport, 2 hours from Newark Liberty, and 45 minutes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
What permits do I need to open a restaurant in Wayne County?
Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local business permit from your township/borough, health permit from Wayne County Health Department, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. The process typically takes 2-3 months. The county has over 150 food service establishments.
How do Wayne County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?
Wayne County's average effective property tax rate is approximately 1.8%, higher than some rural PA counties but lower than neighboring New York counties. Combined with lower property values and no local income tax, the overall tax burden remains competitive for businesses and residents.
Are there co-working spaces in Wayne County?
Wayne County has emerging co-working options including spaces at The Cooperage Project in Honesdale and several coffee shops offering workspace. As remote work grows, more flexible office solutions are developing. Many professionals work from home offices or convert barn/outbuilding spaces on their properties.
What banks offer small business loans in Wayne County?
Major lenders include The Dime Bank (local headquarters), Wayne Bank, Honesdale National Bank, NBT Bank, and Community Bank. These local banks understand area businesses and offer competitive rates. The Wayne Economic Development Corporation also manages revolving loan funds for qualifying businesses.
What are the fastest-growing business sectors in Wayne County?
Remote professional services, outdoor recreation businesses, specialty food/beverage producers, and senior services show strong growth. The county's high-speed internet expansion enables tech and creative businesses. Short-term vacation rentals around Lake Wallenpaupack represent a booming sector.
Can I operate a home-based business in Wayne County?
Yes, most Wayne County townships allow home-based businesses with proper permits. Rural zoning often provides more flexibility than urban areas. Requirements vary by township but generally allow professional offices, online businesses, and small-scale operations. Check with your specific township for local regulations.
How does Lake Wallenpaupack impact local businesses?
Lake Wallenpaupack is Wayne County's economic engine, attracting 3+ million annual visitors who support restaurants, lodging, marinas, retail shops, and recreational services. The 13-mile long lake with 52 miles of shoreline creates year-round business opportunities from boat rentals to lakeside dining, generating significant revenue for local businesses.