What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Waynesville, MO, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Waynesville is a city in Pulaski County, Missouri, with an estimated population of 5,493. It anchors the Fort Leonard Wood metro area. The median home value in Waynesville is $246,020 as of 2026-04, up 5.2% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +7.5% annual growth, with prices at or near the 5-year peak. Rents in Waynesville average $1,018 per month, up 9.5% year-over-year. The composite momentum score is 75 of 100 (Rising). The market is healthy with prices supported by underlying demand.
Quiet strength: prices near or at all-time highs (+0.0% from 5-year peak). Solid market for owner-occupiers; investors should underwrite conservatively given the elevated entry point.
Reasons people move here
- Affordable AND rising: median home $246,020 with positive recent direction — rare combination most of the country can't offer.
- Healthy 5-year run: +7.5% annualized over 5 years, outpacing US inflation.
- Quiet strength: +5.2% over the trailing year — not a melt-up, but the market is bid.
- Held the highs: currently +0.0% from the 5-year peak — this market refused to give back gains.
Things to know first
- Rental squeeze: rents up 9.5% YoY — tenants face tough renewals. Affordability deteriorating fast.
- Thin housing market: small population means fewer transactions and slower resale. Liquidity risk on exit.
More about Waynesville
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.