Fort Wayne, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Fort Wayne, Indiana is 266,235 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 85th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Indiana. The median household income is $60,293, the median home value is $169,700, and the median age is 35.0.
The population has grown 7.5% since 2010 (254,161 → 273,203).
266,235
Population
2382
People / sq mi
$60,293
Median Income
$169,700
Median Home Value
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Fort Wayne covers 111.8 sq mi of land at 2382 people per square mile.
About Fort Wayne, IN
In Fort Wayne, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $169,700. Fort Wayne is a city in Indiana with a population of 266,235. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Indiana in the country, at #2 by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $60,293, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 11.8%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $169,700, with typical rent around $959.
Roughly 28.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Just 8.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Fort Wayne city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Fort Wayne city had a population of 254,161 in 2010 and 273,203 in 2024, a 7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 273,203 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.52%.
273,203
Population (2024)
254,161
Population (2010)
273,203
Peak (2024)
0.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 254,161 |
| 2011 | 256,293 |
| 2012 | 257,626 |
| 2013 | 259,333 |
| 2014 | 260,570 |
| 2015 | 262,109 |
| 2016 | 263,513 |
| 2017 | 265,128 |
| 2018 | 267,460 |
| 2019 | 270,402 |
| 2020 | 264,394 |
| 2021 | 266,455 |
| 2022 | 268,394 |
| 2023 | 270,408 |
| 2024 | 273,203 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.4% |
| Black or African American | 14.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$60,293
Median Household Income
$32,884
Per Capita Income
11.8%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$169,700
Median Home Value
$959
Median Rent
62.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.9%
High School+
28.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.2%
Drive Alone
78.1%
Public Transit
8.2%
Work From Home
21.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.8%
Foreign Born
86.2%
Non-English at Home
6.2%
Veterans
13.6%
With Disability
90.6%
Health Insurance
94.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.1% |
| Manufacturing | 18.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.1% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Retail Trade | 5.9% |
| Construction | 5.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Wayne, Indiana has a population of 266,235 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 85th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Indiana.
The median household income in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $60,293, with 11.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $169,700, with median monthly rent at $959 and a homeownership rate of 62.2%.
The median age in Fort Wayne, Indiana is 35.0 years. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The population has grown 7.5% since 2010 (254,161 → 273,203).
Fort Wayne city, IN Climate
Fort Wayne city, IN has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 902 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
902
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 47 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 44 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 69 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 87 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 93 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 99 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 92 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 85 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 77 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 64 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 75 mm |
| December | -1° / 29° | 70 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Fort Wayne city, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Fort Wayne city, IN are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.