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% |
Largest cities in Indiana
Largest counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
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).
Where to stay in Fort Wayne
Visiting or relocating to Fort Wayne, IN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.