Jay County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in Indiana
The population of Jay County, Indiana is 20,281 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $54,114, the median home value is $110,100, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Jay County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (21,179 → 20,164), a -0.35% annualized rate.
20,281
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
53
People / sq mi
$54,114
Median Income
$110,100
Median Home Value
Jay County covers 384 sq mi of land at 52.8 people per square mile.
About Jay County, IN
Jay County is a county in Indiana with a population of 20,281. It ranks #72 among counties in Indiana by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Jay County is $54,114, below the US median of $74,580. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $110,100, with monthly rent averaging $766. The homeownership rate of 78.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jay County reflects 12.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.0 minutes each way.
Jay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jay County had a population of 21,179 in 2010 and 20,164 in 2024, a -4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,346 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
20,164
Population (2024)
21,179
Population (2010)
21,346
Peak (2012)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,179 |
| 2011 | 21,336 |
| 2012 | 21,346 |
| 2013 | 21,267 |
| 2014 | 21,135 |
| 2015 | 21,135 |
| 2016 | 21,021 |
| 2017 | 20,879 |
| 2018 | 20,721 |
| 2019 | 20,446 |
| 2020 | 20,481 |
| 2021 | 20,293 |
| 2022 | 20,137 |
| 2023 | 20,069 |
| 2024 | 20,164 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,114$-15,937 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,984 |
| Per-capita income | $27,105 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jay County is manufacturing, accounting for 31.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
77.1%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
22.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$110,100$-91,500 vs state
Median home value
$766
Median rent
78.0%
Homeownership rate
8,908
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
22.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
87.3%
With broadband internet
17.1%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.9%
High School+
12.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jay County, Indiana has a population of 20,281 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 53 people per square mile.
The population of Jay County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (21,179 → 20,164), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jay County, Indiana is $54,114, with mean (average) household income of $67,984 and per-capita income of $27,105. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jay County, Indiana is 39.6 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Jay County is $110,100 and median monthly rent is $766. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,908 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jay County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 31.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Jay County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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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.