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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Jay County: 12.7% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 20,281 residents, Jay County is a county in Indiana.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $54,114, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $110,100, with typical rent around $766.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.