Wayne County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 94th-largest in Iowa
The population of Wayne County, Iowa is 6,518 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 94th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $59,118, the median home value is $102,300, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Wayne County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (6,419 → 6,622), a +0.22% annualized rate.
6,518
Population
+0.22%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$59,118
Median Income
$102,300
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 525 sq mi of land at 12.4 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, IA
In Wayne County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $102,300. Wayne County is a county in Iowa with a population of 6,518.
The typical household here earns about $59,118, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $102,300, with typical rent around $660.
College attainment is 16.0%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 6,419 in 2010 and 6,622 in 2024, a 3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,622 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.23%.
6,622
Population (2024)
6,419
Population (2010)
6,622
Peak (2024)
0.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,419 |
| 2011 | 6,337 |
| 2012 | 6,329 |
| 2013 | 6,384 |
| 2014 | 6,375 |
| 2015 | 6,359 |
| 2016 | 6,438 |
| 2017 | 6,488 |
| 2018 | 6,376 |
| 2019 | 6,413 |
| 2020 | 6,502 |
| 2021 | 6,522 |
| 2022 | 6,472 |
| 2023 | 6,542 |
| 2024 | 6,622 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
22.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,118$-14,029 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,767 |
| Per-capita income | $34,623 |
| Poverty rate | 11.2%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
75.5%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$102,300$-93,600 vs state
Median home value
$660
Median rent
80.1%
Homeownership rate
3,021
Total housing units
84.5%
Occupied
15.5%
Vacant
19.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.5%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
25.2%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
14.7%
With a disability
91.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.4%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Iowa has a population of 6,518 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 94th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (6,419 → 6,622), a +0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Iowa is $59,118, with mean (average) household income of $85,767 and per-capita income of $34,623. 11.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Iowa is 42.0 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $102,300 and median monthly rent is $660. 80.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,021 total housing units, 15.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Wayne County, IA Climate
Wayne County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 934 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
934
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 28 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 28 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 63 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 87 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 108 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 112 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 116 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 113 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 80 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 57 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 37 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 Wayne County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, IA 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 -11°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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Top-rated places to stay near Wayne County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.