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
Wayne County is a county in Iowa with a population of 6,518. It ranks #94 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 42.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $59,118, below the US median of $74,580. 11.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $102,300, with monthly rent averaging $660. The homeownership rate of 80.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 16.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 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.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.