Wayne County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Illinois
The population of Wayne County, Illinois is 15,994 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $53,107, the median home value is $109,400, and the median age is 43.1.
The population of Wayne County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (16,739 → 15,928), a -0.35% annualized rate.
15,994
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$53,107
Median Income
$109,400
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 714 sq mi of land at 22.4 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, IL
Wayne County is a county in Illinois with a population of 15,994. It ranks #66 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 43.1, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $53,107, below the US median of $74,580. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,400, with monthly rent averaging $632. The homeownership rate of 78.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 16.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.6 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 16,739 in 2010 and 15,928 in 2024, a -4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,739 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
15,928
Population (2024)
16,739
Population (2010)
16,739
Peak (2010)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,739 |
| 2011 | 16,667 |
| 2012 | 16,668 |
| 2013 | 16,679 |
| 2014 | 16,610 |
| 2015 | 16,534 |
| 2016 | 16,573 |
| 2017 | 16,435 |
| 2018 | 16,311 |
| 2019 | 16,196 |
| 2020 | 16,161 |
| 2021 | 15,995 |
| 2022 | 15,903 |
| 2023 | 15,875 |
| 2024 | 15,928 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.1
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,107$-28,595 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,646 |
| Per-capita income | $31,073 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
81.6%
Public transit
7.0%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,400$-141,100 vs state
Median home value
$632
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
7,699
Total housing units
89.0%
Occupied
11.0%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
87.5%
With broadband internet
20.8%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.2%
With a disability
94.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
16.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Illinois has a population of 15,994 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (16,739 → 15,928), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Illinois is $53,107, with mean (average) household income of $72,646 and per-capita income of $31,073. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), 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 Wayne County, Illinois is 43.1 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $109,400 and median monthly rent is $632. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,699 total housing units, 11.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.