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
In Wayne County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $109,400. With 15,994 residents, Wayne County is a county in Illinois.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,107, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $109,400, with typical rent around $632.
College attainment is 16.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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.
Wayne County, IL Climate
Wayne County, IL has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 1098 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
1098
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 61 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 66 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 112 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 109 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 117 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 102 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 99 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 81 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 77 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 80 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 101 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 93 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, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
Visiting or relocating to Wayne County, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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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.