Wayne County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Indiana
The population of Wayne County, Indiana is 66,377 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $56,652, the median home value is $126,100, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Wayne County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (68,897 → 66,410), a -0.26% annualized rate.
66,377
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
165
People / sq mi
$56,652
Median Income
$126,100
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 402 sq mi of land at 165.2 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, IN
What distinguishes Wayne County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 165 people per square mile. Wayne County is a county in Indiana with a population of 66,377. It ranks #26 among counties in Indiana by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,652 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.1%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $126,100, with typical rent around $813.
Roughly 20.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Wayne County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 68,897 in 2010 and 66,410 in 2024, a -3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 68,897 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
66,410
Population (2024)
68,897
Population (2010)
68,897
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 68,897 |
| 2011 | 68,661 |
| 2012 | 68,256 |
| 2013 | 67,829 |
| 2014 | 67,427 |
| 2015 | 67,044 |
| 2016 | 66,723 |
| 2017 | 66,307 |
| 2018 | 66,131 |
| 2019 | 65,943 |
| 2020 | 66,514 |
| 2021 | 66,453 |
| 2022 | 66,337 |
| 2023 | 66,273 |
| 2024 | 66,410 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.0% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,652$-13,399 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,475 |
| Per-capita income | $31,990 |
| Poverty rate | 13.1%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
20.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,100$-75,500 vs state
Median home value
$813
Median rent
69.7%
Homeownership rate
30,758
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
30.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
25.0%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
18.3%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.3%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Indiana has a population of 66,377 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 165 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (68,897 → 66,410), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Indiana is $56,652, with mean (average) household income of $76,475 and per-capita income of $31,990. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.0%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Indiana is 40.9 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $126,100 and median monthly rent is $813. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,758 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Indiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
Wayne County, IN Climate
Wayne County, IN has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 1031 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
1031
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 59 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 59 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 88 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 101 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 116 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 103 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 70 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 74 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 87 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 78 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, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, IN are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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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.