Wayne County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 61st-largest in Kentucky
The population of Wayne County, Kentucky is 19,592 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 61st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $41,933, the median home value is $121,700, and the median age is 43.4.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (20,833 → 19,629), a -0.42% annualized rate.
19,592
Population
-0.42%
Annual growth
43
People / sq mi
$41,933
Median Income
$121,700
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 458 sq mi of land at 42.8 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, KY
What sets Wayne County apart is money: median household income runs $41,933, below the US median of $78,538. Wayne County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 19,592.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,933, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.0%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $121,700, with typical rent around $666.
Wayne County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.4%, 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 20,833 in 2010 and 19,629 in 2024, a -5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,890 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.42%.
19,629
Population (2024)
20,833
Population (2010)
20,890
Peak (2011)
-0.42%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,833 |
| 2011 | 20,890 |
| 2012 | 20,816 |
| 2013 | 20,778 |
| 2014 | 20,615 |
| 2015 | 20,606 |
| 2016 | 20,726 |
| 2017 | 20,621 |
| 2018 | 20,401 |
| 2019 | 20,278 |
| 2020 | 19,543 |
| 2021 | 19,543 |
| 2022 | 19,663 |
| 2023 | 19,630 |
| 2024 | 19,629 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.4
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,933$-20,484 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,290 |
| Per-capita income | $27,424 |
| Poverty rate | 17.0%+5.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
76.9%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
23.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,700$-70,600 vs state
Median home value
$666
Median rent
72.0%
Homeownership rate
10,144
Total housing units
79.1%
Occupied
20.9%
Vacant
28.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
85.2%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
25.3%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.4%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Kentucky has a population of 19,592 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 61st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 43 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (20,833 → 19,629), a -0.42% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Kentucky is $41,933, with mean (average) household income of $64,290 and per-capita income of $27,424. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.4%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Kentucky is 43.4 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $121,700 and median monthly rent is $666. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,144 total housing units, 20.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Wayne County, KY Climate
Wayne County, KY has an average annual temperature of 13.3°C (56°F) and receives about 1313 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.3°C
Avg Temp
1313
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 102 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 103 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 124 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 109 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 124 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 111 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 124 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 103 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 80 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 110 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 119 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, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where 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.