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
Wayne County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 19,592. It ranks #61 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 43.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $41,933, below the US median of $74,580. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $121,700, with monthly rent averaging $666. The homeownership rate of 72.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.7 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
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
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.
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Statewide data for Kentucky
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.