Wayne County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Michigan
The population of Wayne County, Michigan is 1,773,767 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $59,521, the median home value is $170,200, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Wayne County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (1,814,847 → 1,771,063), a -0.17% annualized rate.
1,773,767
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
2899
People / sq mi
$59,521
Median Income
$170,200
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 612 sq mi of land at 2899.1 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, MI
What distinguishes Wayne County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 2,899 people per square mile. Wayne County is a county in Michigan with a population of 1,773,767. It is the #1-largest of all counties in Michigan nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,521 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.3% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $170,200, with typical rent around $1,087.
About 26.9% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 12.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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 1,814,847 in 2010 and 1,771,063 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,814,847 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
1,771,063
Population (2024)
1,814,847
Population (2010)
1,814,847
Peak (2010)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,814,847 |
| 2011 | 1,803,003 |
| 2012 | 1,795,797 |
| 2013 | 1,780,131 |
| 2014 | 1,771,626 |
| 2015 | 1,764,866 |
| 2016 | 1,760,835 |
| 2017 | 1,757,874 |
| 2018 | 1,755,868 |
| 2019 | 1,750,093 |
| 2020 | 1,789,655 |
| 2021 | 1,775,196 |
| 2022 | 1,763,011 |
| 2023 | 1,762,371 |
| 2024 | 1,771,063 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 50.0% |
| Black or African American | 37.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
16.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,521$-11,628 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,852 |
| Per-capita income | $33,956 |
| Poverty rate | 15.3%+6.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
2.2%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
73.0%
Public transit
12.4%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,200$-47,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,087
Median rent
64.5%
Homeownership rate
796,119
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
35.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
13.4%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
84.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
26.9%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Wayne County, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Michigan has a population of 1,773,767 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 2899 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (1,814,847 → 1,771,063), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Michigan is $59,521, with mean (average) household income of $83,852 and per-capita income of $33,956. 15.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (50.0%), Black or African American (37.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Michigan is 37.8 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $170,200 and median monthly rent is $1,087. 64.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 796,119 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.1%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Wayne County, MI Climate
Wayne County, MI has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 830 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
830
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 46 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 46 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 64 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 77 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 75 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 88 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 79 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 81 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 83 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 57 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 69 mm |
| December | -1° / 29° | 65 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, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, MI are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June 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.