Wayne County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in Missouri
The population of Wayne County, Missouri is 10,942 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $43,393, the median home value is $113,100, and the median age is 48.2.
The population of Wayne County has declined 20.0% since 2010 (13,519 → 10,820), a -1.58% annualized rate.
10,942
Population
-1.58%
Annual growth
14
People / sq mi
$43,393
Median Income
$113,100
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 759 sq mi of land at 14.4 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, MO
Wayne County is a county in Missouri with a population of 10,942. It ranks #81 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 48.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $43,393, below the US median of $74,580. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $113,100, with monthly rent averaging $632. The homeownership rate of 76.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 11.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.5 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 13,519 in 2010 and 10,820 in 2024, a -20.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,519 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.49%.
10,820
Population (2024)
13,519
Population (2010)
13,519
Peak (2010)
-1.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,519 |
| 2011 | 13,424 |
| 2012 | 13,409 |
| 2013 | 13,476 |
| 2014 | 13,482 |
| 2015 | 13,435 |
| 2016 | 13,229 |
| 2017 | 13,309 |
| 2018 | 13,079 |
| 2019 | 12,904 |
| 2020 | 10,935 |
| 2021 | 10,925 |
| 2022 | 10,807 |
| 2023 | 10,825 |
| 2024 | 10,820 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.2
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
24.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 24.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,393$-25,527 vs state |
| Mean household income | $57,999 |
| Per-capita income | $24,091 |
| Poverty rate | 16.1%+7.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
33.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$113,100$-102,500 vs state
Median home value
$632
Median rent
76.0%
Homeownership rate
6,148
Total housing units
73.2%
Occupied
26.8%
Vacant
24.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.1%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
29.1%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.7%
High School+
11.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Missouri has a population of 10,942 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 14 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 20.0% since 2010 (13,519 → 10,820), a -1.58% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Missouri is $43,393, with mean (average) household income of $57,999 and per-capita income of $24,091. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Missouri is 48.2 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $113,100 and median monthly rent is $632. 76.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,148 total housing units, 26.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Full rankings of Missouri counties
Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.