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 defined demographically by education — 11.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 10,942 residents, Wayne County is a county in Missouri.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,393, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 16.1%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $113,100, with typical rent around $632.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.0%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 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.
Wayne County, MO Climate
Wayne County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1162 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1162
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 72 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 78 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 124 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 107 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 116 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 88 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 101 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 96 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 92 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 73 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 107 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 108 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, MO are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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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.