Wayne County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Wayne County, Mississippi is 19,699 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $36,791, the median home value is $88,000, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (20,782 → 19,749), a -0.36% annualized rate.
19,699
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$36,791
Median Income
$88,000
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 811 sq mi of land at 24.3 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, MS
Homeownership is the standout figure in Wayne County: 88.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Wayne County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 19,699. It ranks #46 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $36,791, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.2%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $88,000, with typical rent around $786.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 3.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Wayne County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 20,782 in 2010 and 19,749 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,782 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
19,749
Population (2024)
20,782
Population (2010)
20,782
Peak (2010)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,782 |
| 2011 | 20,629 |
| 2012 | 20,628 |
| 2013 | 20,476 |
| 2014 | 20,473 |
| 2015 | 20,515 |
| 2016 | 20,476 |
| 2017 | 20,450 |
| 2018 | 20,289 |
| 2019 | 20,186 |
| 2020 | 19,807 |
| 2021 | 19,672 |
| 2022 | 19,617 |
| 2023 | 19,743 |
| 2024 | 19,749 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.7% |
| Black or African American | 37.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
17.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $36,791$-18,124 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,668 |
| Per-capita income | $26,336 |
| Poverty rate | 15.2%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
84.2%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$88,000$-73,400 vs state
Median home value
$786
Median rent
88.3%
Homeownership rate
9,101
Total housing units
81.8%
Occupied
18.2%
Vacant
11.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.6%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
13.4%
Foreign-born
4.1%
Veterans (18+)
19.0%
With a disability
94.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.0%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Mississippi has a population of 19,699 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (20,782 → 19,749), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Mississippi is $36,791, with mean (average) household income of $63,668 and per-capita income of $26,336. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.7%), Black or African American (37.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Mississippi is 39.1 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $88,000 and median monthly rent is $786. 88.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,101 total housing units, 18.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Wayne County, MS Climate
Wayne County, MS has an average annual temperature of 18°C (64°F) and receives about 1488 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18°C
Avg Temp
1488
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 154 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 126 mm |
| March | 14° / 58° | 161 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 123 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 125 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 109 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 139 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 100 mm |
| September | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 79 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 123 mm |
| December | 10° / 49° | 141 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, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, MS are typically October, May and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
Visiting or relocating to Wayne County, MS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Wayne County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Wayne County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Wayne County, MS by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Mississippi
Population 222,494
Population 209,443
Population 188,598
Population 158,218
Full rankings of Mississippi counties
Statewide data for Mississippi
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.