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
Wayne County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 19,699. It ranks #46 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 39.1, in line with the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $36,791, below the US median of $74,580. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $88,000, with monthly rent averaging $786. The homeownership rate of 88.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.8 minutes each way.
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.
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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.