Wayne County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Wayne County, North Carolina is 117,606 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $58,082, the median home value is $162,700, and the median age is 37.4.
The population of Wayne County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (122,891 → 120,338), a -0.15% annualized rate.
117,606
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
212
People / sq mi
$58,082
Median Income
$162,700
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 554 sq mi of land at 212.3 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, NC
Wayne County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 117,606. It ranks #24 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 37.4, younger than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $58,082, below the US median of $74,580. 12.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $162,700, with monthly rent averaging $932. The homeownership rate of 61.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 21.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 122,891 in 2010 and 120,338 in 2024, a -2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 124,634 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
120,338
Population (2024)
122,891
Population (2010)
124,634
Peak (2014)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 122,891 |
| 2011 | 124,055 |
| 2012 | 124,587 |
| 2013 | 124,625 |
| 2014 | 124,634 |
| 2015 | 124,400 |
| 2016 | 124,368 |
| 2017 | 123,201 |
| 2018 | 123,483 |
| 2019 | 123,904 |
| 2020 | 117,772 |
| 2021 | 117,395 |
| 2022 | 118,185 |
| 2023 | 119,570 |
| 2024 | 120,338 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.0% |
| Black or African American | 30.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.4
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,082$-11,822 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,193 |
| Per-capita income | $31,216 |
| Poverty rate | 12.2%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
82.0%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$162,700$-96,700 vs state
Median home value
$932
Median rent
61.5%
Homeownership rate
53,134
Total housing units
88.2%
Occupied
11.8%
Vacant
38.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.9%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
26.9%
Foreign-born
12.0%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
86.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
21.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, North Carolina has a population of 117,606 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 212 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (122,891 → 120,338), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, North Carolina is $58,082, with mean (average) household income of $77,193 and per-capita income of $31,216. 12.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (55.0%), Black or African American (30.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, North Carolina is 37.4 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $162,700 and median monthly rent is $932. 61.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 53,134 total housing units, 11.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
More from North Carolina
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.