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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Wayne County: 61.5% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 117,606 residents, Wayne County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #24 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,082 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $162,700, with typical rent around $932.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.
Wayne County, NC Climate
Wayne County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.2°C (61°F) and receives about 1233 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.2°C
Avg Temp
1233
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 42° | 108 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 92 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 110 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 84 mm |
| May | 20° / 69° | 100 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 104 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 142 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 133 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 124 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 78 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 75 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 83 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, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, NC are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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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.