Wayne County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Wayne County, Nebraska is 9,786 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $67,687, the median home value is $203,700, and the median age is 31.6.
The population of Wayne County has grown 2.7% since 2010 (9,610 → 9,870), a +0.19% annualized rate.
9,786
Population
+0.19%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$67,687
Median Income
$203,700
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 443 sq mi of land at 22.1 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, NE
Wayne County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 9,786. It ranks #27 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 31.6, younger than the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $67,687, below the US median of $74,580. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $203,700, with monthly rent averaging $732. The homeownership rate of 68.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 29.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.1 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 9,610 in 2010 and 9,870 in 2024, a 2.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,898 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.20%.
9,870
Population (2024)
9,610
Population (2010)
9,898
Peak (2022)
0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,610 |
| 2011 | 9,456 |
| 2012 | 9,507 |
| 2013 | 9,448 |
| 2014 | 9,412 |
| 2015 | 9,375 |
| 2016 | 9,427 |
| 2017 | 9,260 |
| 2018 | 9,346 |
| 2019 | 9,413 |
| 2020 | 9,702 |
| 2021 | 9,870 |
| 2022 | 9,898 |
| 2023 | 9,882 |
| 2024 | 9,870 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.6
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,687$-7,298 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,553 |
| Per-capita income | $31,864 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
9.2%
Carpool
72.6%
Public transit
12.6%
Work from home
14.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$203,700$-20,100 vs state
Median home value
$732
Median rent
68.0%
Homeownership rate
3,973
Total housing units
94.7%
Occupied
5.3%
Vacant
32.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
25.1%
Foreign-born
4.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.7%
With a disability
90.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.1%
High School+
29.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Nebraska has a population of 9,786 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has grown 2.7% since 2010 (9,610 → 9,870), a +0.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Nebraska is $67,687, with mean (average) household income of $80,553 and per-capita income of $31,864. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Nebraska is 31.6 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $203,700 and median monthly rent is $732. 68.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,973 total housing units, 5.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.