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 skews on age — the median resident is 31.6, younger than the national median. With 9,786 residents, Wayne County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #27 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,687 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $203,700, with typical rent around $732.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 12.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 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.
Wayne County, NE Climate
Wayne County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 688 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
688
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 15 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 20 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 54 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 67 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 108 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 104 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 82 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 70 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 67 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 49 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 30 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 22 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, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, NE are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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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.