Wayne County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 76th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Wayne County, Tennessee is 16,251 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 76th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $52,824, the median home value is $126,600, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (16,981 → 15,974), a -0.44% annualized rate.
16,251
Population
-0.44%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$52,824
Median Income
$126,600
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 734 sq mi of land at 22.1 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, TN
Wayne County is defined demographically by education — 12.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Wayne County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 16,251.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,824, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $126,600, with typical rent around $619.
Wayne County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.5% — below the national 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 16,981 in 2010 and 15,974 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,997 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
15,974
Population (2024)
16,981
Population (2010)
16,997
Peak (2011)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,981 |
| 2011 | 16,997 |
| 2012 | 16,972 |
| 2013 | 16,918 |
| 2014 | 16,857 |
| 2015 | 16,765 |
| 2016 | 16,754 |
| 2017 | 16,637 |
| 2018 | 16,633 |
| 2019 | 16,644 |
| 2020 | 16,225 |
| 2021 | 16,334 |
| 2022 | 16,259 |
| 2023 | 16,047 |
| 2024 | 15,974 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.2% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
43.3%
Female
56.7%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,824$-14,273 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,998 |
| Per-capita income | $29,526 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.1%
Carpool
82.9%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
30.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,600$-130,200 vs state
Median home value
$619
Median rent
81.5%
Homeownership rate
7,205
Total housing units
79.6%
Occupied
20.4%
Vacant
18.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.0%
With health insurance
87.0%
With broadband internet
38.4%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
19.0%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.5%
High School+
12.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County, Tennessee has a population of 16,251 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 76th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (16,981 → 15,974), a -0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, Tennessee is $52,824, with mean (average) household income of $76,998 and per-capita income of $29,526. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.2%), Black or African American (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, Tennessee is 44.3 years. Residents are 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $126,600 and median monthly rent is $619. 81.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,205 total housing units, 20.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Wayne County, TN Climate
Wayne County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.6°C (58°F) and receives about 1490 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.6°C
Avg Temp
1490
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 123 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 119 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 159 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 131 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 150 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 113 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 125 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 89 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 105 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 91 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 138 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 147 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Wayne County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wayne County
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Top-rated places to stay near Wayne County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.