Wells County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Indiana
The population of Wells County, Indiana is 28,261 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $69,741, the median home value is $180,000, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Wells County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (27,680 → 28,798), a +0.28% annualized rate.
28,261
Population
+0.28%
Annual growth
77
People / sq mi
$69,741
Median Income
$180,000
Median Home Value
Wells County covers 368 sq mi of land at 76.8 people per square mile.
About Wells County, IN
Wells County is a county in Indiana with a population of 28,261. It ranks #56 among counties in Indiana by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Wells County is $69,741, below the US median of $74,580. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $180,000, with monthly rent averaging $837. The homeownership rate of 76.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wells County reflects 18.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.2 minutes each way.
Wells County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wells County had a population of 27,680 in 2010 and 28,798 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,798 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
28,798
Population (2024)
27,680
Population (2010)
28,798
Peak (2024)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,680 |
| 2011 | 27,737 |
| 2012 | 27,707 |
| 2013 | 27,716 |
| 2014 | 27,817 |
| 2015 | 27,854 |
| 2016 | 27,863 |
| 2017 | 27,934 |
| 2018 | 27,982 |
| 2019 | 28,131 |
| 2020 | 28,160 |
| 2021 | 28,165 |
| 2022 | 28,339 |
| 2023 | 28,636 |
| 2024 | 28,798 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,741$-310 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,401 |
| Per-capita income | $35,280 |
| Poverty rate | 4.4%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wells County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
85.9%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$180,000$-21,600 vs state
Median home value
$837
Median rent
76.2%
Homeownership rate
12,003
Total housing units
94.6%
Occupied
5.4%
Vacant
23.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
17.3%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.2%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wells County, Indiana has a population of 28,261 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 77 people per square mile.
The population of Wells County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (27,680 → 28,798), a +0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wells County, Indiana is $69,741, with mean (average) household income of $86,401 and per-capita income of $35,280. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wells County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wells County, Indiana is 40.2 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Wells County is $180,000 and median monthly rent is $837. 76.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,003 total housing units, 5.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wells County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Wells County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.