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
The poverty rate is what most separates Wells County from the typical county: 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 28,261 residents, Wells County is a county in Indiana.
Median household income is $69,741, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $180,000, with typical rent around $837.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 5.9%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.