Wayne County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wayne County is located in Iowa with a total population of 6,518. It is the 94th most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wayne County is 42.0 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wayne County is $59,118. This is 19% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%. This is 37% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $102,300. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Wayne County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wayne County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.3%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

16.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 48% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.4%.