Wayne County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wayne County is located in Michigan with a total population of 1,773,767. It is the 1st most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 34 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wayne County is 37.8 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wayne County is $59,521. This is 16% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%. This is 54% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.7%. This is 49% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $170,200. Housing costs are 22% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Wayne County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 64.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Wayne County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 37.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (37.0% vs 13.2%).

Education

26.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.9%.