Wayne County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wayne County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 9,786. It is the 27th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wayne County is 31.6 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 37.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wayne County is $67,687. This is 10% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%. This is 28% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $203,700. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $223,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 68.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wayne County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.1%. The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

29.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 34.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.1%.