Wayne County, New York Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wayne County is located in New York with a total population of 91,128. It is the 31st most populous county out of 62 in New York.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wayne County is 43.6 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wayne County is $73,914. This is 13% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 18% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $163,400. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Wayne County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 47% higher than the state average of 54.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wayne County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (87.5% vs 53.4%). The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.1%) is well below the state average of 19.6%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.

Education

25.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.0%.