Wayne County, Ohio Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wayne County is located in Ohio with a total population of 116,618. It is the 24th most populous county out of 88 in Ohio. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wayne County is 38.9 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wayne County is $71,769. This is 3% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $204,600. Housing costs are 3% higher than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Wayne County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wayne County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.4%. The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 12.1%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

24.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 20% 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 86.3%.