Fort Wayne, IN Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Indiana by population · 21 cities ranked
Fort Wayne is the 2nd largest city in Indiana by population and ranks 9th of 21 for median household income. With 266,235 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 12 other Indiana cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
266,235
48.8% male · 51.2% female
Median Age
35.0
3.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$18,245 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.5%
6.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.9%
Poverty Rate
15.6%
3.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.4%
Broadband Access
94.5%
4.8% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$169,700
Median rent: $959 · 62% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Labor force participation: 62.1%
Per Capita Income
$38,108
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.2%
Disability rate: 13.6%
How Fort Wayne Compares to Other Indiana Cities
Rankings among all 21 Indiana cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 21 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 21 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 21 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 21 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 10th of 21 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Fort Wayne, IN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Wayne, IN?
The population of Fort Wayne, IN is 266,235 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.0 years.
What is the median household income in Fort Wayne?
The median household income in Fort Wayne, IN is $60,293, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $38,108.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Wayne?
The poverty rate in Fort Wayne, IN is 15.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Fort Wayne residents have a college degree?
28.5% of adults (25+) in Fort Wayne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Fort Wayne?
The median home value in Fort Wayne, IN is $169,700. Median rent is $959 per month, with 62% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne's population is 66.4% White, 14.6% Black, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Fort Wayne rank among Indiana cities?
Fort Wayne is the 2nd largest city in Indiana by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 21 ranked Indiana cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne, IN is 5.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.1%. Per capita income is $38,108.