Fort Wayne, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
268,589
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,422/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
118,657
0.8% year-over-year change

Fort Wayne population

How many people live in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is home to 268,589 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Fort Wayne locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
268,589
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
131,495
Female
51%
137,094
Value Percent YoY change
Male 131,495 49% 1.2%
Female 137,094 51% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fort Wayne is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 54,311 20.2% 0.8%
15 to 24 38,474 14.3% 0.2%
25 to 44 75,772 28.2% 2.4%
45 to 64 59,093 22% -2.2%
Over 65 40,939 15.2% 3.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fort Wayne, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.9% of locals are Caucasian, 14.1% are African American and 6.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.4%
Non-citizens
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 241,155 89.8% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,357 5.4% 2.7%
Non-citizens 13,077 4.9% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
64.9%
Black or African American
14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
4.8%
Value Percent
White 174,430 64.9%
Black or African American 37,944 14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,056 0.8%
Asian 16,381 6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 159 0.1%
Two or more races 24,748 9.2%
Other 12,871 4.8%

Households in Fort Wayne

A peek inside Fort Wayne households

Fort Wayne has 110,929 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.7% are families, while the remaining 42.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
110,929
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
46,888
Family households
64,041
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 46,888 42.3% 2.6%
Family households 64,041 57.7% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fort Wayne

The housing landscape of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne's housing consists of 118,657 units, with 68.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
118,657
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 80,923 68.2%
1 unit, attached 3,861 3.2%
2 units 3,433 2.9%
3 or 4 units 5,622 4.7%
5 to 9 units 8,317 7%
10 to 19 units 4,974 4.2%
20 to 49 units 3,946 3.3%
50 or more units 4,858 4.1%
Mobile home 2,671 2.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 52 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,004
83.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Wayne

In Fort Wayne, the median construction year is 1972. About 15.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,933 15.1% 5.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,360 5.4% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13,764 11.6% -2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18,171 15.3% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 19,219 16.2% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13,487 11.4% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15,214 12.8% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,915 7.5% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,590 3.9% 15.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1,004 0.8% 83.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fort Wayne occupancy rates

Out of the 110,929 occupied housing units in Fort Wayne, 61.9% are owner-occupied, while 38.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
110,929
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
42,288
Owner occupied
68,641
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 42,288 38.1% 2.1%
Owner occupied 68,641 61.9% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fort Wayne housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Wayne come to a median of $977 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $999.

Median housing costs per month
$977/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fort Wayne
$999/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne education at a glance

About 37% of the population in Fort Wayne went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,075 5% 3.5%
High school diploma 75,243 37% 2.0%
College diploma 45,185 22.2% -2.6%
Associate degree 18,640 9.2% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 37,477 18.4% 2.7%
Graduate degree 16,620 8.2% 2.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fort Wayne

How much people earn in Fort Wayne

The average annual household income in Fort Wayne was $80,609 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,422, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Wayne
$80,609/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Wayne
$61,422/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Fort Wayne income by age

In Fort Wayne, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,697. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,312 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,522, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,506 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,522 7.7%
25 - 44 $64,697 1.4%
45 - 64 $74,312 2.8%
Over 65 $49,506 1.4%
Above poverty level
218,678
Below poverty level
41,113
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 218,678 84.2% 0.4%
Below poverty level 41,113 15.8% 4.3%

Average renter income in Fort Wayne

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Wayne, their median household income was $38,611 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,611
Rent-to-income ratio
31%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fort Wayne

Workforce and job types in Fort Wayne

The job market in Fort Wayne is powered by 130,742 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
130,742
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
93,781
Blue collar
36,961
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 93,781 71.7% 0.1%
Blue collar 36,961 28.3% 2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,311 7.1% -1.8%
Private companies 94,021 71.9% 0.9%
Governmental workers 12,005 9.2% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 15,405 11.8% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
1.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fort Wayne

How people get around in Fort Wayne

Commuting methods vary: 87.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 111,748 87.3% -0.1%
Taxicab 230 0.2% 173.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,208 0.9% -16.8%
Ferryboat 35 0% 2.9%
Motorcycle 134 0.1% 39.6%
Bicycle 395 0.3% -10.2%
Walk 1,984 1.6% 3.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fort Wayne by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46802 11,177 5,193 $46,854 $81,195
46803 10,994 4,228 $34,381 $43,536
46804 29,661 13,008 $85,833 $105,642
46805 21,437 9,612 $52,154 $76,132
46806 26,425 9,391 $47,895 $57,353
46807 16,317 6,454 $58,685 $75,028
46808 19,684 8,738 $53,359 $62,942
46809 8,589 4,057 $52,253 $71,364
46814 16,778 5,707 $147,280 $189,101
46815 27,238 10,433 $73,239 $88,805

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FAQs about Fort Wayne demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Wayne?

Fort Wayne has a total population of 268,589 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Wayne?

The gender ratio in Fort Wayne is as follows:
  • 49% males (131,495 residents)
  • 51% females (137,094 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Wayne?

The median age in Fort Wayne is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Wayne?

The age distribution in Fort Wayne is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (54,311 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (38,474 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (75,772 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (59,093 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (40,939 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Wayne?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Wayne is as follows:
  • White: 64.9% (174,430 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.1% (37,944 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (2,056 residents)
  • Asian: 6.1% (16,381 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (159 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (24,748 residents)
  • Other: 4.8% (12,871 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fort Wayne are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in Fort Wayne.

How many housing units are there in Fort Wayne?

There are 118,657 housing units in Fort Wayne, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fort Wayne and what is the average household size?

Fort Wayne has a total of 110,929 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Wayne?

Fort Wayne has a median household income of $61,422, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Wayne?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Fort Wayne, with a workforce of 130,742 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.7% (93,781 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.3% (36,961 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (9,311 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (94,021 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (12,005 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (15,405 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025