Wayne County, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,862
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,226/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,119
-0.5% year-over-year change

Wayne County population

How many people live in Wayne County

Wayne County is home to 10,862 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Wayne County locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
10,862
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
5,487
Female
49.5%
5,375
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,487 50.5% -0.5%
Female 5,375 49.5% -0.9%
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 Wayne County is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
25.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,738 16% -4.9%
15 to 24 1,076 9.9% -0.3%
25 to 44 2,215 20.4% 0.0%
45 to 64 3,102 28.6% -1.8%
Over 65 2,731 25.1% 2.6%
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 Wayne County, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,784 99.3% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 47 0.4% 46.9%
Non-citizens 31 0.3% 933.3%
Racial breakdown
White
93.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 10,151 93.4%
Black or African American 46 0.4%
Asian 30 0.3%
Two or more races 519 4.8%
Other 116 1.1%

Households in Wayne County

A peek inside Wayne County households

Wayne County has 4,623 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,623
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,739
Family households
2,884
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,739 37.6% -4.5%
Family households 2,884 62.4% 7.5%
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 Wayne County

The housing landscape of Wayne County

Wayne County's housing consists of 6,119 units, with 74.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 20.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,119
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,565 74.6%
1 unit, attached 39 0.6%
2 units 37 0.6%
3 or 4 units 146 2.4%
5 to 9 units 44 0.7%
10 to 19 units 18 0.3%
20 to 49 units 7 0.1%
Mobile home 1,263 20.6%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wayne County

In Wayne County, the median construction year is 1980. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 537 8.8% -18.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 169 2.8% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 570 9.3% 1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 424 6.9% 2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,357 22.2% -7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,254 20.5% -5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 759 12.4% 31.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 557 9.1% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 480 7.8% 17.9%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.2% N/A
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.

Wayne County occupancy rates

Out of the 4,623 occupied housing units in Wayne County, 75.1% are owner-occupied, while 24.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,623
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,152
Owner occupied
3,471
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,152 24.9% 6.6%
Owner occupied 3,471 75.1% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
24.4%
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.

Wayne County housing costs

Housing costs in Wayne County come to a median of $583 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $665.

Median housing costs per month
$583/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 Wayne County
$665/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 Wayne County

Wayne County education at a glance

About 55.7% of the population in Wayne County went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 476 5.4% 2.1%
High school diploma 4,861 55.7% -2.5%
College diploma 1,718 19.7% -2.3%
Associate degree 619 7.1% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 681 7.8% 6.4%
Graduate degree 375 4.3% 36.9%
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 Wayne County

How much people earn in Wayne County

The average annual household income in Wayne County was $57,410 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,226, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wayne County
$57,410/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wayne County
$47,226/year
8.8% year-over-year change

Wayne County income by age

In Wayne County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,338. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,648 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,596, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,878 in earnings. Overall, 74.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,596 7.6%
25 - 44 $59,338 -1.5%
45 - 64 $56,648 12.5%
Over 65 $38,878 1.0%
Above poverty level
7,855
Below poverty level
2,698
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,855 74.4% -1.3%
Below poverty level 2,698 25.6% 1.3%

Employment in Wayne County

Workforce and job types in Wayne County

The job market in Wayne County is powered by 3,913 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,913
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,514
Blue collar
1,399
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,514 64.2% 1.7%
Blue collar 1,399 35.8% 4.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 380 9.7% -22.6%
Private companies 2,597 66.4% 2.0%
Governmental workers 632 16.2% 11.3%
Not for profit companies 304 7.8% 52.0%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
-2.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wayne County stands at 7.3%, 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 Wayne County

How people get around in Wayne County

Commuting methods vary: 91.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 3,552 91.7% 4.4%
Bus or trolleybus 33 0.8% 3.1%
Motorcycle 11 0.3% 266.7%
Walk 9 0.2% -78.0%
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 Wayne County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63636 446 202 $65,000 $87,806
63655 1,639 666 $61,469 $66,865
63763 98 56 $0 $31,259
63934 31 22 $0 $0
63944 1,332 525 $58,047 $81,351
63951 200 113 $26,639 $36,317
63952 284 113 $41,513 $49,058
63956 770 301 $61,146 $66,525
63957 5,144 2,169 $43,582 $52,526
63964 733 298 $41,500 $52,902

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FAQs about Wayne County demographics 

What is the total population of Wayne County?

Wayne County has a total population of 10,862 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wayne County?

The gender ratio in Wayne County is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (5,487 residents)
  • 49.5% females (5,375 residents)

What is the median age in Wayne County?

The median age in Wayne County is 48.6.

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

The age distribution in Wayne County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (1,738 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (1,076 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (2,215 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (3,102 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.1% (2,731 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wayne County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wayne County is as follows:
  • White: 93.4% (10,151 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (46 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (30 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (519 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (116 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Wayne County.

How many housing units are there in Wayne County?

There are 6,119 housing units in Wayne County, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wayne County has a total of 4,623 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wayne County?

Wayne County has a median household income of $47,226, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.7% in Wayne County, with a workforce of 3,913 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.2% (2,514 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.8% (1,399 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (380 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (2,597 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (632 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (304 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