Wayne, IL
Population 2,284 · Illinois
About Wayne, IL
Wayne is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,284 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $169,583 per year, which is 126% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wayne features a median home value of $674,000, which is 175% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wayne in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 904 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (848 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wayne shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wayne have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.5% of Wayne residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 19.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wayne Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Wayne, IL
Compared to national averages, Wayne has a median household income of $169,583 (126% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $674,000, which is 175% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wayne's income is 126% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 307% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wayne, IL?
Wayne offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $169,583, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 59.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $674,000. However, Wayne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wayne has a population of 2,284 with a median age of 50.6 years. Compare Wayne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Wayne
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinckley | 2,286 | $81,625 | $267,600 | Compare |
| Tremont | 2,300 | $77,420 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Fox Lake Hills | 2,304 | $111,477 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Casey | 2,258 | $48,631 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Elmwood | 2,254 | $87,644 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Preston Heights | 2,318 | $51,970 | $141,400 | Compare |
| Carbon Cliff | 2,248 | $55,000 | $124,600 | Compare |
| Lake Summerset | 2,240 | $105,588 | $226,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wayne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayne
What is the population of Wayne, IL?
The population of Wayne, IL is 2,284 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Wayne?
The median household income in Wayne, IL is $169,583 per year, which is 126% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wayne?
The median home value in Wayne, IL is $674,000, which is 175% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wayne?
The median monthly rent in Wayne, IL is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Wayne, IL is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wayne, IL a good place to live?
Wayne offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,284 and a median age of 50.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wayne, IL?
59.5% of residents in Wayne aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Wayne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wayne, IL: median home value is $674,000 (175% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $169,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wayne?
The poverty rate in Wayne, IL is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wayne, IL?
Wayne's population is 2.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 19.2% of residents are foreign-born.