Fort Wayne, IN
Population 266,235 · Indiana
About Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is a major city located in Indiana with a population of 266,235 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,293 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Wayne features a median home value of $169,700, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Wayne in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $959, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 117,692 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (68,203 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (41,401 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Wayne shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Wayne have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.5% of Fort Wayne residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 9.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Wayne Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Fort Wayne, IN
Compared to national averages, Fort Wayne has a median household income of $60,293 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,700, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $959 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Fort Wayne's income is 13% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 4% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Fort Wayne, IN?
Fort Wayne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $959/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,293) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Fort Wayne provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fort Wayne has a population of 266,235 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Fort Wayne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Fort Wayne
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville | 116,441 | $52,251 | $129,100 | Compare |
| South Bend | 102,866 | $52,512 | $124,500 | Compare |
| Fishers | 100,918 | $128,141 | $370,200 | Compare |
| Carmel | 100,501 | $134,602 | $455,500 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,791 | $48,918 | $289,700 | Compare |
| Hammond | 77,098 | $53,950 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Noblesville | 71,940 | $102,319 | $321,800 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 70,650 | $52,946 | $157,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Wayne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Wayne
What is the population of Fort Wayne, IN?
The population of Fort Wayne, IN is 266,235 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Fort Wayne?
The median household income in Fort Wayne, IN is $60,293 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Wayne?
The median home value in Fort Wayne, IN is $169,700, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Wayne?
The median monthly rent in Fort Wayne, IN is $959, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne, IN is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live?
Fort Wayne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 266,235 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Wayne, IN?
28.5% of residents in Fort Wayne aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Wayne, IN: median home value is $169,700 (31% below national), median rent is $959/month, and median household income is $60,293. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
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%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Wayne, IN?
Fort Wayne's population is 7.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 14.4% two or more races. 9.0% of residents are foreign-born.