Fort Wayne, IN
Population 266,235 · Indiana
About Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is a major city in Indiana with a population of 266,235 residents. The median household income is $60,293 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Fort Wayne is 35 years.
Housing in Fort Wayne has a median home value of $169,700 and median monthly rent of $959. Of the 117,692 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 68,203 owner-occupied and 41,401 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 5.5% and the poverty rate is 15.6%. 28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.4 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Fort Wayne?
The median household income in Fort Wayne, IN is $60,293 per year.
What is the median home value in Fort Wayne?
The median home value in Fort Wayne, IN is $169,700.
What is the average rent in Fort Wayne?
The median monthly rent in Fort Wayne, IN is $959.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne, IN is 5.5%.