Wayne, NE
Population 6,055 · Nebraska
About Wayne, NE
Wayne is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 6,055 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,804 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.1 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 Wayne features a median home value of $198,600, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wayne in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $707, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,237 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,192 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (975 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wayne shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wayne have an average one-way commute time of 11.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of 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 8.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wayne Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Wayne, NE
Compared to national averages, Wayne has a median household income of $52,804 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,600, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $707 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Wayne's income is 20% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 58% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Wayne, NE?
Wayne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $707/month, and a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,804) that falls below the national average. However, Wayne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wayne has a population of 6,055 with a median age of 23.1 years. Compare Wayne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Wayne
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney | 6,396 | $51,704 | $137,300 | Compare |
| Ralston | 6,445 | $65,557 | $215,800 | Compare |
| Offutt AFB | 5,663 | $67,803 | $0 | Compare |
| Schuyler | 6,517 | $78,380 | $129,600 | Compare |
| Holdrege | 5,503 | $55,263 | $166,600 | Compare |
| Plattsmouth | 6,680 | $64,296 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Chadron | 5,207 | $54,026 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Wahoo | 4,885 | $81,544 | $227,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Wayne, NE is 6,055 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Wayne?
The median household income in Wayne, NE is $52,804 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wayne?
The median home value in Wayne, NE is $198,600, which is 19% below 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, NE is $707, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Wayne, NE is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wayne, NE a good place to live?
Wayne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,055 and a median age of 23.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Wayne, NE?
34.0% 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, NE: median home value is $198,600 (19% below national), median rent is $707/month, and median household income is $52,804. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wayne?
The poverty rate in Wayne, NE is 19.9%, 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 Wayne, NE?
Wayne's population is 8.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.