Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Wayne, IN
Thinking of moving to Fort Wayne, IN? This welcoming city of nearly 268,000 offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $179,000 and typical rent near $950. Residents enjoy short commute times averaging 21 minutes, affordable utilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. While property crime rates are above the national average, the city boasts strong healthcare options, quality schools, and four-season Midwestern weather with 56% sunny days. Explore Fort Wayne’s growing job market, vibrant neighborhoods, and community amenities as you plan your next move.
Demographics - Fort Wayne, IN
Demographics - Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is home to about 268,000 residents with a median age of just over 35, making it a youthful and diverse city. The population is predominantly White at 66.6%, with notable Black (15.1%) and Asian (4.1%) communities, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This mix contributes to a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
267,927
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.6%
Black:
15.1%
Asian:
4.1%
Others:
14.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN?
The cost of living in Fort Wayne is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 81.8 and median home values around $179,000. Monthly rent averages $950, and expenses such as groceries and utilities are below the national average, making the city attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families. State taxes range from 3.15% to 5.25%, adding to the overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$179,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$485
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.8
Grocery:
89.1
Housing:
60.4
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
93.6
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Fort Wayne, IN a safe place to live?
Fort Wayne experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,752 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains relatively moderate at 318 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 314 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which is lower than in many comparably sized cities. Staying aware and involved in the community helps maintain safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
318
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,752
Crime Index:
3,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 314
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Wayne, IN year-round?
Fort Wayne offers four distinct seasons, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows dipping to 19°F. Residents enjoy 56% sunny days throughout the year and an average annual rainfall of nearly 39 inches, making it a great place for those who appreciate a true Midwestern climate. Spring and fall are mild, providing comfortable transitions between seasons.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Fort Wayne average around $56,000, with a median income of $33,500 and a family income of nearly $70,000. The city has a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and a modest poverty rate of 16.6%, while 88% of adults have at least a high school diploma. Commute times are short, averaging just over 21 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$69,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,400
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
16.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
27.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Wayne, IN?
Fort Wayne offers a variety of educational options, including well-regarded public high schools such as Homestead Senior High and Snider High, as well as private schools like Concordia Lutheran. The city is also home to higher education institutions like Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana Tech, serving thousands of local and commuter students. With 87.9% of adults holding a high school diploma and over a quarter earning a bachelor’s degree or higher, educational opportunities are robust.

Public Schools
Name:
Homestead Senior High School
Street:
4310 Homestead Rd
Phone:
260-431-2200
Students:
2,440
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.0
Name:
Snider High School
Street:
4600 Fairlawn Pass
Phone:
260-467-4600
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1

Private Schools
Name:
Concordia Lutheran High School
Street:
1601 St Joe River Dr
Phone:
260-483-1102
Students:
600

Colleges
Name:
Purdue University Fort Wayne
City:
Fort Wayne
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,093
Name:
Indiana Tech
City:
Fort Wayne
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Fort Wayne residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with major hospitals like Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital providing comprehensive emergency services. The city has 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate over 91%, ensuring most residents can access necessary care. The overall healthcare index of 73.3 reflects generally good services and facilities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Parkview Regional Medical Center
Address:
11109 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Phone:
(260) 266-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lutheran Hospital of Indiana
Address:
7950 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone:
(260) 435-7001
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
73.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Wayne, IN?
The housing market in Fort Wayne is highly accessible, with a median home price of $179,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $950 and a vacancy rate of 7.9%, while home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year. This stability makes it an appealing place for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$179,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Fort Wayne are managed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 10204 Coldwater Rd. Residents can access a full range of DMV services, including licensing, title transfers, and registration, either in person or online at the state’s BMV website. The office provides helpful support for new arrivals and long-time residents alike.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10204 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.