Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wayne Center, IN
Thinking of calling Wayne Center, IN home? This welcoming rural community of around 2,150 residents boasts affordable living, with a median home price of $162,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $730. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with low crime rates (188 violent crimes per 100k), a quick 22-minute average commute, and 58% sunny days each year. Education options include local public and private schools, and you’ll find quality healthcare and access to nearby colleges in Fort Wayne and Angola. Wayne Center offers small-town charm, a reasonable cost of living, and friendly Midwestern appeal.
Demographics - Wayne Center, IN
Demographics - Wayne Center, IN
Wayne Center is a close-knit rural community of about 2,150 people, with a median age of 41.8 and a nearly even gender balance. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a largely homogenous yet welcoming atmosphere. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life and a sense of community typical of small Midwestern towns.
Population:
2,150
Density:
90 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wayne Center, IN?
Living in Wayne Center is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.2, well below the national average. Median home values are around $162,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $730, making housing accessible for most families. Utility and transportation costs are also moderate, contributing to the area’s overall budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
65.3
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
95.5
Health Care:
89.8
Miscellaneous:
88.2
Crime
Is Wayne Center, IN a safe place to live?
Wayne Center offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates at 188 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate lower than many urban areas. Residents have a low 1 in 531 chance of experiencing violent crime, adding to the community’s appeal for families and retirees. The area’s overall crime index reflects a peaceful, secure setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,608
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 531
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Wayne Center, IN year-round?
Residents in Wayne Center experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 36.8 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year, providing a pleasant balance of weather for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes add to the region’s natural beauty and variety.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $60,800 and a poverty rate of 10.7%, indicating relative economic stability. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, with very low reliance on public transportation, reflecting the town’s rural character. Nearly 92% of adults have completed high school, and a strong sense of neighborly connection defines local life.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$60,800
Family Income:
$71,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Wayne Center, IN?
Families in Wayne Center benefit from local public and private school options, including Wayne Center Elementary and St. John Lutheran School. Higher education opportunities are accessible within a 25-mile radius, with colleges like Trine University and Indiana Tech nearby. The community’s strong educational foundation supports lifelong learning and growth.

Public Schools
Name:
Wayne Center Elementary School
Street:
14415 Wayne Center Rd
Phone:
260-347-2548
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Lutheran School
Street:
301 S Oak St
Phone:
260-347-2444
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Trine University
City:
Angola
State:
IN
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
Indiana Tech
City:
Fort Wayne
State:
IN
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Wayne Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital located nearby in Fort Wayne. The area maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.6% and about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring medical services are readily available. Healthcare facilities offer comprehensive services, including emergency care.

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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wayne Center, IN?
Homeownership is prevalent in Wayne Center, with over three-quarters of residents owning their homes and a median home price of $162,000. The housing market is stable, featuring a 6.2% annual appreciation rate and a moderate rental vacancy rate of 7.2%. Affordable options and steady growth make this community attractive for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Wayne Center residents are provided by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Fort Wayne. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services, with helpful staff and accessible hours. Residents can find more information or complete tasks online through the state BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
7811 Decatur Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
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.