Living in Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is the 82nd-largest city in the US, home to about 275,000 people in 2025. It has grown 4.3% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 275,203+4.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $188,9003.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $999/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $61,422median, per year
- Price level
- 92.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 33° / 84°lows 18° / 64°
- Average commute
- 22 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.95%top rate, flat
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County: Allen County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 810 ft
Metro area: Fort Wayne, IN
Cost of living in Fort Wayne
The median home in Fort Wayne is worth $188,900 and the median household earns $61,422 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $999 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Fort Wayne, IN metro area at 92.6, with housing at 72.3 and goods at 94.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,400 here. Indiana taxes wages at a top rate of 2.95% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Indiana is 7%.
What would my salary be worth in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne weather
Average highs run from 33°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 18°F. It gets 40 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 34 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 124 times a year. The most comfortable months are June to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Fort Wayne
People and work
The median resident is 35.0 years old, and 29% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 62% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.0183rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 29%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 62%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,462111.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1972median year
Who moves to Fort Wayne, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Indianapolis (Marion County), Chicago (Cook County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Indianapolis (Marion County), Chicago (Cook County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Allen County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, inland flooding, winter weather, strong wind.
Home prices
+4.3% in a year
Up 54% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Fort Wayne, IN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
57% good days
5 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Fort Wayne, IN area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Fort Wayne
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Purdue University Fort Wayne 3 miles
- Indiana Institute of Technology 3 miles
- Huntington University 26 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Fort Wayne
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne International Airport FWA | 10 mi | 424,491 |
| Toledo Express Airport TOL | 74 mi | 66,614 |
| South Bend Regional Airport SBN | 77 mi | 454,920 |
| Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport AZO | 83 mi | 92,510 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Fort Wayne
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | 3 mi | 5,484 | $12,471 | 40% |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | 6 mi | 1,567 | $18,211 | 56% |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | 3 mi | 1,441 | $22,171 | 44% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Fort Wayne
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 24, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 9 and the first frost comes around October 21.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Fort Wayne Intl. Airport, IN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Fort Wayne.
Wildfire smoke in Fort Wayne
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Fort Wayne on about 130 days a year, including about 32 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Fort Wayne
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 110,929 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Fort Wayne
Downtown Fort Wayne is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne Community Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 28,549 | 51 | 13.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: East Allen County Schools (10,136 students), Northwest Allen County Schools (8,409 students), Southwest Allen County Metropolitan School District (7,502 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Fort Wayne's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Fort Wayne's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Des Moines, IA86% matchCompare
- Scranton, PA85% matchCompare
- Cedar Rapids, IA84% matchCompare
- Davenport, IA84% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Fort Wayne
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Fort Wayne
- Mad River Mountain 90 miles
- Timber Ridge Ski Area 97 miles
- Mount Brighton 119 miles
- Perfect North Slopes 135 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Fort Wayne
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.1 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Fort Wayne report card from locals
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Fort Wayne through locals' eyes
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Cities near Fort Wayne
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend, IN | 73 mi | 103,201 | $140,400 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Noblesville, IN | 88 mi | 76,111 | $349,700 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Toledo, OH | 90 mi | 263,423 | $114,500 | 91.5 | Compare |
| Fishers, IN | 93 mi | 104,812 | $391,000 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Carmel, IN | 94 mi | 105,634 | $486,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Dayton, OH | 103 mi | 136,688 | $100,600 | 92.7 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Fort Wayne with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Wayne a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Fort Wayne side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Fort Wayne?
The Census Bureau estimates Fort Wayne had 275,203 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 263,918 in April 2020 (+4.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Fort Wayne?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,400 in the Fort Wayne area. The median household here earns $61,422.
When is the best time to visit Fort Wayne?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, June to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 33°F for daytime highs.
What county is Fort Wayne in?
Fort Wayne is in Allen County, Indiana. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Fort Wayne in?
Fort Wayne is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Fort Wayne?
About 810 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Indiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Indiana has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.95% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Fort Wayne. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Fort Wayne, IN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Fort Wayne Intl. Airport, IN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.