IndianaPop. 268,589Big cities
Is Fort Wayne a Good Place to Live? Fort Wayne, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Wayne ranks #596 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 53 big cities and #10 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.2%, #2 of 47) and affordable homes ($188,900, #4 of 53), and trails on low household income ($61,422, #43 of 53).
Fort Wayne by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Wayne's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $999/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,442, 4% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Fort Wayne | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92.6#351 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $248,442#241 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,271/mo#140 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $188,900#194 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $999/mo#213 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 19.5%#391 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fort Wayne housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fort Wayne is in the Fort Wayne, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Fort Wayne safe?
Fort Wayne recorded 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #515 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #10 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Wayne Police Department. Property crime runs 1,868 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Wayne | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 275#515 of 1,085 | 254 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,868#652 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fort Wayne?
The median household in Fort Wayne earns $61,422, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Wayne | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $61,422#1015 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fort Wayne?
The median resident of Fort Wayne is 35 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Wayne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 29%#834 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 61.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fort Wayne's schools and health?
Fort Wayne's 63 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $13,705 spent per pupil. 40.7% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Fort Wayne | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 93.2%#166 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $13,705#746 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 40.7%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 37,805 students are enrolled in Fort Wayne's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Wayne?
The average commute in Fort Wayne is 21.5 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1% of workers take transit and 9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Wayne scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72°F and winters 28.4°F, with 39.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Wayne | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 76.8% | 76.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 0.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.5% | 2% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 9% | 9.6% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.4#545 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.6 | 18.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 36.5 | 21 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 47.8 | 29.4 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 60.9 | 39.4 | 3.7 |
| May | 72.2 | 50.4 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 81 | 60.3 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 84.1 | 63.5 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 82 | 61.2 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 76.1 | 53.4 | 3 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 42.8 | 3 |
| Nov | 49.4 | 32.8 | 3 |
| Dec | 37.5 | 24.2 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Wayne International Airport.
| Measure | Fort Wayne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 50.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 72°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 28.4°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 39.5 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Wayne International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Wayne?
Allen County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allen County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Wayne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#321 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Allen County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Allen County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.016% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 54% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fort Wayne compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Wayne is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #18 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 268,589.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #344 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 | 23.9 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #862 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 | 20.3 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #992 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 | 16.3 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fort Wayne compare with the rest of Indiana?
Fort Wayne ranks #10 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 15% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Fort Wayne's score calculated?
Fort Wayne scores 56.7 out of 100, #596 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fort Wayne. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Wayne's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
75.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Wayne. Similar-size median 54.8.
38.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Wayne's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
65.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Wayne's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
82.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Wayne. Similar-size median 47.2.
37.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Wayne. Similar-size median 42.4.
50.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Wayne. Similar-size median 53.7.
46.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Wayne's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
65.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Wayne's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fort Wayne has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fort Wayne
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live?
Fort Wayne ranks #596 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 53 big cities and #10 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.2%, #2 of 47) and affordable homes ($188,900, #4 of 53), and trails on low household income ($61,422, #43 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $999/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,442, 4% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne recorded 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #515 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #10 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Wayne Police Department. Property crime runs 1,868 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Wayne?
The median household in Fort Wayne earns $61,422, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $999/mo (Census), #213 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,271/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Wayne?
The typical home value in Fort Wayne is $248,442, up 3.1% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $188,900.
How are the public schools in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne's 63 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $13,705 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Wayne?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne averages 50.9°F over the year, 72°F in summer and 28.4°F in winter, with 39.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Wayne walkable?
Fort Wayne scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fort Wayne at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allen County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fort Wayne?
Allen County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne has 268,589 residents. The median resident of Fort Wayne is 35 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Wayne compare with the rest of Indiana?
Fort Wayne ranks #10 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 15% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Wayne?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Wayne's population of 268,589 are Chandler, AZ (#344 overall), Madison, WI (#161 overall), Buffalo, NY (#1052 overall), Chula Vista, CA (#718 overall), and Reno, NV (#862 overall). Fort Wayne is #596.