Wayne is a town located in Wayne Township, Allen County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was estimated to be 16,581 people, making it one of the larger towns in Indiana.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Wayne, the town saw steady population growth in the early 20th century, likely driven by the establishment of several manufacturing plants. In 1910, the population was recorded as 2,002 people. By 1950 it had grown to 3,855 residents and continued growing throughout the second half of the century.
The 1980 census recorded 9,165 people living in Wayne. The population peaked at the 2000 census with a count of 15,379 residents. As of the 2020 census, the population declined slightly to an estimated 16,581 residents.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, Wayne’s economy has been driven by manufacturing. Some of the major employers in Wayne over the years have included BFGoodrich, Vera Bradley, and Dana Corporation.
Today, some of the top employers in Wayne include:
- GE Aviation – aircraft engine manufacturing
- Sweetwater – online music instrument retailer
- ASICS – athletic footwear and apparel
- Indiana Institute of Technology – private non-profit university
In addition to manufacturing, Wayne also has a strong healthcare and retail sector. Major healthcare employers include Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne and Wayne Healthcare and Surgery Center.
Retail stores and restaurants located in Wayne provide jobs and services to local residents. Popular retail stores include Walmart, Meijer, Kroger, and Rural King.
Landmarks and Places of Interest
Some of the most notable landmarks and places to visit in Wayne include:
- Wayne Theatre – historic 1928 movie theatre located downtown
- Fox Island County Park – scenic county park with wooded trails
- Waynedale News Building – houses the local newspaper established in 1933
- Waynedale Historical Museum – exhibits Wayne’s history
- Old Fort Wayne – replica fort from the late 18th century
Wayne has several annual community events that highlight local culture and entertainment, such as the Wayne Harvest Days Festival and the Waynedale Summerfest.
Sports
Residents of Wayne are big supporters of local high school and college sports. The town is home to the Wayne High School Generals, who compete in sports like football, basketball, baseball, track & field, and more.
Many residents also follow the sports teams of Indiana Institute of Technology, known as the Warriors. The college has men’s and women’s teams for basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, and volleyball.
For professional sports, many Wayne residents root for the nearby Fort Wayne teams including the Fort Wayne TinCaps minor league baseball team and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants NBA G League basketball team.
Final Thoughts
Wayne, Indiana has grown from a small manufacturing town to a sizable community with a diverse economic base. While companies like GE Aviation continue the tradition of manufacturing, new industries like healthcare and retail have emerged as top employers. Wayne has a rich history and local culture that residents are proud of and maintain through events and landmarks. With its mix of small town charm and suburban amenities, Wayne is likely to remain an appealing town for current and future residents.