Wayne
RANK #81 / 996 NAT · #4 / 28 IN · POP 80,442
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
Warsaw, Indiana, the county seat of Kosciusko County, is recognized as the "Orthopedic Capital of the World." This northern Indiana county, established in 1836, is named after Polish general Tadeusz Kościuszko, with its county seat also named after Poland's capital. The area boasts over 100 natural lakes, including Lake Wawasee, Indiana's largest natural lake, and Lake Tippecanoe, the state's deepest. These lakes offer extensive outdoor recreation, from boating and fishing to kayaking and swimming, and contribute significantly to the local culture and economy. Kosciusko County is approximately an hour's drive from Fort Wayne and South Bend, and about two hours from Indianapolis and Chicago, with US Route 30 providing a major transportation artery.
Life in Kosciusko County offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to amenities. The community is characterized by a strong local spirit and a focus on quality of life. Public schools in the county are highly rated, with Warsaw Community Schools being a notable district. Commute times are generally shorter than the national average. The economy is driven by its prominent orthopedic medical device industry, which employs thousands and accounts for a substantial portion of the global market. Beyond orthopedics, the county also has a significant agribusiness sector, with major employers in agricultural production and processing. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing and downtown revitalization projects in Warsaw.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Slate Auto Manufacturing Plant
Slate Auto
|
$400M | Under Construction |
|
Autocam Medical Orthopedic Facility
Autocam Medical
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Union Station Lofts
Undisclosed Developer
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Millworks Apartment Complex
Undisclosed Developer
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kosciusko County ranks #81 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100. The composite score reflects long-term strength — housing, income, and migration patterns — but near-term hiring is soft (employment is down 2.7% year-over-year). Median household income here is $70,945.
By national standards, Kosciusko County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $183,300, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.39 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $946/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Kosciusko County's job market is contracting (-2.7% YoY) while population is roughly stable (+0.4% change). Home values are +2.7% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.92% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Kosciusko County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.