Fort Wayne Sees Surge in High-Income Households as Affordable Housing Needs Persist

City seeks public input on 5-year plan to boost affordable housing as income inequality grows.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Fort Wayne, Indiana has seen a nearly 60% increase in high-income households earning $200,000 or more per year, ranking 21st among U.S. cities for growth in this demographic. However, the city still struggles with a lack of affordable housing options, with only about 6% of households making that high-income level. City officials are working on a 5-year Consolidated Plan to guide federal funding toward increasing and preserving affordable housing, as well as strengthening families and enriching neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The growth in high-income households in Fort Wayne highlights the city's widening income inequality, with a 'K-shaped' economy where the top earners are accumulating more wealth while lower-income families face increasing struggles to afford housing, food, and other basic needs. Addressing this 'missing middle' in housing affordability is crucial for the city's long-term economic and social stability.

The details

According to data from the U.S. Census, Fort Wayne went from having 4,262 high-income households in 2023 to 6,619 in 2024, a nearly 60% increase. However, this high-income population still only makes up about 6% of all households in the city. City officials say the key to providing more affordable housing is not just increasing the number of high-income earners, but also boosting the median income overall. The city and county have approved new ordinances to make it easier to build alternative housing styles like accessory dwelling units and cottage courtyard developments, but the high cost of construction remains a major challenge.

  • In 2023, Fort Wayne had 4,262 high-income households.
  • In 2024, Fort Wayne had 6,619 high-income households, a nearly 60% increase.
  • From January through May 2026, the city is seeking public feedback on its 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan.

The players

Rachel Blakeman

Director of the Purdue Fort Wayne Community Research Institute, who noted the percentage increase in high-income households is high because Fort Wayne didn't have a high percentage to begin with.

Kelly Lundberg

Director of the City of Fort Wayne Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, who said affordability is important across the income spectrum.

Jim Atz

Fort Wayne Community Development Administrator, who is working on the city's 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan to guide federal funding toward affordable housing, strengthening families, and enriching neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“The problem is that when we look at this number, we're still at about 6% or less of households making $200,000 or more. So, if you're sort of feeling, 'Hey, I'm not part of that,' you're in the vast majority.”

— Rachel Blakeman, Director, Purdue Fort Wayne Community Research Institute (wane.com)

“So, if you make $100,000 a year for your family, you still need a product that you and your family can afford. Or if you make $30,000 a year, you obviously need a different product. Affordability is important across the spectrum.”

— Kelly Lundberg, Director, City of Fort Wayne Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services (wane.com)

What’s next

The city and county are now working together on amendments for cottage courtyard developments to further increase affordable housing options.

The takeaway

Fort Wayne's growing income inequality, with a surge in high-income households but persistent affordable housing needs, highlights the importance of a balanced approach that boosts median incomes and provides a diverse range of housing types to meet the needs of all residents.