FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Allen County continued attracting and retaining talent at a high level in 2022. For the year, the county added a net 484 new residents via domestic migration, according to population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. It was the sixth consecutive year the county experienced positive domestic migration.
Net domestic migration measures how many people moved in from other U.S. locales, minus how many moved away to other U.S. communities.
“As a community, we’ve worked hard to make Allen County a place that features the best of both worlds: we’re big enough to offer a tremendous quality of life, yet we’re small enough for residents to make an impact,” said John Urbahns, president and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “This community has momentum, and people clearly want to be part of it.”
The data shows another step in a significant turnaround:
| Year | Net Domestic Migration Growth/Loss |
|---|---|
| 2012 | -1,082 |
| 2013 | -245 |
| 2014 | -800 |
| 2015 | -161 |
| 2016 | -597 |
| 2017 | +81 |
| 2018 | +772 |
| 2019 | +1,514 |
| 2020 | +254 |
| 2021 | +1,336 |
| 2022 | +484 |
In addition to releasing the new 2022 statistics, the Census Bureau made slight upward adjustments to Allen County’s domestic migration totals for 2020 (was +226; now +254) and 2021 (was +1,299; now +1,336).
Overall, Allen County’s population grew by 2,337 residents (0.6%) for the year. That number includes domestic migration, natural population change (births minus deaths), and international migration. The 0.6% growth rate outpaced the state (0.29%) and national (0.38%) rates. Allen County’s total population now stands at 391,449 residents.
“Allen County is well positioned for economic growth as evidenced by the census report that was released yesterday,” Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown, and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement. “A county’s most valuable resource is its people and as we grow, we all win!”
“Population growth is a key indicator that our community is on the right track to be a point of destination for individuals, families and employers looking to grow a business,” Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said. “Collaboration and teamwork are making a meaningful difference as we position Fort Wayne and Allen County as a leader in providing unique quality of life amenities and having a skilled workforce to help large and businesses thrive.”
“When business leaders are looking to add jobs, they look for growing communities where they’ll be able to attract and retain talented workers,” said Ellen Cutter, VP of economic development at GFW Inc. “Allen County now has six years’ worth of data that shows we’re one of the best places in the region to live, work, play, and grow a business.”
Indiana (+0.29%) was the fastest-growing state in the Great Lakes region, expanding to 6,833,037 residents; the Hoosier State gained 5,230 residents via domestic migration. Wisconsin was the only other state in the region that experienced gains in both overall population (+0.21%) and net domestic migration (+7,657).
Indiana was the only state in the Great Lakes region—and one of just 12 states in the country—to register gains in all three components of population change: domestic migration (movement within the U.S.), international migration (movement into and out of the country), and natural change (births minus deaths).
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement. In 2022, GFW Inc. assisted 21 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in more than 1,300 projected new jobs, more than $84 million in new annual payroll, and more than $589 million in new private investment.
