Fort Wayne report shows Black households earn 51 cents per local dollar

The Fort Wayne Urban League has released its first local “State of Black Fort Wayne” report in more than a decade, using Purdue Fort Wayne research to assess Black residents’ economic opportunity, employment, education, housing and health in Allen County. The report finds stark disparities: median household income for Black residents is $35,811, about 51 cents for every dollar earned by other local households, Black homeownership is just over 41%, and Black infant mortality remains far above national levels. It also identifies positive indicators, including a Black labor-force participation rate that exceeds several local and statewide comparison groups, and nearly 92% of Black adults having a high-school diploma or equivalent. Urban League leaders say the findings will shape the organization’s 2027 priorities and are urging institutions and residents to turn recognition of inequities into concrete action; Mayor Sharon Tucker has announced a community committee to explore solutions.