Iowa
Wadena is a small town in Iowa with a population of 206. Residents earn $48,438 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Wadena receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wadena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Wadena is $48,438, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
The median home value in Wadena is $89,300, 68% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $594 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Wadena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,438 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,951 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
| Census Median | $89,300 |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,831 |
| Census Median Rent | $594 |
| 49% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.5 inches |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 41.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8397°N, 91.6594°W |
| County FIPS | 19065 |
Winner: Republican by 30.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.9% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 275/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.8 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 95.0% |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Retail Stores | 94 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |