Median Income
$48,438
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$594
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Wadena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population206
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density275/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,438
Per Capita$26,951
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,300
Rent$594
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$199,831
Housing Units118
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking18.5%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation860 ft (262 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute34 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Wadena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wadena receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wadena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
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.
Climate & Weather
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wadena has a population of 206 with a density of 275 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Wadena is $48,438, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,951 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,438 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,951 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Wadena is $89,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,831, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $594 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,831 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $594 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Wadena, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.6% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wadena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Wadena has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wadena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wadena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wadena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8397°N, 91.6594°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
29 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
11 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Wadena has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Wadena. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wadena
What is the population of Wadena?
Wadena has a population of 206 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 275 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Wadena expensive to live in?
Wadena is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,438, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $594 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wadena safe?
Public safety is a concern in Wadena, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wadena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wadena?
Wadena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wadena?
The job market in Wadena is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wadena?
The median home value in Wadena is $89,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,831. For renters, the median monthly rent is $594. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in Wadena?
Schools in Wadena score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Wadena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wadena?
The obesity rate in Wadena is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in Wadena?
The average commute in Wadena is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wadena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wadena is 85.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
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