Median Income
$45,850
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,700
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
244/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Wadena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,361
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density789/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,850
Per Capita$26,876
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,700
Rent$683
Ownership52.6%
Zillow$208,346
Housing Units2,167
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent244/100K
Property1,855/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault146/100K
Burglary98/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking19.6%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,332 ft (406 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute15 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Wadena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wadena receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wadena has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wadena is $45,850, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wadena is $158,700, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wadena is below the national average at 244 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,855 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wadena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wadena has a population of 4,361 with a density of 789 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Wadena is $45,850, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,876 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,850 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,876 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Wadena is $158,700, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,346, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $783 for a one-bedroom to $1,016 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,700 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,346 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $701 |
| 1 Bedroom | $783 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,016 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,218 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,345 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,167 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.71% |
In Wadena, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% 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 | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Wadena has a violent crime rate of 244 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 146.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 97.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,855 per 100,000, 5% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,684, burglary at 98, vehicle theft at 73 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 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 | 244.1/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 97.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 146.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,855.0/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| Burglary | 97.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,684.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 73.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 214 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wadena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,332 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,332 ft (406 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (13.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 789/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4472°N, 95.1267°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
60 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
314 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 191 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
79 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
61 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
24 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
98 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
69 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Wadena has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
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) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wadena
What is the population of Wadena?
Wadena has a population of 4,361 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 789 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Wadena expensive to live in?
Wadena has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,850, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,700 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wadena safe?
Wadena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 244 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,855 per 100,000 (below 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 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wadena?
The unemployment rate in Wadena is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wadena?
The median home value in Wadena is $158,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,346. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $783 for a 1-bedroom and $1,016 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Wadena?
Schools in Wadena score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Wadena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 3.2% 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%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Wadena?
The average commute in Wadena is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wadena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wadena is 90.5% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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