Median Income
$68,125
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
321/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.4%
113% higher than US avg
How Wendell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population177
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density179/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$68,125
Per Capita$32,092
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty26.4%
County GDP$386M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,300
Rent$741
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$207,038
Housing Units84
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent321/100K
Property3,543/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.8%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,148 ft (350 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute21 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Wendell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wendell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Wendell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wendell is $68,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 26.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wendell is $71,300, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wendell is below the national average at 321 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the national average.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wendell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wendell has a population of 177 with a density of 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Wendell is $68,125, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,092 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 208 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,125 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,092 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.4% |
| 113% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 208 |
| County GDP | $386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Wendell is $71,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,038, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,733. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,300 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,038 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.24% |
In Wendell, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198. The dentist ratio is 1:3,175. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wendell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,198 |
| Dentists | 1:3,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Wendell has a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wendell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wendell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 320.7/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,542.7/100K |
| 81% 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 |
Wendell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. 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 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,148 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 41.9°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0359°N, 96.1008°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.9"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
43 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
65 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 140 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
17 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
67 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
67 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
91 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Wendell has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wendell. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wendell
What is the population of Wendell?
Wendell has a population of 177 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Wendell expensive to live in?
Wendell 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 $68,125, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,300 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wendell safe?
Wendell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wendell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wendell?
Wendell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wendell?
The job market in Wendell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 208 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wendell?
The median home value in Wendell is $71,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,038. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,733.
How are the schools in Wendell?
Schools in Wendell score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Wendell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wendell?
The obesity rate in Wendell is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198.
What is transportation like in Wendell?
The average commute in Wendell is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wendell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wendell is 89.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
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