Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wadena, MN
Considering a move to Wadena, MN? This friendly city of 4,120 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $147,000 and average rents at $765. Residents enjoy a short 16-minute average commute, peaceful neighborhoods, and ample access to outdoor recreation. Wadena has a low violent crime rate, a helpful local hospital, and a solid public school system, making it a comfortable choice for families or retirees seeking small-town charm. Winters are cold, but you'll find four true seasons and plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
Demographics - Wadena, MN
Demographics - Wadena, MN
Wadena is a close-knit city of 4,120 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 41.2 years. The population density is moderate, and about 6% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a mostly homogeneous but welcoming community.
Population:
4,120
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wadena, MN?
Wadena offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $147,000 and average rent at $765. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$147,000
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
88.1
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
92.2
Crime
Is Wadena, MN a safe place to live?
Wadena experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 194 incidents per 100,000 people, and the chance of being a victim is about 1 in 515. Property crime is higher but typical for a small city, offering residents a generally safe and secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
194
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,314
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 515
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Wadena, MN year-round?
Residents in Wadena enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold winters averaging lows around 0°F to warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 52% of the year, appealing to those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Wadena’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $44,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a convenient 16 minutes, contributing to a laid-back, community-focused atmosphere.
Median Income:
$26,300
Household Income:
$44,000
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.3%
Education
How are the schools in Wadena, MN?
Wadena provides quality education through its public and private schools, featuring reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and a local high school and elementary school. Higher education is accessible with a community college in town and another larger institution nearby, supporting lifelong learning for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Wadena-Deer Creek High School
Street:
600 Colfax Ave SW
Phone:
218-632-2300
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary School
Street:
600 Colfax Ave SW
Phone:
218-632-2364
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Ann's Catholic School
Street:
514 1st St SE
Phone:
218-632-5791
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City:
Wadena
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Staples
State:
MN
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Wadena is served by Tri-County Health Care, providing comprehensive general and emergency services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to quality healthcare.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tri-County Health Care
Address:
415 Jefferson St N, Wadena, MN 56482
Phone:
(218) 631-3510
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wadena, MN?
Wadena’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $147,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 62.5%. Rental options are available, and homes have appreciated by 4.4% over the past year, making the area appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$147,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle their licensing and vehicle needs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, with resources available online and at the St. Paul office. The process is streamlined and supported by clear state-level services for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.