Minnesota / Wadena County

Moving to Wadena, MN

Thinking of making a move to Wadena, MN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wadena, MN

Considering a move to Wadena, MN? This welcoming community of 4,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wadena's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wadena, MN

Wadena has a population of 4,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
4,200
Density
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age
41.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
1.2%
Others
7.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wadena, MN?

The cost of living in Wadena is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
94.0
Housing
78.5
Utilities
102.0
Transportation
96.8
Health Care
98.1
Miscellaneous
93.2

Crime

Is Wadena, MN a safe place to live?

Wadena is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 62. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Minnesota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,620
Crime Index
1,830
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 62

Weather

What is the weather like in Wadena, MN year-round?

Wadena experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 2°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
-2°F
Max
20°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
32°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
34°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,800 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$61,800
Family Income
$76,200
Per Capita Income
$29,700
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$34,500
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
8.4%
Rent
$850
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
1.5%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
21.0%

Education

How are the schools in Wadena, MN?

Wadena offers quality education options, with public schools like Wadena-Deer Creek Secondary School and Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Central Lakes College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Wadena-Deer Creek Secondary School
Street
600 Colfax Ave SW
Phone
218-631-3505
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6
Name
Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary School
Street
124 SE Jefferson St
Phone
218-631-3525
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Ann School
Street
308 3rd St SW
Phone
218-631-1454
Students
110

Colleges

Name
Central Lakes College
City
Brainerd
State
MN
Distance
58 miles
Students
6,000
Name
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City
Fergus Falls
State
MN
Distance
54 miles
Students
8,000

Healthcare

Wadena residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Tri-County Health Care and Astera Health Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Astera Health Hospital
Address
615 Jefferson St N, Wadena, MN 56482
Phone
(218) 631-3510
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wadena, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Wadena offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$850
Owner Occupied Rate
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Wadena handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in St. Paul. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Minnesota
Department
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
445 Minnesota St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(651) 201-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Wadena, MN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Wadena, review the core fields on this page: population 4,200, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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