Wadena, MN
Population 4,361 · Minnesota
About Wadena, MN
Wadena is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 4,361 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,850 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wadena features a median home value of $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wadena in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,171 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (1,057 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (953 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wadena shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wadena have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.0% of Wadena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wadena, MN
Compared to national averages, Wadena has a median household income of $45,850 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,700, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Wadena's income is 38% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 22% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Wadena, MN?
Wadena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,850) that falls below the national average. However, Wadena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wadena has a population of 4,361 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Wadena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Wadena
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayzata | 4,363 | $125,344 | $1,047,400 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,460 | $63,365 | $331,300 | Compare |
| Park Rapids | 4,226 | $45,800 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Cannon Falls | 4,216 | $80,515 | $262,100 | Compare |
| Columbus | 4,211 | $117,917 | $439,200 | Compare |
| Le Sueur | 4,204 | $71,563 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Cold Spring | 4,201 | $72,022 | $242,000 | Compare |
| Rockford | 4,521 | $82,228 | $265,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wadena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wadena
What is the population of Wadena, MN?
The population of Wadena, MN is 4,361 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Wadena?
The median household income in Wadena, MN is $45,850 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wadena?
The median home value in Wadena, MN is $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wadena?
The median monthly rent in Wadena, MN is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wadena?
The unemployment rate in Wadena, MN is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wadena, MN a good place to live?
Wadena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,361 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wadena, MN?
13.0% of residents in Wadena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wadena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wadena, MN: median home value is $158,700 (35% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $45,850. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wadena?
The poverty rate in Wadena, MN is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wadena, MN?
Wadena's population is 3.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.