Wadena
Minnesota

What stands out

What stands out about Wadena County: the average temperature is in the bottom 4% of American counties (43°F) and the school test score is in the top 5% of American counties (3.48 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Minnesota it ranks 23rd of 87 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wadena County, Minnesota. 14,108 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +14).

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that reaches 9.85%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption. In exchange it ranks near the top in health outcomes, school results and household income, and the Twin Cities metro holds more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any other. Winters are long and cold.

Money

The typical household here brings in $54,747 a year, lower than 68% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,358. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Minnesota takes 5.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,240 a year.

Home

The median home costs $231K, cheaper than 51% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $801 a month. Property tax is 1.05% of home value, roughly $1,710 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 65% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 5.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.27 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 95% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 37 points. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under Minnesota law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 43°F, highs near 53 and lows near 32, colder than 96% of American counties. About 24 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 16 out of 100, safer than 84% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 146 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.