Community Profile

Wadena County

Population Demographics

As of 2024 the population of Wadena County is 14,291. The population is expected to grow to 14,453 by 2029 - a growth rate of 0.23%.

The median age of Wadena County residents is 43.

The diversity index of Wadena County is 18.0, meaning that there is a 18% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.

Housing and Income

The average household income in Wadena County is $75,982 and projected to be $86,671 in 2029. Per capita income is $31,467, projected to be $35,899 in 2029. 1.21% of households – 173 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $692,706 and the average disposable income is $60,855.

There are 7,081 housing units in Wadena County; 4,224 are owner-occupied, 1,687 are rented, and 1,170 are vacant. The average home value is $244,638, with 546 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,324 built in 1939 or earlier.

Business and Workforce

There are 770 businesses in Wadena County, employing 8,653 workers and pulling from a labor force of 6,104 age 16 and above. 2,164 workers commute into Wadena County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:

3,889 residents both live and work in/around Wadena County. The average travel time is 21.4 minutes. 10.31% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 3.55% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 4,776 drive alone, 612 carpool, and 18 take public transportation. 188 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 510 residents work from home.

3,574 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,726 have associates degrees, 1,464 have bachelor’s degrees, and 411 hold a graduate or professional degree.