As of 2025 the population of Wadena County is 14,454. The population is expected to grow to 14,689 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.32%.
The median age of Wadena County residents is 43.
The diversity index of Wadena County is 18.6, meaning that there is a 19% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Wadena County is $76,876 and projected to be $82,398 in 2030. Per capita income is $31,517, projected to be $33,568 in 2030. 1.29% of households – 186 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $626,549 and the average disposable income is $59,397.
There are 7,119 housing units in Wadena County; 4,251 are owner-occupied, 1,666 are rented, and 1,202 are vacant. The average home value is $248,043, with 622 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,308 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 752 businesses in Wadena County, employing 8,633 workers and pulling from a labor force of 6,384 age 16 and above. 2,269 workers commute into Wadena County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
4,047 residents both live and work in/around Wadena County. The average travel time is 21.7 minutes. 14.58% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 4.3% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 4,924 drive alone, 674 carpool, and 22 take public transportation. 300 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 464 residents work from home.
3,589 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,913 have associates degrees, 1,382 have bachelor’s degrees, and 456 hold a graduate or professional degree.
