CountyScore

Wadena County

Minnesota · MN

#24 in Minnesota
73.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Wadena County, Minnesota

Wadena ranks solidly above national norms

Wadena County's composite score of 73.3 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong national performance reflects exceptional housing affordability and economic resilience.

Above Minnesota's statewide average

Wadena's score of 73.3 outperforms Minnesota's state average of 70.9, positioning it as a solid performer among the state's 87 counties. It demonstrates that strong livability is achievable outside the state's most prosperous regions.

Housing affordability is exceptional

Wadena County leads in cost score (82.4), offering median gross rent of just $706 per month and median home values of $170,500—excellent for budget-conscious families. Its risk score of 87.1 indicates strong economic stability and resilience against volatility.

Income is the main constraint

Wadena's income score of 20.5 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at just $56,882, limiting wage growth and career advancement opportunities. Health services score 74.3, which is adequate but trails higher-performing counties.

Perfect for budget-focused families

Wadena County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing affordability and financial security over high incomes, including retirees and remote workers. It offers genuine value with minimal housing costs and strong economic stability for cost-conscious households.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth74.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.5Risk87.1WaterComing Soon
🏛73
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡87.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wadena County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Teton County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $90,740
Washington County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $53,608
Grant County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $67,940
Owsley County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $31,064
Beauregard Parish
Louisiana
73.3
Median income: $64,995

Deep Dives

Wadena County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wadena County

via TaxByCounty

Wadena County taxes moderately above US median

Wadena County's effective tax rate of 1.040% sits above the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the upper 40% of US counties. The median property tax of $1,773 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a median home value of $170,500 that's considerably lower than the national average.

Above Minnesota average with modest homes

Wadena County's 1.040% effective tax rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it among the higher-tax counties. At $1,773, its median property tax is below the state median of $2,168, a result of lower home values compensating for the higher rate.

Mid-to-upper range in regional comparison

Wadena's 1.040% rate falls between Todd (0.995%) and Stearns (1.020%), making it mid-range regionally but higher than most peers. Homeowners here pay roughly $300-400 annually more than in Todd or Swift counties on comparably valued homes.

Annual tax bill averages $1,773

On Wadena County's median home valued at $170,500, property taxes average approximately $1,773 per year. With a mortgage, expect about $1,684; without, closer to $1,887.

Assessment review recommended for all owners

Wadena homeowners benefit from exploring assessment appeals, as overvaluation affects roughly one in three property owners statewide. A successful challenge could reduce your tax bill by $150-300 annually—a straightforward process handled by your county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wadena County

via CostByCounty

Wadena struggles despite low rents

Wadena County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio matches national averages, but the $56,882 median income—the lowest in this eight-county sample—reveals underlying economic strain. The $706 monthly rent is affordable, yet even modest rents consume a significant share of below-average earnings.

Slightly above Minnesota's average pressure

At 14.9%, Wadena County's ratio edges above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, despite the $706 rent running below the state median of $915. The gap reflects Wadena's lower income base, which amplifies housing burden even when rents are competitive.

Lowest income with modest rents

Wadena County's $706 rent is the second-lowest in the cluster (after Traverse at $617), yet the $56,882 income is the lowest—creating proportional strain. Only Swift County ($62,601) comes close to Wadena's income constraints.

Low income limits affordability gains

Renters spend $706 monthly while homeowners invest $883, with a median home value of $170,500. At 14.9% of a $56,882 income, Wadena residents dedicate a concerning share to rent alone, leaving minimal room for savings or unexpected expenses.

Only for those with external income

Wadena County's low rents won't overcome limited local employment and wages without supplemental income like remote work or pensions. Consider this market only if your income is secure and independent of local job prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wadena County

via IncomeByCounty

Wadena faces significant income gap nationally

Wadena County's median household income of $56,882 falls $17,873 below the national median of $74,755—the largest deficit among all counties analyzed. This substantial income challenge stems from limited employer scale and dependence on agriculture and declining manufacturing sectors.

Minnesota's lowest-income county studied

At $56,882, Wadena ranks as the lowest-earning county in this Minnesota analysis, trailing the state average of $75,757 by over $18,000. The county's per capita income of $30,037 also ranks lowest, indicating systemic income constraints across the entire workforce.

Wadena struggles most among all peers

Wadena County's $56,882 median income ranks lowest among all eight counties, falling well below Steele ($83,448), Stearns ($76,447), and even other rural counties like Swift ($62,601) and Todd ($63,039). The county faces structural economic disadvantages requiring targeted investment and workforce development.

Housing costs require tight budgeting

Wadena's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% indicates housing costs consume a substantial portion of household earnings, compounded by the county's overall income constraints. A median home value of $170,500 means most families must carefully balance housing costs against other essential expenses.

Persistence builds wealth from modest means

Wadena County households should embrace accessible wealth tools: maximize employer matches, use low-cost index funds through programs like Roth IRAs, and consider side income opportunities to supplement wage earnings. Starting with even $25 monthly and increasing contributions as income grows establishes wealth-building momentum that compounds dramatically over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wadena County

via HealthByCounty

Wadena below U.S. health benchmarks

Wadena County's life expectancy of 77.1 years falls 1.3 years short of the U.S. average of 78.4 years. The county's 17.4% poor or fair health rate—the highest among all profiled counties—significantly exceeds the national average of 16.0%.

Among Minnesota's lowest health performers

Wadena County's 77.1-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.6 years. Its 17.4% poor or fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, signaling significant population health challenges.

Struggles alongside Todd and Swift

At 77.1 years, Wadena County's life expectancy exceeds only Traverse (76.3 years) among profiled counties. Wadena's 17.4% poor or fair health rate surpasses even Todd County's 16.8%, making it the most health-challenged county in this analysis.

Mental health capacity despite access gaps

Wadena County has 386 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the region—but only 49 primary care providers, leaving gaps in basic care access. With 6.3% uninsured, slightly above the state average, many residents struggle to access the primary care they need first.

Wadena needs coverage and care

Wadena County faces the steepest health challenges in this analysis, and insurance is your first line of defense. Visit MNsure.org today to explore coverage options that can connect you with the primary and mental health care your community needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wadena County

via RiskByCounty

Wadena County enjoys very low disaster risk

Wadena County's composite risk score of 12.95 sits well below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it firmly in the very low risk category. The county represents a relatively safe community for natural disaster exposure.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Wadena County ranks in the lowest quartile of Minnesota's 87 counties for natural disaster risk, with a 12.95 composite score. Only a handful of counties in the state present less overall hazard exposure.

Safer than Stearns, comparable to Todd

Wadena County (12.95) dramatically outperforms its eastern neighbor Stearns County (87.56), while approaching the risk profile of Todd County (37.72). Its position in central Minnesota provides geographic separation from highest-risk zones.

Wildfire represents primary concern

Wildfire risk at 65.55 is Wadena County's most significant natural disaster exposure, though it remains below crisis thresholds. Tornado (30.31) and flood (27.64) risks trail substantially behind, creating manageable overall hazard exposure.

Wildfire preparedness plus standard coverage

Wadena County residents should maintain defensible space around homes to address the 65.55 wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance adequately covers most weather-related perils in this low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.