Wadena County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Wadena County, Minnesota is 14,135 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $56,882, the median home value is $170,500, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Wadena County has grown 4.5% since 2010 (13,816 → 14,437), a +0.31% annualized rate.
14,135
Population
+0.31%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$56,882
Median Income
$170,500
Median Home Value
Wadena County covers 536 sq mi of land at 26.4 people per square mile.
About Wadena County, MN
Wadena County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 14,135. It ranks #58 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Wadena County is $56,882, below the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $170,500, with monthly rent averaging $706. The homeownership rate of 72.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wadena County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.7 minutes each way.
Wadena County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wadena County had a population of 13,816 in 2010 and 14,437 in 2024, a 4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,437 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.32%.
14,437
Population (2024)
13,816
Population (2010)
14,437
Peak (2024)
0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,816 |
| 2011 | 13,650 |
| 2012 | 13,606 |
| 2013 | 13,637 |
| 2014 | 13,587 |
| 2015 | 13,664 |
| 2016 | 13,552 |
| 2017 | 13,643 |
| 2018 | 13,739 |
| 2019 | 13,662 |
| 2020 | 14,120 |
| 2021 | 14,146 |
| 2022 | 14,284 |
| 2023 | 14,293 |
| 2024 | 14,437 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
20.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.2% · Seniors (65+): 20.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,882$-30,674 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,882 |
| Per-capita income | $30,037 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wadena County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
77.1%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,500$-135,000 vs state
Median home value
$706
Median rent
72.5%
Homeownership rate
6,990
Total housing units
84.2%
Occupied
15.8%
Vacant
27.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
17.0%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.5%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wadena County, Minnesota has a population of 14,135 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Wadena County has grown 4.5% since 2010 (13,816 → 14,437), a +0.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wadena County, Minnesota is $56,882, with mean (average) household income of $72,882 and per-capita income of $30,037. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wadena County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wadena County, Minnesota is 40.1 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Wadena County is $170,500 and median monthly rent is $706. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,990 total housing units, 15.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wadena County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Wadena County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.