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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 17.0% of the population. Wadena County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 14,135.
The typical household here earns about $56,882, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $170,500, with typical rent around $706.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.5%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.
Wadena County, MN Climate
Wadena County, MN has an average annual temperature of 4.4°C (40°F) and receives about 668 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.4°C
Avg Temp
668
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 5° | 19 mm |
| February | -10° / 13° | 14 mm |
| March | -3° / 26° | 37 mm |
| April | 5° / 42° | 51 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 74 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 108 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 99 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 85 mm |
| September | 14° / 56° | 71 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 62 mm |
| November | -3° / 27° | 30 mm |
| December | -11° / 11° | 18 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wadena County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Wadena County, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -21°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wadena County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.