Wadena County

As of the 2020 Census, Wadena County, MN, has a population of approximately 14,065 people. The racial composition is around 93.3% White, 1.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.9% from two or more races. Approximately 2.6% of the population is Hispanic or Latino. The median age is roughly 43.4 years, and there are about 5,971 households. The county has a mix of urban and rural settings, with Wadena being the largest city and the county seat.

Wadena County, MN has a median home value of approximately $132,000. The median monthly rent is around $700. Homeownership rate stands at about 75%. The median household income is roughly $49,000. The county has a population density of 22 people per square mile. Housing units total approximately 7,300 with a 12% vacancy rate. About 60% of homes are single-family detached. The average home age is around 50 years.

Wadena County, MN, has regular elections that include local, state, and federal offices. In recent elections, key positions included County Commissioners, Sheriff, and members of the School Board.

For example, in the 2022 elections, candidates for County Commissioner District 1 included Jim Hofer, who received 1,072 votes (51.1%), and incumbent Jon Kangas with 1,026 votes (48.9%). The Sheriff's race featured Michael D. Carr (incumbent), who received 3,927 votes (65.2%), and Shane Robert Wood, with 2,095 votes (34.8%).

These elections impact local governance and resource allocation. Voter turnout varies but generally ranges between 60%-70% in presidential election years and 40%-60% in midterm elections.

Verify specific details through the Wadena County website or the Minnesota Secretary of State's office for the most recent and comprehensive election information.

As of the most recent data, Wadena County, MN has several educational indicators that provide insight into its educational attainments. Approximately 89% of residents 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is slightly lower than the national average of 91% and the Minnesota state average of 93%.

For higher education, around 16% of Wadena County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of roughly 33% and the Minnesota average of approximately 36%. These figures indicate that while high school completion rates are reasonably close to averages, the county lags in post-secondary education attainment compared to both national and state levels.

Educational efforts and local policies may focus on improving these metrics to close the gap and foster greater educational advancement within the community.

As of recent data, Wadena County, MN has an employment rate that reflects the trends seen both statewide and nationally. Specific numerical values can vary, but the county typically sees an unemployment rate slightly higher than the Minnesota state average and often aligned with national figures.

Top industries in Wadena County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, similar to broader state and national trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social assistance employ the largest share of workers, reflecting nearly 20% of local employment, comparable to around 15-18% on a national level. Retail trade also plays a significant role, echoing state and national employment patterns in the sector.

Employment in these industries in Wadena County aligns closely with broader economic trends, although local variances can arise due to specific regional economic conditions and demographic factors.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Wadena County, MN, is approximately $49,150. In comparison, the median household income in the entire state of Minnesota stands at around $74,593, while the national median household income is roughly $68,703.

Here's a quick comparison:

Wadena County's income is notably lower than both the state and national averages, highlighting a significant income disparity.

As of the most recent data available, Wadena County in Minnesota has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Specific figures indicate that the county experiences around 1.5 violent crimes and approximately 12.9 property crimes per 1,000 residents annually.

Below is a summary table of different types of crimes:

These figures provide a general understanding of crime in Wadena County. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting local law enforcement or public safety reports is recommended.