IncomeBy County

Wadena County, Minnesota

Income Data

-25% vs. Minnesota average
$56,882
Median Household Income
$30,037
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,882
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,037
-24% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
33.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Minnesota
#86 / 87
by median household income

How Wadena County Compares

Wadena County$56,882
Minnesota Average$75,757
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,882
Median Household Income
$30,037
Per Capita Income
$170,500
Median Home Value
33.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wadena County, Minnesota

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wadena County, Minnesota?
The median household income in Wadena County, Minnesota is $56,882, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Wadena County?
The per capita income in Wadena County is $30,037, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,882.
How does Wadena County compare to the Minnesota average?
Wadena County's median household income of $56,882 is lower than the Minnesota state average of $75,757. The per capita income is $30,037, compared to the state average of $39,335.
What is the per capita income in Wadena County, Minnesota?
The per capita income in Wadena County, Minnesota is $30,037, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Wadena County a low-income area in Minnesota?
Wadena County's median household income of $56,882 is below the Minnesota average of $75,757. The per capita income of $30,037 is also lower than the state average of $39,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Wadena County rank for income in Minnesota?
Wadena County ranks #86 out of 87 counties in Minnesota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,882 and per capita income of $30,037, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $56,882 per year

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vs. State Average

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Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,740) vs. median rent ($706/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Putnam County
Missouri
$56,875
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Jefferson County
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$56,898
+0%
Sheridan County
Nebraska
$56,900
+0%
Edgar County
Illinois
$56,909
+0%
Chouteau County
Montana
$56,927
+0%
Bulloch County
Georgia
$56,832
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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