A
25%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
74%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
15%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWadena/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime69n/a (estimate)1,5951,8632,119
Murder0n/a0.02.95.0
Rape2n/a46.236.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.048.960.6
Assault2n/a46.2168.0256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)92257359
Burglary3n/a69.3184.7229.2
Theft60n/a1,386.61,208.51,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a46.2213.1258.8
Property crime65n/a (estimate)1,5021,6061,760

Wadena crime map

Get this widget

The Wadena crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Wadena as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Wadena crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Wadena crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wadena, MN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Wadena is 24.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Wadena, equivalent to 92 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 74.3%. Additionally, Wadena recorded 65 property crimes, amounting to 1502 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 14.7%.

With only 92 incidents per 100,000 people, Wadena boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Wadena has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Wadena registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Is Wadena a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wadena a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Wadena crime rate is 25% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.19 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.18 property crimes.

Has Crime in Wadena Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Wadena has decreased by 28.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Wadena is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 27.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Wadena.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wadena

Wadena has a poverty rate that stands at 22.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Wadena crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wadena, 81.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Wadena, the average monthly rent stands at $996, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Compare Wadena, MN Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Wadena crime rates are 25% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Wadena are 74% lower than the national average
      • In Wadena you have a 1 in 63 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Wadena is safer than 57% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Wadena has decreased by 11%

      Wadena, MN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Wadena

        See all the best places to live around Wadena
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Wadena?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Wadena?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Wadena poll results

        Daily Crime In Wadena (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Wadena on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Minnesota and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Wadena (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Minnesota, are 1.17 times less than the state average and 1.33 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Wadena on a daily basis are 2.78 times less than than Minnesota average and 3.88 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Wadena are 1.07 times less than the daily state average and 1.17 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Wadena (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Wadena in comparison to other Minnesota communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Wadena safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Wadena being safer than 36% of cities in Minnesota and 57% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Minnesota cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Wadena. In conclusion, Wadena ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Wadena

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wadena is 1 in 1082
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Wadena is 1 in 67
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Wadena is 1 in 63
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Wadena? In Wadena, MN you have a 1 in 1082 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 63 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Wadena.

        Year Over Year Crime In Wadena (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Wadena, MN is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Wadena has decreased by 75%, while the property crime rate in Wadena has increased by 6% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Wadena has decreased by 11% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Wadena police department

        Item Wadena Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)97,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.21.83.3
        There are a total of 9 Wadena police officers. This results in 2.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 22.2% greater than the Minnesota average and 32.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Sebeka, MN797000
        Verndale, MN4920196196
        Henning, MN8330233233
        New York Mills, MN1,28174295369
        Staples, MN2,6821641,5451,709
        Bluffton, MN2263542,2142,568
        Nimrod, MN1303582,2382,596
        Wadena, MN4,281921,5021,595

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Chariton, IA4,2811961,0481,245
        Dewey-Humboldt, AZ4,2812561,0861,342
        Westport, NC4,28198511609
        Comanche, TX4,2814171,5741,991
        Bonsall, CA4,280126540666
        Wadena, MN4,281921,5021,595
        Source: The Wadena, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.