| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wadena/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 69 | n/a (estimate) | 1,595 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 46.2 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 46.2 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 92 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 69.3 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 60 | n/a | 1,386.6 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 46.2 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 1,502 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Wadena | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sebeka, MN | 797 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Verndale, MN | 492 | 0 | 196 | 196 |
| Henning, MN | 833 | 0 | 233 | 233 |
| New York Mills, MN | 1,281 | 74 | 295 | 369 |
| Staples, MN | 2,682 | 164 | 1,545 | 1,709 |
| Bluffton, MN | 226 | 354 | 2,214 | 2,568 |
| Nimrod, MN | 130 | 358 | 2,238 | 2,596 |
| Wadena, MN | 4,281 | 92 | 1,502 | 1,595 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chariton, IA | 4,281 | 196 | 1,048 | 1,245 |
| Dewey-Humboldt, AZ | 4,281 | 256 | 1,086 | 1,342 |
| Westport, NC | 4,281 | 98 | 511 | 609 |
| Comanche, TX | 4,281 | 417 | 1,574 | 1,991 |
| Bonsall, CA | 4,280 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Wadena, MN | 4,281 | 92 | 1,502 | 1,595 |