
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Wadena, Minnesota is a smaller city with a population of 4,281 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Wadena is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. In Wadena, only 46% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Wadena offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wadena, Minnesota could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Wadena and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 63 out of 100, Wadena is ranked #14,485 in the United States and #564 in Minnesota. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Wadena ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Wadena, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and employment (F).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 92 crimes per 100,000 residents, Wadena has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Wadena market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Wadena real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Wadena. The median home price for Wadena homes is $189,055, which is 44.2% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wadena, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 13.5% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Wadena | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.0% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.7% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.5% | 5.3% | 4.6% |