Special Interest
Housing in Wadena County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Wadena County averages $746/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Minnesota median of $1,280 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 26% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Wadena County FMR Area are $734 for a studio, $820 for 1‑bedroom, $1,065 for 2‑bedroom, $1,277 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,410 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $319 increase for a 2-bedroom in Wadena County shows a 43% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Wadena County was 4.4% in 2024, compared to Minnesota at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
