Verndale City Demographics

Verndale, a city in Wadena County, MN, had a 2020 population of 508. The median age is 35 years. Approximately 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (95.1%), with small representations of Native American (1.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), and individuals of two or more races (1.4%). Verndale remains a small, close-knit rural community.

Verndale City Housing

Verndale, a small city in Wadena County, MN, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values at approximately $103,000 (2022). Rental options are limited, and median rent is about $700/month. The housing market is primarily single-family homes, with some older residences dating to early 1900s. Recent trends show slow but steady appreciation in property values, roughly 3-4% annually. Neighborhoods are mostly quiet and residential. Annual property tax rates average about 1.1% of home value. Housing remains affordable compared to state and national averages.

Education in Verndale City

Verndale City, Wadena County, MN, is served by Verndale Public School District, which includes one Pre-K to 12 school with about 370 students. The high school graduation rate is around 87%, while only 17% of adults possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, and average academic performance scores hover near the state average. Educational programs include vocational and special education, with robust adult education via community outreach. The district emphasizes safety, reporting minimal incidents annually, and is known for its supportive learning environment.

Transportation in Verndale City

Verndale, a small city in Wadena County, MN, relies primarily on private vehicles, with around 90% of residents commuting by car and an average commute time of about 20 minutes (2022 ACS data). Public transit usage is minimal, reflecting limited regional transit services. The city is accessible via U.S. Highway 10, supporting local and regional travel. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households averaging two vehicles. Major employment hubs include the education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, with many residents commuting to nearby Wadena and Staples for work.

Verndale City Healthcare

Verndale, a small city in Wadena County, MN, has limited healthcare facilities, relying largely on nearby clinics such as Tri-County Health Care in Wadena (about 8 miles away). The city itself has no hospital; the nearest, Tri-County Health Care, serves over 50,000 visits yearly. About 12% of Wadena County residents are uninsured. The population is predominantly White (over 95%), with a median age of 40. Common health issues include hypertension, diabetes, and obesity (adult obesity rate at 33%). Access challenges include limited public transportation and local providers, with primary care physician ratios at 1:1,600.

Other Cities in Minnesota