Wadena County Public RecordsMinnesota

Wadena County, MN, reported a total of 325 crimes in 2022, including 22 violent crimes and 303 property crimes, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The county’s crime rate stands at approximately 19.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, lower than the national average. Law enforcement agencies emphasize community policing and encourage residents to report suspicious activity; crime tips can be submitted via the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office tip line. While the county remains relatively safe, property crimes like burglary and theft are most common, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and public awareness.

Wadena County, MN, has around 9 public schools, including Wadena-Deer Creek High School and Staples-Motley High School. Public school graduation rates hover near 90%. About 13.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. School safety is generally rated as good, and the district’s average test score is about 45% proficient in math and reading. Educational programs include vocational training and college credit courses for high schoolers, and adult education options through M-State and community centers, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

As of 2022, Wadena County, MN, had an employment rate of 59.2%. The largest industry is Health Care & Social Assistance (28.5%), followed by Retail Trade (13.2%) and Manufacturing (12.7%). The most common occupations are in Office & Administrative Support (14.8%), Sales (10.7%), and Management (10.4%). About 79.7% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21.8 minutes. The majority work within the county, primarily in the cities of Wadena and Sebeka, while some commute to nearby Todd and Otter Tail counties.

Wadena County, MN, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value near $161,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is around $850. The housing market shows modest appreciation, with values rising approximately 5% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family, with some duplexes and older farmhouses. Main neighborhoods include Wadena, Sebeka, and Menahga. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value, with annual taxes on a median-value home at about $1,770. The area offers affordable living compared to state averages, attracting both families and retirees.

As of 2022, Wadena County, MN had a population of approximately 14,067. The median age was about 43.7 years, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the population was predominantly White (93.1%), followed by Native American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), and two or more races (2.0%). Asian, Black, and other groups each made up less than 1%.

Wadena County, MN, had 8,721 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with a turnout rate of 67%. Residents vote in federal, state, and local elections, including school boards and referendums. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 66.8% of the vote, while Joe Biden received 31.1%. The county operates 18 polling locations, managed by the Auditor-Treasurer’s office. Key issues include rural broadband and property taxes. Major parties are Republican and DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor). Election results, administration, and voter resources are available via the county website and Minnesota Secretary of State.