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Minnesota

Cost of living in Wadena County, MN

Estimated monthly cost
$2,710/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 14,135 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $738 27%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $427 16%
Groceries $340 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $168 6%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Wadena County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$643
per month
1 bedroom
$738
per month
2 bedroom
$937
per month
3 bedroom
$1,129
per month
4 bedroom
$1,242
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Wadena County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$56,882
per year
Individual earnings
$36,145
per year
Per capita
$30,037
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Wadena County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$170,500
Annual property tax
$1,773

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Wadena County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 15.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Wadena County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Wadena County

State and local tax rates for Minnesota.

State income tax
9.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.9%
Combined sales tax
7.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Wadena County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
21.7 min
Drive alone
77.1%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
7.3%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Wadena County

What it costs to live in Wadena County each month.

Single person
$2,710
per month
  • Rent $738
  • Energy $187
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $340
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $427
  • State tax $168
Couple
$3,955
per month
  • Rent $937
  • Energy $224
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $563
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $601
  • State tax $286
Family
$6,291
per month
  • Rent $1,129
  • Energy $280
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $855
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $601
  • State tax $286

Frequently asked questions about Wadena County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Wadena County?

In Wadena County, MN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $738 per month, a two-bedroom averages $937 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,129 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Wadena County?

In Wadena County, MN, the average household income is $56,882 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,145 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Wadena County?

The estimated cost of living in Wadena County, MN is approximately $2,710 per month for a single person, $3,955 for a couple, $6,291 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Wadena County?

The combined sales tax rate in Wadena County, MN is 7.54%, which includes the Minnesota state rate of 6.88% plus an average local rate of 0.66%.

Is Wadena County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Wadena County, MN would need approximately $2,710 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $56,882 per year ($4,740 per month). Wadena County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Wadena County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Wadena County, MN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Wadena County?

The average home value in Wadena County, MN is $170,500, with average annual property taxes of $1,773, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Wadena County compare to other areas?

You can compare Wadena County, MN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Wadena County is in Minnesota.

Other counties in Minnesota

Browse the full list of counties in Minnesota, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Minnesota

Compare Wadena County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources