Wadena city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wadena city, Iowa has a total population of 206, the 693rd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $48,438, which is 34% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 34% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x.
Wadena city Quick Facts
How Wadena city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wadena city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Wadena city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederika city | 207 | $48,750 | $101,600 | 10.7% | 16.9% |
| Harvey city | 204 | $48,750 | $69,400 | 12.8% | 9.3% |
| Modale city | 207 | $50,833 | $79,200 | 9.9% | 13.5% |
| Fairport CDP | 200 | N/A | $219,700 | 4.0% | 35.5% |
| Henderson city | 205 | $51,250 | $87,100 | 5.9% | 20.5% |
Population Overview
Wadena city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 206. It ranks as the 693rd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wadena city is 48.9 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 14.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wadena city is $48,438. This is 34% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%. This is 24% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $89,300. Housing costs are 54% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Wadena city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 84.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Wadena city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.9% of all residents. Asian residents account for 1.5%.
Education
14.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wadena city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wadena city, Iowa?
Wadena city, Iowa has a population of 206 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wadena city, IA?
The median household income in Wadena city is $48,438, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wadena city, IA?
The poverty rate in Wadena city is 13.7%. This means approximately 28 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wadena city, Iowa?
Wadena city's population is 85.9% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wadena city, IA?
The median home value in Wadena city is $89,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x.
How educated is Wadena city, Iowa?
14.9% of adults (25+) in Wadena city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.