Wadena, SK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,269
-1.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,600/yr
Private dwellings
677

Wadena population

How many people live in Wadena

Wadena is home to 1,269 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.8% identify as male and 52.2% as female.

Total population
1,269
-1.0% year-over-year change
Population density
423.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
605
Female
52.2%
660
Value Percent
Male 605 47.8%
Female 660 52.2%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Wadena is 48.7. Children under 15 make up 15.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 9.5% are 35 to 44, and 7.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 32.5%.

Average age
48.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
7.5%
25 to 34
11.9%
35 to 44
9.5%
45 to 54
7.9%
55 to 64
15.5%
Over 65
32.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 190 15.1%
15 to 24 95 7.5%
25 to 34 150 11.9%
35 to 44 120 9.5%
45 to 54 100 7.9%
55 to 64 195 15.5%
Over 65 410 32.5%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Wadena, 95.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.4%
Immigrants
3.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,150 95.4%
Immigrants 45 3.7%
Non-permanent residents 10 0.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.5%
Non-minorities
97.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 30 2.5%
Non-minorities 1,175 97.5%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Wadena
English
99.6%
French
0.4%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,200 99.6%
French 5 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.6% of people in Wadena speak English as their primary language, 0.4% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Wadena

A peek inside Wadena households

Wadena has 605 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 42.2% of all homes, while 36.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 9.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
605
Average people per household
2
1 person
42.2%
2 persons
36.4%
3 persons
9.9%
4 persons
6.6%
5 or more persons
5%
Value Percent
1 person 255 42.2%
2 persons 220 36.4%
3 persons 60 9.9%
4 persons 40 6.6%
5 or more persons 30 5%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Wadena

The housing landscape of Wadena

Wadena has a total of 677 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Wadena offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 46% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 40.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
677
Housing types
Single-detached homes
84.9%
Attached homes
15.1%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 505 84.9%
Attached homes 90 15.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
46%
4 or more bedrooms
40.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 85 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 275 46%
4 or more bedrooms 245 40.5%
Homes built since 2011
15

The age of buildings in Wadena

About 10% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 25.8% went up in the 1960s, 18.3% in the 1970s, and 15.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.5% of homes were added, and 3.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 60 10%
Between 1946 and 1960 100 16.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 155 25.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 110 18.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 95 15.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 45 7.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 20 3.3%
After 2011 15 2.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Wadena occupancy rates

In Wadena, there are 606 occupied private dwellings, of which 81% are owner-occupied and 19% are rented. Meanwhile, 71 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
606
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
19%
Owned households
81%
Value Percent
Rented households 115 19%
Owned households 490 81%
Unoccupied dwellings
71
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Wadena, homeowners pay a median of $580 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $765. About 90.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 9.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$580
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$765
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
90.9%
≥30% on shelter
9.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 550 90.9%
≥30% on shelter 55 9.1%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Wadena

Wadena education at a glance

In Wadena, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 36.4% have completed high school and 13.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 8.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 200 19.1%
High school diploma 380 36.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 145 13.9%
College diploma 180 17.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 50 4.8%
University degree 90 8.6%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Wadena

How much people earn in Wadena

In Wadena, the median household income sits at $57,600, while the median after-tax household income is $53,200.

Median household income
$57,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$53,200/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Wadena income by age

Young adults in Wadena between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,700, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $50,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,000, followed by $41,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,700
25 - 34 50,000
35 - 44 54,800
45 - 54 50,000
55 - 64 41,600
Over 65 27,800

Employment in Wadena

Workforce and job sectors in Wadena

In Wadena, 585 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and natural resources and agriculture employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
585
Unemployment rate
3.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 55 9.6%
Natural and applied sciences 10 1.8%
Health 35 6.1%
Education, law, community and government services 55 9.6%
Sales and service 200 35.1%
Trades and transport 125 21.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 65 11.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 25 4.4%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Wadena

How people get around in Wadena

In Wadena, the average commute is 12 minutes.

Average commute time
12 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
78.2%
15 to 29 minutes
9.9%
30 to 44 minutes
5.9%
45 to 59 minutes
0%
More than 60 minutes
5.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 395 78.2%
15 to 29 minutes 50 9.9%
30 to 44 minutes 30 5.9%
More than 60 minutes 30 5.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 450 90%
By bicycle/by walking 50 10%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Wadena demographics 

What is the current total population in Wadena?

Wadena has a population of 1,269, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -1.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Wadena?  

Wadena has a population density of 423.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Wadena?

Wadena has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.8% males (605 residents)  
  • 52.2% females (660 residents)

What is the age distribution of Wadena residents?  

The age distribution of Wadena residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.1% (190 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.5% (95 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.9% (150 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.5% (120 residents)   
  • 45-54: 7.9% (100 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.5% (195 residents)   
  • Over 64: 32.5% (410 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Wadena? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Wadena: 
  • 95.4% non-immigrants (1,150 residents)  
  • 3.7% immigrants (45 residents)  
  • 0.8% non-permanent residents (10 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Wadena?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Wadena: 
  • English: 99.6% 
  • French: 0.4% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Wadena?  

The typical household size in Wadena is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Wadena?  

The median household income in Wadena is $57,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Wadena residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Wadena is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.1% (200 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 36.4% (380 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 13.9% (145 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.2% (180 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.8% (50 residents) 
  • University degree: 8.6% (90 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Wadena?  

The most common occupations in Wadena fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.6% 
  • Health: 6.1% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 1.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 11.4% 
  • Sales and service: 35.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 21.9% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025