Wadena County Health Data

Wadena County, Minnesota

Health Score

72/100

Average

Life Expectancy

77.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

77.1 yr

State avg 78.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.3%

State avg 6.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

49

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

386

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wadena County, Minnesota

Wadena below U.S. health benchmarks

Wadena County's life expectancy of 77.1 years falls 1.3 years short of the U.S. average of 78.4 years. The county's 17.4% poor or fair health rate—the highest among all profiled counties—significantly exceeds the national average of 16.0%.

Among Minnesota's lowest health performers

Wadena County's 77.1-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.6 years. Its 17.4% poor or fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, signaling significant population health challenges.

Struggles alongside Todd and Swift

At 77.1 years, Wadena County's life expectancy exceeds only Traverse (76.3 years) among profiled counties. Wadena's 17.4% poor or fair health rate surpasses even Todd County's 16.8%, making it the most health-challenged county in this analysis.

Mental health capacity despite access gaps

Wadena County has 386 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the region—but only 49 primary care providers, leaving gaps in basic care access. With 6.3% uninsured, slightly above the state average, many residents struggle to access the primary care they need first.

Wadena needs coverage and care

Wadena County faces the steepest health challenges in this analysis, and insurance is your first line of defense. Visit MNsure.org today to explore coverage options that can connect you with the primary and mental health care your community needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Wadena County, MN?
Wadena County has a health score of 72/100, rated "Average." It ranks #77 out of 87 counties in Minnesota (1 = healthiest). The score is based on CDC County Health Rankings data, combining life expectancy, uninsured rates, provider access, and behavioral health indicators.
What is the life expectancy in Wadena County?
Life expectancy in Wadena County is 77.1 years. The Minnesota state average is 78.7 years, making Wadena County below the state average.
How does Wadena County health compare to the Minnesota average?
Wadena County's health score of 72/100 is below the Minnesota average of 83/100. Life expectancy is 77.1 years vs. the state average of 78.7 years. The uninsured rate is 6.3% vs. 6.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Wadena County?
Key health factors for Wadena County include: life expectancy (77.1 years), uninsured rate (6.3%), and primary care physician access (49:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 386:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wadena County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 72/100 ("Average"), Wadena County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Minnesota. Residents have a life expectancy of 77.1 years. 6.3% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in Wadena County?
Wadena County's health score of 72/100 is below the Minnesota average of 83/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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Data Sources

Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.