Wadena ZIP Codes — Fayette County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Wadena, Iowa and it is 52169. Area code: 563.

ZIP codes

33.40

sq mi land

0.01

sq mi water

563

area code

Wadena, IA ZIP code map

About Wadena, IA

Wadena, Iowa, is a charming small town located within Fayette County. Known for its friendly community atmosphere, Wadena offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle to its residents. With a single ZIP code of 52169, it serves as a quaint hub for surrounding rural areas.

Location & geography

Geographically, Wadena is characterized by its expansive land area of 33.40 square miles and a minor water area of 0.01 square miles. The town is situated approximately 20 miles from larger cities such as West Union and Oelwein, enhancing its appeal as a quiet escape from urban life. The terrain is primarily flat, ideal for agriculture and outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The community of Wadena is close-knit, with a strong sense of belonging among its residents. The town's economy includes local industries such as agriculture and small businesses that contribute to daily life. Residents enjoy outdoor recreational activities and local events that foster community spirit throughout the year.

Transportation

Wadena is easily accessible via several highways, including Highway 150, which connects to larger regional routes. The nearest major airport is the Waterloo Regional Airport, approximately 30 miles away, offering essential air travel options. While public transit options are limited, personal vehicles are the primary means of transportation in the area.

History

Wadena was founded in the late 19th century and has since developed into a small agricultural community. Key industries throughout its history have revolved around farming and local businesses that continue to support the local economy. Notable events in the town’s past include various community festivals that celebrate its rich heritage.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Wadena is that it was named after a Native American word meaning 'great land.' The town’s unique name reflects its historical connections to the region's indigenous heritage.

ZIP codes for Wadena, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
52169	Wadena	Fayette	View map

Demographics & statistics

418

Population

55.4

Median age

$57,500

Median household income

$33,039

Per capita income

$113,400

Median home value

$716

Median monthly rent

78.6%

Home ownership

6.7%

Poverty rate

1.8%

Unemployment

162

Housing units

14.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	59	14.1%
18 and over	359	85.9%
65 and over	140	33.5%
Median age	55.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 83.6%

Hispanic or Latino 7.1%

Two or more races 6.7%

Other race 2.7%

Group	Count	%
White	376	83.6%
Hispanic or Latino	32	7.1%
Two or more races	30	6.7%
Other race	12	2.7%

Household income

Under $10k 1.6%

$10k–$15k 4.9%

$15k–$25k 4.4%

$25k–$35k 12.6%

$35k–$50k 23.1%

$50k–$75k 13.7%

$75k–$100k 19.2%

$100k–$150k 15.4%

$150k–$200k 3.8%

$200k+ 1.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.6%
$10k–$15k	4.9%
$15k–$25k	4.4%
$25k–$35k	12.6%
$35k–$50k	23.1%
$50k–$75k	13.7%
$75k–$100k	19.2%
$100k–$150k	15.4%
$150k–$200k	3.8%
$200k+	1.1%
Median income	$57,500

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 13.3%

$50k–$100k 26.6%

$100k–$150k 27.3%

$150k–$200k 2.8%

$200k–$300k 5.6%

$300k–$500k 16.8%

$500k–$1M 7.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$113,400
Median rent / month	$716
Owner occupied	78.6%
Renter occupied	21.4%
Vacant	9.5%
Single-family detached	91.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	3.0%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.24

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	8.0%
2000–2009	12.4%
1990–1999	7.5%
1980–1989	5.5%
1970–1979	11.9%
1960–1969	2.0%
1950–1959	4.5%
1940–1949	8.5%
1939 or earlier	39.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.5%
1 bedroom	13.4%
2 bedrooms	24.4%
3 bedrooms	46.8%
4 bedrooms	13.4%
5+ bedrooms	1.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.7%
1 vehicle	12.1%
2 vehicles	52.2%
3 or more	33.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	6.6%
Electricity	3.8%
Propane / LP gas	75.8%
Fuel oil	1.6%
Wood	11.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	104	57.1%
Cohabiting couple	9	4.9%
Male householder, no spouse	42	23.1%
Female householder, no spouse	27	14.8%
Households with children under 18	25	13.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	98	53.8%
Average household size	2.30

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	14.2%	19.3%
Married	64.2%	60.8%
Separated	0.0%	0.6%
Widowed	7.4%	10.2%
Divorced	14.2%	9.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.4%

Some HS, no diploma 1.7%

HS graduate 38.2%

Some college, no degree 29.3%

Associate's degree 14.7%

Bachelor's degree 10.6%

Graduate / professional 4.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	96.8%
Bachelor's or higher	14.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	1	1.5%
Kindergarten	1	1.5%
Elementary school	30	46.2%
High school	23	35.4%
College / grad school	10	15.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 16.3%

Other services 16.3%

Manufacturing 15.6%

Agriculture & mining 12.5%

Construction 11.3%

Wholesale trade 6.9%

Transportation & utilities 6.9%

Public administration 5.6%

Finance & real estate 4.4%

Professional & management 3.1%

Retail trade 0.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	25.6%
Service	15.6%
Sales & office	17.5%
Natural resources & construction	23.8%
Production & transportation	17.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.8%
Government	10.6%
Self-employed	10.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.8%
Carpool	7.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.1%
Other means	3.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	30.9

Poverty

All people 6.7%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 7.8%

Married-couple families 1.0%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	57.1%
Retirement income	35.7%
Supplemental Security	4.4%
Cash public assistance	2.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	8.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	39.2%
High cholesterol	35.5%
Heart disease	8.2%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	28.2%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	8.6%
Cancer	7.8%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.8%
No physical activity	25.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.3%
Fair or poor health	15.4%
Poor mental health	13.6%
Poor physical health	11.4%
No health insurance	9.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.3%
Visited dentist	62.3%
Cholesterol screening	88.9%
Teeth loss	15.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	31	8.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.3%
Under 18	1.7%
18–64 years	10.0%
65 and over	11.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	71.3%
Public insurance	46.2%
Uninsured under 19	6.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	412	98.6%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	418	100.0%
Born in same state	417	99.8%
Born in different state	331	79.2%
Foreign born	1	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	102	24.4%
Polish	83	19.9%
French	46	11%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	29	6.9%
Dutch	11	2.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.5%
Internet access	91.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wadena, IA have?

Wadena, IA has one ZIP code: 52169. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.