Wadena County, MN: EPA's radon zone, explained

EPA's own radon map rates Wadena County zone 1 - highest potential, predicting a county-wide average indoor level above 4 pCi/L. That puts Wadena County in the 79th percentile nationally for radon potential — higher than 79% of the counties EPA has rated.

How Wadena County compares

Wadena County, Minnesota is home to about 14,437 people across 536.347 square miles. That works out to roughly 27 people per square mile. By population, Wadena County is the 672nd largest of every county sharing its EPA zone — the 37th percentile by population within that zone. Geologically, Wadena County is grouped into EPA Region 5 alongside 523 other counties that share its rock and soil setting.

Zone vs. an actual test

Where the national indoor average runs about 1.3 pCi/L, Wadena County's Zone 1 rating puts its predicted county average above EPA's 4 pCi/L action level itself. A Zone 1 rating means testing is worth doing sooner rather than later, but it is still county-wide average, not a reading for any single house — some homes in Wadena County will test well under the action level, and EPA's guidance is to test regardless of zone.

If Wadena County tests above the action level

For a Wadena County homeowner, the order is simple: test first, since a kit costs a small fraction of what mitigation would. Only if the result clears 4 pCi/L does a system — typically $800–$2,500, about $1,200 for a common install — become worth pricing out.

Find Minnesota's state radon program

For Wadena County, an ongoing number beats a one-time test - a Airthings radon monitor tracks Wadena County's levels over time. RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout knocks 10% off.

Where Wadena County's figures come from

Wadena County's zone, rank and region all trace back to named EPA and Census sources — the methodology guide lists exactly which ones. If you're unsure why a low zone still deserves a test, the zone explainer covers that directly.