Wapello County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Iowa
The population of Wapello County, Iowa is 35,265 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $60,034, the median home value is $112,900, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Wapello County has grown 0.0% since 2010 (35,679 → 35,681), a +0.00% annualized rate.
35,265
Population
+0.00%
Annual growth
82
People / sq mi
$60,034
Median Income
$112,900
Median Home Value
Wapello County covers 432 sq mi of land at 81.7 people per square mile.
About Wapello County, IA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Wapello County: the median home is valued at $112,900. With 35,265 residents, Wapello County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #20 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,034 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $112,900, with typical rent around $950.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Wapello County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wapello County had a population of 35,679 in 2010 and 35,681 in 2024, a 0.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 35,681 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.00%.
35,681
Population (2024)
35,679
Population (2010)
35,681
Peak (2024)
0.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,679 |
| 2011 | 35,484 |
| 2012 | 35,430 |
| 2013 | 35,506 |
| 2014 | 35,421 |
| 2015 | 35,450 |
| 2016 | 35,270 |
| 2017 | 35,043 |
| 2018 | 35,060 |
| 2019 | 35,151 |
| 2020 | 35,327 |
| 2021 | 35,304 |
| 2022 | 35,080 |
| 2023 | 35,417 |
| 2024 | 35,681 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
18.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 18.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,034$-13,113 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,944 |
| Per-capita income | $33,337 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+5.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wapello County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
19.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$112,900$-83,000 vs state
Median home value
$950
Median rent
67.4%
Homeownership rate
15,740
Total housing units
89.5%
Occupied
10.5%
Vacant
32.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
16.9%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
85.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.7%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wapello County, Iowa has a population of 35,265 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 82 people per square mile.
The population of Wapello County has grown 0.0% since 2010 (35,679 → 35,681), a +0.00% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wapello County, Iowa is $60,034, with mean (average) household income of $80,944 and per-capita income of $33,337. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wapello County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.7%), Black or African American (3.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wapello County, Iowa is 39.9 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Wapello County is $112,900 and median monthly rent is $950. 67.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,740 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wapello County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Wapello County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Wapello County, IA Climate
Wapello County, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 900 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
900
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 28 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 23 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 60 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 92 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 103 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 118 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 105 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 109 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 67 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 55 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wapello County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Wapello County, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wapello County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.