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
Wapello County is a county in Iowa with a population of 35,265. It ranks #20 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 39.9, in line with the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Wapello County is $60,034, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $112,900, with monthly rent averaging $950. The homeownership rate of 67.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wapello County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.6 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+
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Part of Iowa
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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.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.