Wapella, IL
Population 465 · Illinois
About Wapella, IL
Wapella is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 465 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wapella features a median home value of $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wapella one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 236 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (194 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (21 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wapella shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wapella have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Wapella residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wapella, IL
Compared to national averages, Wapella has a median household income of $59,375 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wapella's income is 21% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 39% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wapella, IL?
Wapella offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,375) that falls below the national average. However, Wapella’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wapella has a population of 465 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Wapella with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wapella
What is the population of Wapella, IL?
The population of Wapella, IL is 465 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Wapella?
The median household income in Wapella, IL is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wapella?
The median home value in Wapella, IL is $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wapella?
The median monthly rent in Wapella, IL is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wapella?
The unemployment rate in Wapella, IL is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wapella, IL a good place to live?
Wapella offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 465 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wapella, IL?
14.5% of residents in Wapella aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wapella?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wapella, IL: median home value is $101,800 (58% below national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $59,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wapella?
The poverty rate in Wapella, IL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wapella, IL?
Wapella's population is 3.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.