Wapello, IA
Population 1,935 · Iowa
About Wapello, IA
Wapello is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,935 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,131 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wapello features a median home value of $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wapello one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $707, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 889 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (602 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (255 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wapello shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wapello have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of Wapello 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 9.7% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wapello, IA
Compared to national averages, Wapello has a median household income of $71,131 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,800, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $707 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Wapello's income is 5% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 3% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Wapello, IA?
Wapello offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $707/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,131) that falls below the national average. However, Wapello’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wapello has a population of 1,935 with a median age of 46.2 years. Compare Wapello with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Wapello
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediapolis | 1,930 | $71,250 | $167,300 | Compare |
| Peosta | 1,922 | $120,375 | $304,600 | Compare |
| Britt | 1,919 | $64,257 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Granger | 1,919 | $112,125 | $290,100 | Compare |
| Durant | 1,904 | $82,563 | $202,000 | Compare |
| Ida Grove | 1,904 | $63,194 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Ogden | 1,902 | $70,556 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Remsen | 1,897 | $98,250 | $184,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wapello With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wapello
What is the population of Wapello, IA?
The population of Wapello, IA is 1,935 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Wapello?
The median household income in Wapello, IA is $71,131 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wapello?
The median home value in Wapello, IA is $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wapello?
The median monthly rent in Wapello, IA is $707, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wapello?
The unemployment rate in Wapello, IA is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wapello, IA a good place to live?
Wapello offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,935 and a median age of 46.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wapello, IA?
17.7% of residents in Wapello 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 Wapello?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wapello, IA: median home value is $128,800 (47% below national), median rent is $707/month, and median household income is $71,131. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wapello?
The poverty rate in Wapello, IA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wapello, IA?
Wapello's population is 9.7% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.