Median Income
$71,131
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,800
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
607/100K
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Wapello Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,935
Median Age46.2 yrs
Density1,488/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,131
Per Capita$33,542
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$930M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,800
Rent$707
Ownership70.2%
Zillow$144,037
Housing Units857
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent607/100K
Property2,004/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation579 ft (176 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute22 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Wapello a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wapello receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Wapello offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wapello is $71,131, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wapello is $128,800, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 607 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,004 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wapello experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wapello has a population of 1,935 with a density of 1,488 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 46.2 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 5.8% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.2yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.6%
21% below US avg
The median household income in Wapello is $71,131, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,542 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,131 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,542 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $930M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Wapello is $128,800, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,037, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $814 for a one-bedroom to $1,068 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 857 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,800 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,037 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $793 |
| 1 Bedroom | $814 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,068 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,468 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.8% |
| Housing Units | 857 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.14% |
In Wapello, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,669. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wapello vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Wapello has a violent crime rate of 607 per 100,000 residents, 60% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,004 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wapello receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wapello vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 607.2/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,003.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wapello experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 579 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 579 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,488/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1772°N, 91.1890°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
619 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 289 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
11 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
10 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
10 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
11 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
10 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Wapello has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Wapello. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wapello
What is the population of Wapello?
Wapello has a population of 1,935 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,488 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Wapello expensive to live in?
Wapello is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,131, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,800 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wapello safe?
Public safety is a concern in Wapello, with a violent crime rate of 607 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,004 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wapello receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wapello?
Wapello has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wapello?
The job market in Wapello is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wapello?
The median home value in Wapello is $128,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,037. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. Fair market rent is $814 for a 1-bedroom and $1,068 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Wapello?
Schools in Wapello have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.7% of adults in Wapello hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wapello?
The obesity rate in Wapello is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Wapello?
The average commute in Wapello is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wapello?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wapello is 84.5% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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