Wapello County, IA

County

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    2024 Population
    35,362
    US Senator
    Chuck Grassley
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Joni Ernst
    Republican Party
    2024 Poverty Rate
    15.8%
    5.24% 1-year decrease
    2024 Median Household Income
    $64,766
    7.88% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    16,511
    0.121% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Wapello County, IA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    93.8% of the residents in Wapello County, IA are U.S. citizens.

    Most people in Wapello County, IA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 20 minutes. The average car ownership in Wapello County, IA was 2 cars per household.

    United StatesIowaOttumwa, IA

    Population & Diversity

    Wapello County, IA is home to a population of 35.4k people, from which 93.8% are citizens. As of 2024, 9.62% of Wapello County, IA residents were born outside of the country (3.4k people).

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    93.8%
    2024 Citizenship
    94.6%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 93.8% of Wapello County, IA residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Wapello County, IA was 94.6%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Wapello County, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Iowa.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      44,333 ± 5,134 people
    2. India
      11,889 ± 2,672 people
    3. Guatemala
      8,189 ± 2,219 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Iowa was Mexico, the natal country of 44,333 Iowa residents, followed by India with 11,889 and Guatemala with 8,189.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    9.62%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    3.4k people
    8.73%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    3.08k people

    As of 2024, 9.62% of Wapello County, IA residents (3.4k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Wapello County, IA was 8.73%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Wapello County, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      598 ± 129
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      298 ± 118
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      206 ± 101

    Wapello County, IA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 2.01 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Wapello County, IA.

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    Health

    92.7% of the population of Wapello County, IA has health coverage, with 45.7% on employee plans, 19.6% on Medicaid, 14.8% on Medicare, 11.4% on non-group plans, and 1.23% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Wapello County, IA see 1,763 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,763 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1252 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 567 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.6% were men and 49.4% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    1,763 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Wapello County, IA

    Primary care physicians in Wapello County, IA see an average of 1,763 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,763 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Wapello County, IA in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Location of Health Services Facilities

    Health Service Type
    Health Practice Name
    Top 5 Health Facilities Servicing the Greatest Number of Households

    12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4001

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 25.5% under 18 years, 19.5% between 18 and 34 years, 36.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 18% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.6% were men and 49.4% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    7.32%
    Uninsured
    45.7%
    Employer Coverage
    19.6%
    Medicaid
    14.8%
    Medicare
    11.4%
    Non-Group
    1.23%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Wapello County, IA grew by 2.28% from 7.16% to 7.32%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Wapello County, IA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Health Indicators

    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 5.01 in Wapello County, IA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Wapello County, IA.

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    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 42% in Wapello County, IA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Wapello County, IA.

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    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 6.69% in Wapello County, IA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Wapello County, IA.

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    Economy

    The economy of Wapello County, IA employs 16.5k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Wapello County, IA were Manufacturing (4,246 people), Retail Trade (2,341 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (2,242 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($97,350), Public Administration ($59,784), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($55,292).

    Employment

    Occupations

    16.5k
    2024 Value
    ± 893
    −0.121%
    1 Year decline
    ± 7.78%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Wapello County, IA declined at a rate of −0.121%, from 16.5k employees to 16.5k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Wapello County, IA, are N/A. This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Wapello County, IA.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Iowa (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    16.5k
    2024 Value
    ± 893
    −0.121%
    1 Year decline
    ± 7.78%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Wapello County, IA declined at a rate of −0.121%, from 16.5k employees to 16.5k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Wapello County, IA, are Manufacturing (4,246 people), Retail Trade (2,341 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (2,242 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Wapello County, IA, though some of these residents may live in Wapello County, IA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Information ($60,781), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($60,114), and Manufacturing ($56,788).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($70,625), Construction ($53,450), and Wholesale Trade ($50,515).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
    Y-Axis
    1.48%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 1.57M people employed in Iowa. This represents a 1.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 10.9%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Iowa.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 57
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    2. 42
      Retail Trade
    3. 37
      Construction

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $233k
      Manufacturing
    2. $101k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    3. $66.7k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

    Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing the state of Iowa. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Iowa is currently represented by 4 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Wapello County, IA. Showing the available data for Iowa.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (55.7%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (42.5%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Robert Kennedy (0.789%)
      Independent Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Iowa for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Iowa

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
    Chuck Grassley
    Senator from Iowa3
    Assumed office on January 3, 1981
    Joni Ernst
    Senator from Iowa2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2015

    Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing Iowa.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Iowa over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    Most students graduating from Universities in Wapello County, IA are White (489 and 79.1%), Hispanic or Latino (57 and 9.22%), Black or African American (40 and 6.47%), and Two or More Races (16 and 2.59%).

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    In 2024 there were 3,184 students enrolled in Wapello County, IA, 46.7% men and 53.3% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 2,397 records, of which 55.4% were women and 44.6% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Liberal Arts & Sciences
      206 degrees awarded
    2. Radiographer
      28 degrees awarded
    3. Registered Nursing
      26 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Wapello County, IA was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 206 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Wapello County, IA according to their major.

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    Student Diversity

    In 2024, 286 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Wapello County, IA, which is 0.769 times less than the 372 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 489 degrees mean that there were 8.58 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 57 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Housing & Living

    People in Wapello County, IA have an average commute time of 20 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Wapello County, IA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 15.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Wapello County, IA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator grew 2.86%.

    Housing

    Rent vs Own

    68.4%
    Homeownership
    2024
    58.9%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 68.4% of the housing units in Wapello County, IA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 67.4%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Wapello County, IA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $64,766
    Median Household Income
    ± $4,224
    14k
    Number of Households
    ± 834

    In 2024, the median household income of the 14k households in Wapello County, IA grew to $64,766 from the previous year's value of $60,034.

    The following chart displays the households in Wapello County, IA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Wapello County, IA is from Iowa.
    0.435
    2024 Wage GINI in Iowa
    0.441
    2023 Wage GINI in Iowa

    In 2024, the income inequality in Iowa was 0.435 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 1.29% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Iowa was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Iowa in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Iowa across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (78.5%)
    2. Carpooled (12%)
    3. Worked At Home (5.47%)

    In 2024, 78.5% of workers in Wapello County, IA drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (12%) and those who worked at home (5.47%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    20 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Wapello County, IA have a shorter commute time (20 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.83% of the workforce in Wapello County, IA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Wapello County, IA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Wapello County, IA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Wapello County, IA have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 15.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Wapello County, IA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator grew 2.86%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    15.8% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Wapello County, IA (5.46k out of 34.5k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 6 - 11, followed by Males 35 - 44 and then Males 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Wapello County, IA is White, followed by Two Or More and Hispanic.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 16.9% of the children was living in poverty in Wapello County, IA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 4.9%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

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    Security

    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 315 in Wapello County, IA. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 47.9% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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