countyscore
33.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 75.2Soil Quality 69.7

County Report Card

About Wapello County, Iowa

Navigating Significant Livability Challenges

Wapello County struggles with a composite score of 33.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a lower national percentile, highlighting several areas of needed improvement. Despite these figures, the county maintains basic infrastructure and utility standards.

Trailing Iowa's Regional Averages

The county's score of 33.1 sits significantly below the Iowa state average of 55.6. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state for overall composite wellness. Local leaders face the task of elevating these metrics to meet state-wide norms.

Reliable Utilities and Fair Health Access

Water quality remains a bright spot with a strong score of 86.0. Health services earn a respectable 54.1, indicating decent access to care for the local population. These foundational elements provide a baseline of support for current residents.

Concerns Regarding Safety and Tax Rates

The safety score of 5.2 is a major concern that impacts the overall livability ranking. Residents also face a high tax burden, reflected in a low tax score of 8.6 and an effective tax rate of 1.642%. Environmental risk also factors in with a lower-than-average score of 34.7.

A Budget Choice Requiring Caution

Wapello County suits those seeking very low entry costs, with median home values at $112,900. However, potential residents must weigh the low cost of living against significant safety and tax challenges. It is best for those with local ties or specific industrial employment opportunities.

204060801008.642.75.254.144.53934.78652.3Tax8.6Cost42.7Safety5.2Health54.1Schools44.5Income39Risk34.7Water86Weather52.333.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Wapello County DNA

Foverall

How Wapello County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wapello County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.2/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.6-43.4
Cost
42.7
Safety
5.2-49.8
Health
54.1
Schools
44.5-9.5
Income
39-12
Risk
34.7-12.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
52.3
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Many homeowners in Wapello County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$112,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$950/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$112,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,034/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Wapello County with San Joaquin County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Keokuk County
Iowa
58.5
Mahaska County
Iowa
51.4
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1
Jefferson County
Iowa
48.4
Davis County
Iowa
56
Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Van Buren County
Iowa
60.6
Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5

Deep Dives

Wapello County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wapello County

via TaxByCounty

Wapello County taxes run 14% higher than nation

At 1.642%, Wapello County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.91% benchmark, placing it in the higher-tax category nationally. The median property tax of $1,854 remains well below the national median of $2,690, largely because homes here are worth less.

Among Iowa's higher-taxing counties

Wapello's 1.642% effective rate significantly outpaces Iowa's 1.344% state average, ranking it in the upper tier for tax burden. The county's median property tax of $1,854 also exceeds the state average of $2,160 relative to home values.

Taxes noticeably steeper than nearby peers

Wapello's 1.642% rate stands roughly 37% higher than Van Buren County's 1.201% just south, and significantly above Wayne County (1.346%) to the west. Among its regional neighbors, Wapello residents face some of the highest effective tax rates.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Wapello's median home value of $112,900, the typical property tax bill reaches $1,854 annually, or about $155 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $1,932 once you include escrow and insurance.

Check if your assessment is fair

Assessment appeals are common and often successful in Iowa counties like Wapello. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to what similar homes sold for recently, you may qualify for a lower assessment and reduced taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wapello County

via CostByCounty

Wapello rents strain household budgets

Wapello County residents spend 19.0% of household income on rent, nearly a third higher than Iowa's 14.1% state average and significantly above the national benchmark. At $950 monthly, rents here exceed the state median by $138, making housing a heavier financial burden.

Among Iowa's least affordable counties

Wapello ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa counties for rental affordability, with only a handful of counties showing worse rent-to-income ratios. This designation signals that renters here face above-average cost pressure compared to their peers across the state.

Higher rents than surrounding counties

Wapello's $950 monthly rent exceeds neighboring Van Buren by $264 and surpasses Wayne County by $290, making it the region's rental cost leader. Even compared to more affluent Warren County, Wapello's rent-to-income burden (19.0%) is worse, despite lower absolute incomes.

Housing squeezes Wapello budgets tight

Wapello households earning $60,034 annually spend $950 on rent, consuming one-fifth of gross income before taxes and other essentials. Homebuyers fare slightly better at $831 monthly, but the county's overall affordability challenge persists for both renters and owners.

Relocating? Compare Wapello carefully

Wapello's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter housing affordability than most Iowa alternatives—consider nearby Van Buren, Wayne, or Webster counties where your income stretches further. If Wapello's community draws you, budget conservatively and prioritize employment that exceeds the county's $60,000 median income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wapello County

via IncomeByCounty

Wapello falls well short of U.S. median

Wapello County's median household income of $60,034 sits nearly $14,700 below the national median of $74,755—a 19.7% shortfall. This positions Wapello among the lowest-income counties nationwide, reflecting long-standing challenges in rural manufacturing and agriculture-dependent economies. The per capita income of $33,337 further underscores individual earning constraints across the county.

Near the bottom in Iowa

Wapello ranks in the lower quarter of Iowa's 99 counties, with median household income trailing the state average of $69,830 by nearly $10,000. Per capita income of $33,337 also falls short of Iowa's $37,136 state average, indicating weaker employment and wage growth. These figures suggest that Wapello faces similar rural economic pressures as its neighboring counties.

Wapello tied in the income struggle

Wapello's $60,034 median income places it virtually on par with Van Buren ($60,183) and Wayne ($59,118), forming a lower-income cluster in southern Iowa. Meanwhile, Warren County to the north reaches $92,990, and Winneshiek to the northeast hits $75,652—both more than 20% higher. This geographic divide reflects differential access to higher-wage employment and educational opportunity.

Rent-to-income ratio signals strain

Wapello's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% remains below the 30% danger threshold but represents the highest burden among its peer counties, suggesting growing housing pressure on renters. With a median home value of $112,900 and median household income of $60,034, homeownership is achievable but tight. Rising rents in the county may soon push more households beyond comfortable affordability.

Strategic saving builds Wapello wealth

Wapello residents earning around $60,000 should focus on automating savings through payroll deduction and exploring tax-advantaged accounts to protect income from taxes. Community development organizations and local banks often offer free financial literacy workshops tailored to lower-income households. Consistent micro-investing and debt reduction strategies can compound into meaningful wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wapello County

via CrimeByCounty

Analyzing Crime Trends in Wapello County

Wapello County reports a total crime rate of 3,479.5 per 100,000 residents, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this higher rate, the county maintains a safety score of 94.5. This score suggests that while crime is present, local conditions differ significantly from high-risk urban centers.

Comparing Local Data to Iowa Averages

Wapello’s safety score of 94.5 is below the Iowa state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate of 3,479.5 is also higher than the statewide average of 1,095.3. These numbers highlight Wapello as an area with higher reported law enforcement activity than many neighboring counties.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Wapello County faces more significant crime challenges than nearby Van Buren, which reports a rate of only 430.2. With three reporting agencies providing data, these figures offer a comprehensive look at the region's safety landscape. This higher concentration of reports often reflects more active local policing in busier population centers.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Incidents

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 2,878.8 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 600.7 also exceeds the national average of 369.8. Most reported incidents involve theft or burglary rather than person-to-person violence.

Smart Strategies for Resident Safety

With property crime as the most common issue, home security systems and visible cameras are highly effective deterrents. Residents should prioritize securing outbuildings and vehicles, as these are frequent targets for theft. Community watch programs also play a vital role in keeping neighborhoods safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wapello County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across Three Districts

Wapello County supports 6,871 students across 17 public schools, including ten elementary schools and four high schools. Three distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of town and rural campuses.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

The county achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,577, which is lower than both the Iowa state average and the national benchmark.

Ottumwa Leads the Regional District Mix

The Ottumwa Community School District is the largest provider, serving 4,959 students across 11 schools. Cardinal and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont districts also serve the county, though no charter schools are available in the area.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

With ten schools in town settings and seven in rural areas, the average school size is 404 students. Ottumwa High School stands out as the largest with 1,317 students, offering a large-campus experience compared to smaller local elementary schools.

Invest in a Community with High Results

Families looking for efficient schools with high graduation rates will find Wapello County an attractive option. The variety of school sizes and locales makes it easy to find a home near a school that fits your child's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wapello County

via RiskByCounty

Wapello faces elevated natural disaster risk

Wapello County scores 65.33 on the composite risk scale—65% above the national average—placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above typical American exposure. The county experiences notably more frequent severe weather than most U.S. regions.

Among Iowa's higher-risk counties

Wapello ranks significantly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone counties. The 65.33 score reflects heightened tornado and flooding vulnerability across the county.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Wapello's composite score of 65.33 substantially exceeds nearby Van Buren (33.62) and Warren (36.10). Only Washington County (44.18) comes close, yet Wapello still carries 47% greater overall risk.

Tornadoes dominate, floods follow close

Tornado risk reaches 81.77 in Wapello—one of the state's highest—making it the primary hazard threat. Flood risk at 69.31 rounds out the county's top two concerns, both significantly above state averages.

Bundle tornado and flood coverage now

Wapello residents should prioritize comprehensive storm and flood insurance given the county's elevated tornado (81.77) and flood (69.31) scores. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for wind, hail, and water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wapello County

via WaterByCounty

Wapello County meets all federal health standards

The county maintains a perfect Grade A with zero reported health violations in the SDWIS database. This puts Wapello well ahead of the state average violation rate of 25.9 per 100,000.

Local water bodies await federal classification

There is currently no data for Wapello County in the federal §303(d) impaired waters list. This indicates that local streams and rivers have not yet been fully assessed for the current reporting cycle.

Targeted monitoring for emerging contaminants

Though only two sites are active, they have recorded 291 measurements including PFAS and nutrient levels. This specific monitoring provides a baseline for perfluorinated alkyl substances in the local water supply.

Des Moines River maintains steady volume

The gauge at Ottumwa shows a discharge of 6,960 cfs, representing 79% of the typical long-term flow. This flow supports a large drainage area of over 13,000 square miles.

Stay informed on PFAS monitoring results

With active PFAS monitoring at local sites, residents should stay updated on any detections of these persistent chemicals. Despite the perfect compliance grade, knowing the contents of your specific source water is vital.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wapello County

via WeatherByCounty

Wapello County's Balanced Continental Profile

Wapello County averages 50.7°F annually, placing it within the standard range for a continental climate. This temperature is slightly cooler than the U.S. median but provides four very distinct seasons.

Consistently Warmer Than the State Average

At 50.7°F, Wapello stays nearly three degrees warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Precipitation remains steady at 37.0 inches per year, mirroring the state's typical moisture levels.

Warmer Than Central Iowa Peers

Wapello's 50.7°F average is nearly a full degree warmer than Warren County's 49.9°F. It shares similar winter lows with Van Buren County, though it sees fewer extreme heat days than its southern neighbor.

A Steady Mix of Heat and Snow

Summers reach a July average of 75.1°F with 19 days peaking over 90°F. Winter is defined by 23.6 inches of snowfall and a cold January average of 22.9°F.

Equip for Both Ice and Sun

Residents need reliable snow removal tools for the 23.6 inches of winter accumulation. Because extreme heat days are relatively common, checking attic insulation helps maintain cooling efficiency during July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wapello County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils in Wapello

Wapello County features an average soil pH of 6.23, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a productive environment for most Midwestern crops. Farmers here often monitor acidity to ensure maximum nutrient availability for their harvests.

Consistent Silt-Heavy Composition

The local soil blend is comprised of 55.8% silt and 24.7% clay, creating a fine-textured medium. Sand makes up only 19.2% of the profile, which limits natural drainage but enhances the soil's ability to store minerals. This specific balance makes the ground feel smooth and holds moisture effectively through dry spells.

Strong Water Storage with Modest Organic Levels

Wapello's available water capacity of 0.197 in/in actually exceeds the Iowa state average of 0.195 in/in. While organic matter at 2.81% is lower than the state's 3.81% average, the soil remains highly capable of supporting plant life. The ability to hold moisture is a significant asset during the heat of an Iowa summer.

Understanding Local Hydrology Trends

While specific drainage class data for the county is limited, the high silt and clay percentages often lead to slower natural water movement. Users should watch for slow infiltration rates in gardens and construction projects. Local land management typically focuses on mitigating surface runoff to protect the topsoil.

Vibrant Gardens in Hardiness Zone 5b

Located in Zone 5b, Wapello County supports a wide variety of fruit trees and vegetable crops. The high water capacity makes it an excellent home for thirsty plants like tomatoes and peppers. Now is a great time to plan a garden that leverages these moisture-rich soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wapello County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Iowa Growing Conditions

Wapello County scores a 75.2 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly more challenging than the state average but far easier than the national average. Homeowners here benefit from the reliable growing conditions of Hardiness Zone 5b.

Reliable Rains and Moderate Heat

With 37.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays slightly wetter than the state average of 36.1 inches. The 19 extreme heat days per year are typical for the region, requiring standard summer irrigation during July's 75.1°F average temperatures.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil pH of 6.23 falls right in the sweet spot for most common turfgrasses. While specific drainage data is limited, the 24.7% clay content suggests that adding organic matter can help improve soil structure and moisture retention.

Protecting Lawns During Dry Periods

Wapello experienced 22 weeks in drought over the past year, making it one of the drier spots in the region recently. With the entire county currently abnormally dry, it is vital to water early in the morning to maximize absorption.

April Starts for Wapello Lawns

The window for spring growth opens wide after the last frost on April 23. Utilize the 3359 growing degree days by planting hardy cool-season blends that can handle the transition from cold winters to warm Iowa summers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wapello County's county score?
Wapello County, Iowa has a composite county score of 33.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wapello County rank among counties in Iowa?
Wapello County ranks #99 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wapello County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Wapello County is $1,854, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Wapello County a tax score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wapello County?
The median household income in Wapello County, Iowa is $60,034 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wapello County earns an income score of 39/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wapello County, Iowa a good place to live?
Wapello County scores 33.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Wapello County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wapello County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.