What is Wapello County, Iowa, and where is it located?

Wapello County is a county situated in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is part of the Ottumwa, IA Micropolitan Statistical Area.

When was Wapello County established, and after whom was it named?

Wapello County was founded on February 17, 1843. It was named in honor of Wapello, a chief of the Meskwaki tribe.

What is the county seat of Wapello County, and what is its largest city?

The county seat of Wapello County is Ottumwa, which is also its largest city.

What is the total geographical area of Wapello County?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wapello County encompasses a total area of 436 square miles (1,130 km²).

How is the total area of Wapello County divided between land and water?

Of the total area of 436 square miles, 432 square miles (1,120 km²) consist of land, while 4.2 square miles (11 km²) are covered by water. This means approximately 1.0% of the county's area is water.

What are the primary U.S. Highways and Iowa Highways that serve Wapello County?

Wapello County is served by U.S. Highway 34 and U.S. Highway 63. Additionally, Iowa Highway 16, Iowa Highway 137, and Iowa Highway 149 are major state routes within the county.

What public transportation services are available in Wapello County?

Public transportation in Wapello County includes the Ottumwa station and services provided by the Ottumwa Transit Authority.

What was the population of Wapello County as recorded in the 2020 census?

The 2020 United States Census recorded the population of Wapello County at 35,437 residents.

What was the population density of Wapello County in 2020?

In 2020, the population density of Wapello County was approximately 81.22 residents per square mile (31.36 residents per square kilometer).

How many housing units were present in Wapello County in 2020, and what percentage were occupied?

Wapello County had 15,734 housing units in 2020, with 14,167 of them being occupied. This indicates an occupancy rate of about 90%.

Describe the racial composition of Wapello County based on the 2020 census data.

According to the 2020 census, Wapello County's racial composition was predominantly White (77.02% non-Hispanic). Other significant groups included Hispanic or Latino (12.22%), Black or African American (4.1% non-Hispanic), and Asian (1.8% non-Hispanic). Smaller percentages identified as Native American (0.2% non-Hispanic), Pacific Islander (1.5% non-Hispanic), and Other/Mixed races (3.3% non-Hispanic).

What was the population of Wapello County in the 2010 census, and how did its density compare to 2020?

In the 2010 census, Wapello County had a population of 35,625. The population density in 2010 was approximately 82.50 residents per square mile (31.85 residents per square kilometer), which is slightly higher than the density recorded in 2020.

What were the key demographic figures for Wapello County in the 2000 census?

In the year 2000, Wapello County had a population of 36,051 people, with a population density of 84 people per square mile (32 people/km²). There were 14,784 households and 9,801 families residing in the county at that time.

What was the racial makeup of Wapello County in the 2000 census?

The 2000 census indicated that Wapello County was composed of 96.28% White individuals, 0.93% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.65% Asian, and 0.02% Pacific Islander. Additionally, 1.05% identified with other races, and 0.79% identified with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals, regardless of race, constituted 2.22% of the population.

What was the median household income and per capita income in Wapello County in 2000?

In 2000, the median income for a household in Wapello County was $32,188, and the median income for a family was $39,224. The per capita income for the county was $16,500.

What percentage of families and the general population in Wapello County were below the poverty line in 2000?

In 2000, approximately 9.40% of families and 13.20% of the total population in Wapello County lived below the poverty line. This included 18.00% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those aged 65 or older.

What is the estimated population of Wapello County for 2023?

The estimated population for Wapello County in 2023 was 35,166 residents.

How has the population of Wapello County trended historically since 1850?

Wapello County's population grew significantly from 8,471 in 1850 to 44,280 in 1940. After peaking around the mid-20th century, the population has generally declined, falling to 35,437 by 2020.

What cities are officially incorporated within Wapello County?

The incorporated cities within Wapello County are Agency, Blakesburg, Chillicothe, Eddyville, Eldon, Kirkville, and Ottumwa.

Which city serves as the county seat and is also the most populous in Wapello County?

Ottumwa is both the county seat and the largest city in Wapello County, with a population of 25,529 as of the 2020 census.

Can you list some of the unincorporated communities found in Wapello County?

Some of the unincorporated communities in Wapello County include Bladensburg, Dahlonega, Dudley, Farson, and Yampa.

What are some of the civil townships located within Wapello County?

Wapello County is divided into several townships, including Adams, Agency, Cass, Center, Columbia, Competine, Dahlonega, Green, Highland, Keokuk, Pleasant, Polk, Richland, and Washington townships.

Describe the historical voting patterns of Wapello County in U.S. Presidential elections.

Historically, Wapello County showed a strong Republican leaning from 1864 to 1928, with the exception of 1912. From 1932 to 2012, it predominantly voted Democratic, notably being the only Iowa county to give Jimmy Carter a majority in 1980. Since 2016, the county has shifted back towards the Republican party.

How did Wapello County vote in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election?

In the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, Wapello County voted Republican, with Donald Trump receiving 60.87% of the vote compared to Joe Biden's 37.24%.

How did Wapello County vote in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election?

In the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, Wapello County favored the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, who secured 57.53% of the vote, while Hillary Clinton received 36.93%.

What were the results for the Republican and Democratic candidates in the 1972 U.S. Presidential election in Wapello County?

In the 1972 U.S. Presidential election, Richard Nixon (Republican) won Wapello County with 51.19% of the vote, while George McGovern (Democratic) received 45.94%.

What school districts operate within Wapello County?

The school districts serving Wapello County include Cardinal Community School District, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District, Fairfield Community School District, Ottumwa Community School District, and Pekin Community School District.

What notable historical sites or related portals are mentioned for Wapello County?

The article mentions the Big 4 Fair Art Hall located at the Wapello County Fairgrounds, the Wapello County Courthouse, and listings for the National Register of Historic Places within the county. It also links to the Iowa portal.

What is the official website for Wapello County government?

The official website for Wapello County is www.wapellocounty.org.

Where can one find additional media related to Wapello County?

Additional media, such as images and files related to Wapello County, can be found on Wikimedia Commons.

What are the geographic coordinates for Wapello County?

Wapello County is located at approximately 41°01′46″N 92°24′32″W (41.02944°N 92.40889°W).

What time zone does Wapello County observe?

Wapello County observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during daylight saving time (CDT).

In which U.S. Congressional district is Wapello County located?

Wapello County is part of Iowa's 3rd congressional district.

How did Wapello County vote in the 1912 U.S. Presidential election, and why was it an exception to the typical Republican trend of that era?

In the 1912 U.S. Presidential election, Wapello County voted for Woodrow Wilson (Democratic) with a plurality of less than 37%. This was an exception to its usual Republican leaning because Theodore Roosevelt ran as a Progressive candidate, splitting the Republican vote and allowing the Democrat to win the county.

What was the percentage change in population for Wapello County between 1960 and 1970?

Between 1960 and 1970, the population of Wapello County decreased by 8.6%.

What was the percentage change in population for Wapello County between 1990 and 2000?

The population of Wapello County saw a slight increase of 1.0% between the 1990 census and the 2000 census.

What was the percentage change in population for Wapello County between 2010 and 2020?

From 2010 to 2020, the population of Wapello County decreased by 0.5%.

How did the population of Wapello County change between 1850 and 1860?

The population of Wapello County increased significantly by 71.4% between 1850 (8,471) and 1860 (14,518).

What was the approximate population of Eddyville in Wapello County according to the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 census, Eddyville had a population of 970 residents. It is noted that this city has portions in adjacent counties as well.

What was the population of Eldon, Iowa, in Wapello County in the 2020 census?

In the 2020 census, the city of Eldon in Wapello County had a population of 783 residents.

What was the population of Agency, Iowa, in Wapello County in the 2020 census?

The city of Agency in Wapello County had a population of 620 residents according to the 2020 census.

How does the 2020 population of Wapello County compare to its 2023 estimate?

The 2020 census recorded 35,437 residents in Wapello County, while the 2023 estimate shows a slight decrease to 35,166 residents.

What is the significance of the Wapello County Courthouse mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The Wapello County Courthouse is a notable landmark within the county, likely serving as a center for county administration and judicial functions. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What does the notation 'NH' signify in the racial composition data for Wapello County?

The notation 'NH' in the racial composition data stands for Non-Hispanic. It distinguishes individuals who identify with a particular race but do not identify as Hispanic or Latino.

How did Wapello County vote in the 1952 U.S. Presidential election?

In the 1952 U.S. Presidential election, Wapello County voted Republican, with Dwight D. Eisenhower receiving 52.24% of the vote, marking one of the exceptions to the county's general Democratic trend during the mid-20th century.

What was the population of Kirkville, Iowa, in Wapello County in the 2020 census?

Kirkville, Iowa, had a population of 157 residents according to the 2020 census.

What was the population of Chillicothe, Iowa, in Wapello County in the 2020 census?

Chillicothe, Iowa, had a population of 76 residents according to the 2020 census.

What is the meaning of the dagger symbol (†) next to Eddyville in the list of cities?

The dagger symbol (†) next to Eddyville indicates that the populated place has portions extending into adjacent counties, meaning it is not entirely within Wapello County.

Wapello County Iowa Wiki: Wapello County: An Iowa Geospatial and Sociodemographic Profile

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Introduction

County Overview

Wapello County, situated within the Midwestern United States, was established on February 17, 1843. It is strategically located in the state of Iowa and was named in honor of Chief Wapello, a prominent leader of the Meskwaki people.^[3] The county seat and largest municipality is Ottumwa, which serves as the administrative and economic hub for the region.^[2] Wapello County is recognized as part of the Ottumwa Micropolitan Statistical Area, reflecting its regional significance.

Historical Context

The county's formation in the mid-19th century places its origins within the period of westward expansion and settlement in the United States. Its naming after Chief Wapello highlights the historical interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes in the region.^[3] The county's development has been shaped by its agricultural heritage and its role as a center for local commerce and governance.

Geographical Dimensions

Area and Water

Wapello County encompasses a total area of 436 square miles (1,130 km²). Of this total, approximately 432 square miles (1,120 km²) consist of land, with the remaining 4.2 square miles (11 km²) comprising water bodies. This represents about 1.0% of the county's total area being water, a common characteristic for counties in this region.^[4]

Location and Neighbors

The county is strategically positioned within Iowa. Its neighboring counties include Mahaska County to the northwest, Keokuk County to the northeast, Jefferson County to the east, Davis County to the south, and Monroe County to the west. This geographical placement influences regional connectivity and resource distribution.

Transportation Networks

Major Arteries

Wapello County is served by a network of significant roadways, facilitating intra-county and inter-county travel. Key routes include:

US U.S. Highway 34
US U.S. Highway 63
IA Iowa Highway 16
IA Iowa Highway 137
IA Iowa Highway 149

Public Transit

The county's primary public transportation infrastructure is centered around Ottumwa. Key entities include the Ottumwa station, which serves as a transit point, and the Ottumwa Transit Authority, responsible for local public transportation services within the municipality and surrounding areas.

Demographic Composition

Population Trends

As of the 2020 United States Census, Wapello County recorded a population of 35,437 residents. The population density was calculated at approximately 81.22 individuals per square mile (31.36 per km²). Historical data indicates fluctuations, with a peak population observed around the mid-20th century, followed by a gradual decline and stabilization in recent decades.^[1]

Historical Population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	8,471	—
1860	14,518	71.4%
1870	22,346	53.9%
1880	25,285	13.2%
1890	30,426	20.3%
1900	35,426	16.4%
1910	37,743	6.5%
1920	37,937	0.5%
1930	40,480	6.7%
1940	44,280	9.4%
1950	47,397	7.0%
1960	46,126	−2.7%
1970	42,149	−8.6%
1980	40,241	−4.5%
1990	35,696	−11.3%
2000	36,051	1.0%
2010	35,625	−1.2%
2020	35,437	−0.5%
2023 (est.)	35,166	−0.8%

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The county's population exhibits diversity, with a significant majority identifying as White. The 2020 census data highlights the following racial and ethnic breakdown:

Wapello County Racial Composition (2020 Census)
Race	Num.	Perc.
White (NH)	27,295	77.02%
Black or African American (NH)	1,443	4.1%
Native American (NH)	66	0.2%
Asian (NH)	622	1.8%
Pacific Islander (NH)	518	1.5%
Other/Mixed (NH)	1,161	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	4,332	12.22%

Socioeconomic Indicators

Based on the 2000 census, the median household income was $32,188, with a median family income of $39,224. Males reported a median income of $31,346, contrasted with $21,286 for females. The per capita income was $16,500. Approximately 9.4% of families and 13.2% of the total population were living below the poverty line, including higher percentages for individuals under 18 and lower percentages for those aged 65 and over.

Settlements and Governance

Incorporated Cities

Wapello County is home to several incorporated municipalities, each contributing to the county's social and economic fabric. The primary cities include:

Agency
Blakesburg
Chillicothe
Eddyville
Eldon
Kirkville
Ottumwa (County Seat)

Unincorporated Areas

Beyond the incorporated cities, numerous unincorporated communities and settlements are dispersed throughout the county, providing essential services and local identity to rural residents. These include:

Ashland
Bladensburg
Dahlonega
Dudley
Farson
Munterville
Phillips
Pickwick
Ottumwa Junction
Rutledge
Yampa

Administrative Townships

The county is administratively divided into several townships, which historically served as units of local governance and land division. These townships are:

Adams
Agency
Cass
Center
Columbia
Competine
Dahlonega
Green
Highland
Keokuk
Pleasant
Polk
Richland
Washington

Political Landscape

Voting Patterns

Wapello County has historically demonstrated a dynamic political alignment. From the late 19th century through much of the 20th century, it predominantly favored Republican candidates, with notable exceptions during periods of national political realignment. The latter half of the 20th century saw a strong Democratic leaning, with the county often voting Democratic even in years of Republican national success. However, recent electoral cycles, beginning around 2016, indicate a significant shift back towards the Republican party, reflecting broader trends in rural and Midwestern voting behavior.

Presidential Election Results

The following table details the historical voting patterns in Wapello County for United States Presidential elections, illustrating the shifts in party preference over time.

United States Presidential Election Results for Wapello County, Iowa
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third Party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	9,479	65.00%	4,896	33.57%	208	1.43%
2020	9,516	60.87%	5,821	37.24%	296	1.89%
2016	8,715	57.53%	5,594	36.93%	840	5.54%
2012	6,789	43.05%	8,663	54.93%	318	2.02%
2008	6,663	41.80%	8,820	55.33%	457	2.87%
2004	7,403	44.31%	9,125	54.62%	179	1.07%
2000	6,313	41.70%	8,355	55.19%	471	3.11%
1996	4,828	32.69%	8,437	57.12%	1,505	10.19%
1992	4,852	30.17%	8,670	53.91%	2,561	15.92%
1988	5,350	34.14%	10,177	64.93%	146	0.93%
1984	7,098	39.88%	10,545	59.24%	157	0.88%
1980	7,475	42.31%	8,923	50.50%	1,270	7.19%
1976	6,786	39.30%	10,249	59.35%	233	1.35%
1972	9,301	51.19%	8,348	45.94%	522	2.87%
1968	7,825	41.96%	9,375	50.28%	1,447	7.76%
1964	5,524	28.26%	13,971	71.48%	51	0.26%
1960	11,036	49.79%	11,116	50.15%	15	0.07%
1956	10,401	48.65%	10,960	51.26%	20	0.09%
1952	11,571	52.24%	10,449	47.17%	130	0.59%
1948	7,875	41.50%	10,841	57.13%	260	1.37%
1944	8,244	43.19%	10,732	56.22%	113	0.59%
1940	9,039	43.03%	11,880	56.56%	87	0.41%
1936	7,647	41.31%	10,578	57.14%	287	1.55%
1932	7,256	42.49%	9,504	55.66%	316	1.85%
1928	11,586	66.10%	5,793	33.05%	149	0.85%
1924	9,870	56.96%	3,039	17.54%	4,420	25.51%
1920	9,884	67.99%	4,131	28.42%	522	3.59%
1916	4,398	47.65%	3,994	43.28%	837	9.07%
1912	2,755	32.53%	3,102	36.62%	2,613	30.85%
1908	4,541	50.69%	3,724	41.57%	694	7.75%
1904	4,912	60.60%	2,473	30.51%	720	8.88%
1900	4,742	53.21%	3,902	43.78%	268	3.01%
1896	4,319	50.75%	4,041	47.49%	150	1.76%

Educational Infrastructure

School Districts

The educational landscape of Wapello County is structured around several community school districts, serving the K-12 student population. These districts are responsible for primary and secondary education within their respective geographical areas:

Cardinal Community School District
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District
Fairfield Community School District
Ottumwa Community School District
Pekin Community School District

Historical and Cultural Markers

Chief Wapello

The county is named after Chief Wapello, a significant figure in the history of the Meskwaki (Fox) tribe. His portrait, rendered in the historical publication "History of the Indian Tribes of North America," serves as a visual representation of the region's indigenous heritage.^[fig1]

County Governance

The Wapello County Courthouse, located in Ottumwa, stands as the seat of county government and a historical landmark. Additionally, the county features sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its architectural and historical significance.

Authority Control

Identifiers

Wapello County is cataloged across various international and national databases, facilitating standardized identification and information retrieval. These include:

VIAF: 152459334
Library of Congress: n81139976
National Library of Israel: 987007566709805171
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): 10038865
Yale LUX: Place ID

References

Source Citations

The information presented herein is meticulously sourced from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Wapello County, Iowa, and its associated citations.

"2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
"Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
"Wapello County". Archived from the original on April 26, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
"U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 6, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Wapello County, Iowa".
"Population & Housing Occupancy Status 2010" (PDF). United States Census Bureau American FactFinder. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
"U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
Geography Division (December 18, 2020). "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Wappelo County, IA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"Wa-pel-la the Prince, Musquakee Chief", from History of the Indian Tribes of North America.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Wapello County, Iowa Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding geography, demographics, politics, or any other aspect of county analysis. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Wapello County: An Iowa Geospatial and Sociodemographic Profile

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🇺🇸 County Overview

🏛️ Historical Context

Geographical Dimensions 🗺️

📏 Area and Water

📍 Location and Neighbors

Transportation Networks 🛣️

🚗 Major Arteries

🚆 Public Transit

Demographic Composition 👥

📈 Population Trends

🎨 Racial and Ethnic Composition

💰 Socioeconomic Indicators

Settlements and Governance 🏙️

🏘️ Incorporated Cities

🏞️ Unincorporated Areas

📜 Administrative Townships

Political Landscape 🗳️

⚖️ Voting Patterns

📊 Presidential Election Results

Educational Infrastructure 🎓

🏫 School Districts

Historical and Cultural Markers 🏛️

👤 Chief Wapello

⚖️ County Governance

Authority Control 🔗

🗂️ Identifiers

References 📚

📖 Source Citations

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

County Overview

Historical Context

Geographical Dimensions

Area and Water

Location and Neighbors

Transportation Networks

Major Arteries

Public Transit

Demographic Composition

Population Trends

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Socioeconomic Indicators

Settlements and Governance

Incorporated Cities

Unincorporated Areas

Administrative Townships

Political Landscape

Voting Patterns

Presidential Election Results

Educational Infrastructure

School Districts

Historical and Cultural Markers

Chief Wapello

County Governance

Authority Control

Identifiers

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice