Wapello County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of 2000, the population was 36,051. Its county seat is Ottumwa.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 436 square miles (1,129 km²), of which, 432 square miles (1,118 km²) of it is land and 4 square miles (11 km²) of it (0.96%) is water.

Major highways

• U.S. Highway 34
• U.S. Highway 63
• Iowa Highway 16
• Iowa Highway 137
• Iowa Highway 149

Adjacent counties

• Mahaska County (northwest)
• Keokuk County (northeast)
• Jefferson County (east)
• Davis County (south)
• Monroe County (west)

History

Wapello County was formed on February 17, 1843. It was named for a chief of the Fox tribe.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 36,051 people, 14,784 households, and 9,801 families residing in the county. The population density was 84 people per square mile (32/km²). There were 15,873 housing units at an average density of 37 per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.28% White, 0.93% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.05% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. 2.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,784 households out of which 28.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% were non-families. 28.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,188, and the median income for a family was $39,224. Males had a median income of $31,346 versus $21,286 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,500. About 9.40% of families and 13.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.00% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over.

Localities

Cities

• Agency
• Blakesburg
• Chillicothe
• Eddyville
• Eldon
• Kirkville
• Ottumwa

Unincorporated communities

• Ashland
• Bladensburg
• Dahlonega
• Phillips
• Pickwick
• Ottumwa Junction
• Rutledge

External links

• http://www.wapellocounty.org

Notes