Wapello County

Wapello County, Iowa

101 W 4th St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: (641) 683-0060
Fax: (641) 683-0064
www.wapellocounty.org

In south-central IA; established Feb 17, 1843 (prior to statehood) from Indian lands. Name Origin: For Wapello (1787-1842), a Fox Indian chief who figured prominently in the signing of several treaties. Variously translated as 'light,' 'dawn,' and 'he of the morning.' It may be just a birth-time designation, for which the last translation would be correct

Area (sq mi):: 435.98 (land 431.81; water 4.17) Population per square mile: 83.30
Population 2005: 35,965 State rank: 20 Population change: 2000-20005 -0.20%; 1990-2000 1.00% Population 2000: 36,051 (White 95.30%; Black or African American 0.90%; Hispanic or Latino 2.20%; Asian 0.60%; Other 2.20%). Foreign born: 1.90%. Median age: 39.20
Income 2000: per capita $16,500; median household $32,188; Population below poverty level: 13.20% Personal per capita income (2000-2003): $21,636-$24,663
Unemployment (2004): 5.90% Unemployment change (from 2000): 1.30% Median travel time to work: 19.10 minutes Working outside county of residence: 17.40% Cities with population over 10,000:
  • Ottumwa County seat (24,680)
    • See other counties in Iowa.