Wapello ZIP Codes — Louisa County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Wapello, Iowa and it is 52653. Area code: 319.

ZIP codes

111.10

sq mi land

7.90

sq mi water

319

area code

Wapello, IA ZIP code map

About Wapello, IA

Wapello is a charming city located in Louisa County, Iowa. Known for its small-town character, Wapello offers residents a close-knit community feel with various local amenities. The picturesque landscapes and friendly atmosphere make it a delightful place to live and visit.

Location & geography

Wapello is situated in southeastern Iowa, approximately 30 miles from larger cities such as Iowa City and Muscatine. The city spans a land area of 111.10 square miles, with an additional 7.90 square miles designated as water, adding to its scenic beauty. The terrain includes a mix of rolling fields and waterways, contributing to its agricultural roots.

Community & economy

The community in Wapello is characterized by its welcoming residents and a variety of local businesses. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, alongside small manufacturing and service industries. Daily life here features community events, outdoor activities, and a strong emphasis on family and neighborly connections.

Transportation

Wapello is accessible via several highways, including Iowa Highway 61 and Iowa Highway 92, which provide convenient routes for both residents and visitors. The nearest major airport is the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, located approximately 25 miles away in Burlington. Public transportation options are limited, but the city’s layout allows for easy navigation by car or bicycle.

History

Wapello was founded in the mid-19th century and named after a Native American chief, highlighting its rich historical roots. Key industries have traditionally included agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, which have shaped the local economy over the years. Notable events include the annual Wapello Riverfest, celebrating the city’s connection to the river and its community spirit.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Wapello is that it hosts the Louisa County Fair each summer, drawing visitors from the surrounding regions to celebrate local agriculture and culture. Additionally, Wapello's location near the Iowa River offers numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing and kayaking.

ZIP codes for Wapello, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
52653	Wapello	Louisa	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,109

Population

47.1

Median age

$71,190

Median household income

$34,564

Per capita income

$127,800

Median home value

$767

Median monthly rent

68.5%

Home ownership

5.4%

Poverty rate

4.7%

Unemployment

1,129

Housing units

13.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

128

15–19

118

163

20–24

150

120

25–34

111

177

35–44

164

290

45–54

268

134

55–59

124

60–64

194

65–74

180

125

75–84

116

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	454	14.6%
18 and over	2,655	85.4%
65 and over	697	22.4%
Median age	47.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 83.1%

Hispanic or Latino 5.7%

Two or more races 5.7%

Other race 3.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.1%

Black or African American 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	2,739	83.1%
Hispanic or Latino	188	5.7%
Two or more races	187	5.7%
Other race	127	3.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native	37	1.1%
Black or African American	19	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 2.8%

$10k–$15k 3.7%

$15k–$25k 8.0%

$25k–$35k 5.3%

$35k–$50k 10.2%

$50k–$75k 21.2%

$75k–$100k 18.4%

$100k–$150k 19.7%

$150k–$200k 7.8%

$200k+ 2.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.8%
$10k–$15k	3.7%
$15k–$25k	8.0%
$25k–$35k	5.3%
$35k–$50k	10.2%
$50k–$75k	21.2%
$75k–$100k	18.4%
$100k–$150k	19.7%
$150k–$200k	7.8%
$200k+	2.8%
Median income	$71,190

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.4%

$50k–$100k 23.6%

$100k–$150k 23.1%

$150k–$200k 17.8%

$200k–$300k 14.9%

$300k–$500k 8.9%

$500k–$1M 3.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$127,800
Median rent / month	$767
Owner occupied	68.5%
Renter occupied	31.5%
Vacant	13.3%
Single-family detached	83.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	8.6%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.37

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.9%
2000–2009	7.0%
1990–1999	8.7%
1980–1989	5.1%
1970–1979	18.2%
1960–1969	8.8%
1950–1959	9.7%
1940–1949	5.2%
1939 or earlier	33.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	11.3%
2 bedrooms	27.4%
3 bedrooms	39.2%
4 bedrooms	16.8%
5+ bedrooms	4.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.8%
1 vehicle	18.9%
2 vehicles	34.8%
3 or more	39.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	50.1%
Electricity	20.7%
Propane / LP gas	23.0%
Wood	3.3%
No fuel used	1.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	705	52.4%
Cohabiting couple	78	5.8%
Male householder, no spouse	264	19.6%
Female householder, no spouse	299	22.2%
Households with children under 18	352	26.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	466	34.6%
Average household size	2.27

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	35.0%	21.1%
Married	51.1%	53.2%
Separated	0.6%	1.8%
Widowed	4.2%	10.3%
Divorced	9.1%	13.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.9%

Some HS, no diploma 7.8%

HS graduate 37.9%

Some college, no degree 23.9%

Associate's degree 13.8%

Bachelor's degree 11.1%

Graduate / professional 2.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.3%
Bachelor's or higher	13.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	26	4.2%
Kindergarten	29	4.7%
Elementary school	182	29.6%
High school	193	31.4%
College / grad school	184	30.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 27.7%

Education & healthcare 19.2%

Construction 10.7%

Retail trade 8.9%

Transportation & utilities 6.0%

Agriculture & mining 5.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.6%

Finance & real estate 4.5%

Public administration 4.4%

Wholesale trade 2.5%

Professional & management 2.1%

Information 2.0%

Other services 1.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	29.6%
Service	11.0%
Sales & office	22.3%
Natural resources & construction	18.1%
Production & transportation	18.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	79.6%
Government	17.2%
Self-employed	3.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.2%
Carpool	12.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.4%
Other means	0.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.5

Poverty

All people 5.4%

Under 18 years 7.1%

18 and over 5.1%

Married-couple families 0.9%

Female-led households 9.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.4%
Retirement income	27.2%
Supplemental Security	5.4%
Cash public assistance	1.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	15.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.7%
High cholesterol	33.0%
Heart disease	7.3%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	9.6%
Arthritis	25.5%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	7.6%
Cancer	7.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.4%
No physical activity	25.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.1%
Fair or poor health	14.5%
Poor mental health	14.0%
Poor physical health	10.5%
No health insurance	11.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.1%
Visited dentist	65.4%
Cholesterol screening	88.2%
Teeth loss	14.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	200	7.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	20.0%
Under 18	6.8%
18–64 years	12.6%
65 and over	51.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	70.0%
Public insurance	38.5%
Uninsured under 19	2.9%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,033	97.6%
Spanish	78	2.6%
Other Indo-European	78	2.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,975	95.7%
Born in same state	2,969	95.5%
Born in different state	2,633	84.7%
Foreign born	6	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	134	4.3%
Not a US citizen	46	34.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	518	16.7%
French	261	8.4%
Arab	207	6.7%
English	47	1.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	42	1.4%
Irish	20	0.6%
Dutch	15	0.5%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.3%
Internet access	91.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wapello, IA have?

Wapello, IA has one ZIP code: 52653. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.