Average Rent in Wapello County, IA↑ Rents rising 2.1% YoY🔺 10th priciest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 35,265
Market Overview
Wapello County, IA has rental prices ranging from $750/month to $1,467/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $776/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,034/year, spending $776/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Wapello County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,018/month, Wapello County ranks #10 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 67% of all US cities in our data.
The Wapello County Rental Market
The Wapello County, IA area has a population of about 35,265 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Wapello County, IA have risen by $21/month (2.1%) over the past year, from $997 to $1,018. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Wapello County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,040. The local median household income of $60,034 exceeds that threshold by $28,994, making Wapello County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Wapello County, IA has an unemployment rate of 4.3%, 0.4 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Wapello County, IA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $990 | $1,052 | $1,261 | $1,675 | — |
| Jasper County | $707 | $711 | $920 | $1,265 | — |
| Des Moines | $954 | $1,017 | $1,216 | $1,632 | — |
| Cedar Rapids | $681 | $757 | $993 | $1,391 | — |
| Iowa City | $816 | $921 | $1,105 | $1,548 | — |
| Waterloo | $684 | $760 | $997 | $1,301 | — |
Rent or Buy in Wapello County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Wapello County data
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
Living in Wapello County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Wapello CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Wapello County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Wapello CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections