Wapello County, IA Property Records
Property records in Wapello, Iowa are official documents that identify and describe real estate within the city, including ownership information, parcel numbers, legal descriptions, assessed values, property tax details, sales history, land and building characteristics, and related mapping data. These records are useful for homebuyers, property owners, real estate professionals, attorneys, lenders, and researchers who need to verify ownership, review valuations, estimate taxes, or support title and transaction due diligence.
Because Wapello is in Louisa County, official property information is maintained through county offices, primarily the Assessor for valuation and parcel data and the Recorder for recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Users can begin with the Louisa County Assessor’s office to access or request official property records and confirm procedures for searches, copies, and in-person assistance.
Wapello County, IA Property Records & Statistics
Wapello County offers affordable housing with a weaker economic backdrop. The median rent is $756.50, slightly above Iowa's $739 and below the national $840.25. The median home value is $110,900, well under the state's $134,900 and the national $173,750. Renter-occupied housing is 14.89% of occupied homes, below the state's 19.29% and the national 21.81%, so most homes are owner-occupied.
The median property tax rate is 1.33%, above Iowa's 1.27% and nearly double the national 0.74%. Even so, low home values keep typical bills moderate.
Median household income is $55,525.50, noticeably below the state's $67,426 and the national $65,108. The unemployment rate is 3.14%, higher than both Iowa's 1.88% and the national 2.87%, indicating tighter employment conditions than in much of the state.
Taken together, the figures show a low-cost market where homes are inexpensive relative to the state, but incomes are lower, taxes are somewhat higher and joblessness exceeds the state and national levels.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Wapello
Wapello County's property records cover assessments, deeds, mortgages, valuations and foreclosure filings. The county has 31,589 total parcels, including 21,333 residential and 1,872 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 97.96% of the population. The recorder holds 30,399 deeds and 20,392 mortgages, and valuation data exists for 13,118 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 31,589 |
| Residential Parcels | 21,333 |
| Commercial Parcels | 1,872 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 97.96% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Deed Records | 30,399 |
| Mortgage Records | 20,392 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 13,118 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Sale Records | 649 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records track a mortgage after it is recorded. An assignment shows a loan transferred to a new holder, and a release shows that it was repaid and the lien removed.
Wapello County has 29,449 assignment and release records, including 3,756 assignment documents and 25,663 release documents, plus 30 other documents. Both were recorded from January 3, 2005, through August 4, 2025.
Researchers can use them to confirm that earlier mortgages were cleared, follow a loan between lenders, and find liens that may still be open before a purchase or refinance. The Wapello County recording and real estate documents page covers records access.
How to Search Wapello County, IA Property Records
Wapello County's recorder maintains deeds, mortgages and other recorded documents, with assessment data covering 31,589 parcels. Records include ownership transfers and mortgages recorded since January 2006, valuation figures and foreclosure notices.
The Wapello County Recorder's Office page is the main official resource. The real estate documents and recording fees page explains how to obtain records, and the recorder forms page lists transfer forms. The office is at 101 W 4th Street, Ottumwa, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, phone 641-683-0045.
To search, bring an owner name, address or parcel number, start with the most specific detail, and verify matches against the legal description. Call the recorder about older or missing records.
Wapello Registrar of Deeds
The Wapello County Probate Office is located at 101 W 4th Street, Ottumwa, IA, 52501 and can be reached at 641-683-0045. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through wapellocounty.org or the official website wapellocounty.org.
Wapello County Recorder’s Office
Wapello County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Wapello County property records by address?
Visit the Wapello County Recorder's page and use the full street address, or call 641-683-0045. A parcel number or owner name also helps staff locate the right record at 101 W 4th Street, Ottumwa.
How can I find property owners in Wapello County?
Recorded deeds identify owners, and the county holds 30,399 deed records from January 3, 2006 to July 31, 2025. The Recorder's Office explains how to obtain documents.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Wapello County?
The county assessor sets values, with records reflecting the 2024 assessment year. Find the assessor through the Wapello County website and provide your parcel number or address.
Where can I find Wapello County property tax bills and payment records?
The county treasurer in Ottumwa issues bills and accepts payment. Reach county offices through the Wapello County website with your parcel number. The county's median property tax rate is 1.33%.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Wapello County?
The Wapello County Recorder's Office records deeds, mortgages, assignments and releases. See the real estate documents page or visit 101 W 4th Street, Ottumwa, weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call 641-683-0045.
Where can I access Wapello County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel mapping for the county's 31,589 parcels is maintained by county offices in Ottumwa. Ask via the Recorder's page or call 641-683-0045 for the current map source. Bring an address or parcel number.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Wapello County?
County zoning staff handle rural property, while cities such as Ottumwa manage permits within city limits. Begin at the Wapello County website and have your parcel number and project details ready.
How can I create a list of property owners in Wapello County?
Searches are done property by property. Compile owners through deed lookups, or ask the Recorder's Office at 641-683-0045 whether larger record requests can be filled.