Inmate Capacity​​
Current Jail Information
Maximum capacity: 148 inmates
​Design capacity: 126 inmates*
​2025 average daily population: 137 inmates
Peak month: 151 inmates
​Inmate Population growth since 2015: 57.6%
​Average bookings per year: 2,878
Federal and state requirements require certain inmates to be housed separately. As a result, the jail may be considered full even when the total inmate population is below 148.
Learn More: Inmate Classification
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*The 126-inmate design capacity reflects an 85% occupancy level used for jail safety and management.
Crime Data and Jail Capacity
According to Iowa Department of Public Safety crime data, Wapello County had the highest overall crime ratio among Iowa counties in 2023 and 2024. This figure includes multiple types of reported crimes, not just violent crimes.
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For comparison, Iowa’s statewide violent crime rate which includes offenses such as murder and rape was below the national violent crime rate. These are two different measures: Wapello County’s ranking reflects overall reported crime within the county, while the state and national comparison refers specifically to violent crime.
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Iowa DPS notes that county crime data is based on information reported by local law enforcement agencies, and reporting levels can vary by county.
Data Source: Iowa DPS
Learn More
For more information, please review the Wapello County Jail Study under Supporting Documents of this website.
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Jail Population Data: See pages 16-18
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Booking Activity: See page 14
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Crime Data: See pages 12-13