Total enrollment
1,767
-210 (-11%) vs SY 2017-18
Appanoose County
Iowa · Public K-12
Appanoose County reports 8 public K-12 schools to NCES, against a population of 12,184, with an average school size of 221 students. The level mix is 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 3 high schools.
7-year change in Appanoose County
SY 2017-18 vs SY 2024-25School count
8
-1 (-11%) vs SY 2017-18
% White
92%
was 94%
% Hispanic
4%
was 2%
% Black
1%
was 1%
% Asian
0%
was 1%
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
Schools
8
3 districts
Enrollment
1,767
NCES CCD
Median income
$54,934
Below Iowa avg
Free/reduced lunch
53.5%
Above Iowa avg
Elementary
4
809 students
Middle
1
298 students
High
3
660 students
Combined / other
0
schools
LARGEST DISTRICT
Centerville Comm School District
1,224 students · 3 districts in Appanoose County
County vs. school enrollment demographics
Left bar is the racial makeup of Appanoose County residents (Census ACS 5-year). Right bar is the enrollment-weighted makeup of public schools in the county (NCES CCD). NCES systematically under-reports Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Native American enrollment for many schools; where the resident share is meaningful but the reported school share is zero, we mark the school bar "not reported".
County residents
School enrollment
Bachelor's+
20.5%
adults 25+
Poverty rate
9.1%
ACS 5-year
Unemployment
3.9%
civilian labor
Median age
44
21.6% under 18
Test scores in Appanoose County
Latest 2024-25 ELA proficiency, 7 schools ranked. Iowa state average: 73.7%.
Top 5 schools (ELA)
- Moravia High School· 76.4%
- Moravia Elementary School· 74.6%
- Centerville High School· 71.1%
- Lakeview Elementary· 70.8%
- Howar Middle School· 68.8%
Lowest 5 schools (ELA)
- Moulton-Udell High School· 48.7%
- Moulton Elementary School· 53.8%
- Howar Middle School· 68.8%
- Lakeview Elementary· 70.8%
- Centerville High School· 71.1%
| Name | City | Level | Grades | Enrollment | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Elementary | Centerville | Elementary | KG-05 | 498 | · |
| Centerville High School | Centerville | High | 09-12 | 368 | · |
| Howar Middle School | Centerville | Middle | 06-08 | 298 | · |
| Moravia High School | Moravia | High | 06-12 | 207 | · |
| Moravia Elementary School | Moravia | Elementary | PK-05 | 148 | · |
| Moulton Elementary School | Moulton | Elementary | PK-06 | 103 | · |
| Moulton-Udell High School | Moulton | High | 07-12 | 85 | · |
| Centerville Community Preschool | Centerville | Elementary | PK-PK | 60 | · |
Cities in Appanoose County
About Appanoose County
Appanoose County is a sparse Iowa county of about 12,184 residents, home to 8 public schools and roughly 1,767 students.
Looking at the wider area, census numbers show median household income runs near $54,934, roughly 21% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and the federal-poverty share is near 9%. That income level is 23% noticeably below the Iowa median.
Looking at the level breakdown, Appanoose County comprises 4 elementary schools (809 students), 1 middle school (298), and 3 high schools (660).
Centerville Comm School District dominates the local landscape, accounting for roughly 1,224 students on its own.
Trend over the past 7 years. Combined enrollment now sits at 1,767 students, fell 11% from the 1,977 reported in SY 2017-18. Over that span, Appanoose County lost 1 school, going from 9 to 8.
In the discussion threads here, the community for Appanoose County discusses sports rivalries, cross-district programs, and shared facilities. Posts come from current and former families, staff, and alumni.
Frequently asked questions
Appanoose County school rankings
DATA · Census ACS 5-year · NCES Common Core of Data