Home Value
$512,500
82% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
439/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.1%
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.2%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Indianola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population568
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density403/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
Per Capita$38,701
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$7,591M
Commute16 min
Housing
Home Value$512,500
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$488,248
Housing Units286
Rent Burden38.0%
Crime
F
Violent439/100K
Property3,955/100K
Health
Obesity30.2%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking12.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation161 ft (49 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.1%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score4.55
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 62%
Commute16 min
Broadband96.8%
EV Stations17
Libraries13
Is Indianola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Indianola receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Indianola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Indianola is $512,500, making it a premium housing market at 82% above the U.S. median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,955 per 100,000, 102% above the national average.
Education
27.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Indianola has a population of 568 with a density of 403 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91% of residents, while 9% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Indianola vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.0%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.0%
33% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Indianola vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $38,701. The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,685 business establishments, including 393 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Indianola vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $38,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,241 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,685 |
| County GDP | $7,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Healthcare | 384 |
| Retail | 538 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Indianola is $512,500, 82% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,248. Homes sell for 84.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 286 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $512,500 |
| 82% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $488,248 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $304 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 286 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.93% |
In Indianola, 30.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 19.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642. The dentist ratio is 1:1,216. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Indianola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,642 |
| Dentists | 1:1,216 |
| Mental Health | 1:160 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
Indianola has a violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 residents, 16% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,955 per 100,000, 102% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Indianola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Indianola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 439.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,955.4/100K |
| 102% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 161 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 403/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8100°N, 124.0784°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD) 96 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
8.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0303 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.31 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.23 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,242 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
54 km |
| Sep 1, 1994 |
121 km W of Ferndale, California |
M7.1 |
143 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
89 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
126 km W of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
62 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
55 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
59 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
65 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
87 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
98 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
71 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
85 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
109 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
124 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
65 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
44 km |
| May 21, 2023 |
108km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
134 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
63 km |
| Oct 4, 1997 |
100 km WNW of Samoa, California |
M5.5 |
110 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
52km W of Ferndale, CA |
M5.4 |
69 km |
| Jan 13, 2001 |
off the coast of Northern California |
M5.4 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1958 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1960 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.1 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1873 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.1 m |
— |
133 km |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
53 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
93 km |
| 1994 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
143 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Shasta (171 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
171 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MONUMENT (226,125 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
MONUMENT |
226,125 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
HAYPRESS |
204,549 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
RED SALMON COMPLEX |
147,535 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
MEGRAM- ORLEANS |
125,337 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
PIGEON |
100,962 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
SISKIYOU-BLUE 2 COMPLEX (BLUE 2) |
100,823 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
RIVER COMPLEX |
78,531 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
YELLOW 2 |
53,626 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
BEAR WALLOW COMPLEX (UKONOM) |
40,029 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
MOSQUITO |
36,111 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (EAGLE) |
32,397 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
CAMPBELL |
30,392 |
47 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (BUCKHORN) |
29,446 |
69 km |
| 1994 |
JACK 1 |
28,007 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (LIME) |
27,234 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (MINERS) |
25,680 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (CEDAR) |
25,277 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
SHIELL |
24,830 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
7.7 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
7.8 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
8.4 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Indianola has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 46°F in December to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (8.4") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Indianola. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,586 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,094 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianola
What is the population of Indianola?
Indianola has a population of 568 residents and is located in California. The population density is 403 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Indianola expensive to live in?
Indianola is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $512,500 (82% above the U.S. median).
Is Indianola safe?
The violent crime rate in Indianola is 439 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,955 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Indianola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Indianola?
Indianola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Indianola?
Indianola has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 7,685 business establishments in the area, including 393 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $512,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,248. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,760.
How are the schools in Indianola?
Schools in Indianola have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 27.1% of adults in Indianola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Indianola?
The obesity rate in Indianola is 30.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 19.3% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642.
What is transportation like in Indianola?
The average commute in Indianola is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Indianola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola is 93.8% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 91% of residents speak only English at home, while 9% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.