Median Income
$78,125
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$228,100
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
708/100K
86% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.5%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$966
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Indianola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,918
Median Age35.2 yrs
Density1,391/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,125
Per Capita$36,388
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$1,885M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$228,100
Rent$966
Ownership69.5%
Zillow$304,044
Housing Units6,375
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent708/100K
Property1,946/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault524/100K
Burglary351/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking13.7%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation959 ft (292 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.5%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Indianola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Indianola receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Indianola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Indianola is $78,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Indianola is $228,100, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $966 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 708 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,946 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Indianola has a population of 15,918 with a density of 1,391 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age is 35.2 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.2yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Indianola vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Indianola vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Indianola is $78,125, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,388. The average weekly wage is $985, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,410 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Indianola vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,125 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,388 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $985 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,680 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,410 |
| County GDP | $1,885M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,817 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.6% |
The median home value in Indianola is $228,100, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,044, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $966 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,375 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $5,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $228,100 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $304,044 |
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 20.4% |
| Inventory | 49 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $966 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Housing Units | 6,375 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,817 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.55% |
In Indianola, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,618. The dentist ratio is 1:2,716. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
1.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
120.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Indianola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,618 |
| Dentists | 1:2,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,450 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Indianola has a violent crime rate of 708 per 100,000 residents, 86% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 523.6 per 100,000, robbery at 12.3, rape at 172.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,946 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,466, burglary at 351, vehicle theft at 129 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 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 | 708.4/100K |
| 86% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 172.5/100K |
| Robbery | 12.3/100K |
| Assault | 523.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,946.4/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| Burglary | 351.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,466.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 129.4/100K |
| Arson | 37.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. 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 37.8 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 959 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 959 ft (292 m) |
| Area | 11.3 sq mi (29.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,391/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3630°N, 93.5655°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Warren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.8"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 392 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
55 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Indianola has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $733 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $632 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $495 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $487 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianola
What is the population of Indianola?
Indianola has a population of 15,918 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,391 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Indianola expensive to live in?
Indianola is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $78,125, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $228,100 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $966 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Indianola safe?
Public safety is a concern in Indianola, with a violent crime rate of 708 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,946 per 100,000 (below 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Indianola?
The job market in Indianola is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $985. There are 1,410 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 11.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $228,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,044. For renters, the median monthly rent is $966. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,817.
How are the schools in Indianola?
Schools in Indianola score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.5% of adults in Indianola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Indianola?
The obesity rate in Indianola is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,618.
What is transportation like in Indianola?
The average commute in Indianola is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Indianola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola is 93.1% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.