Median Income
$42,125
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,000
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.6%
89% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.0%
233% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Indianola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population207
Median Age54.9 yrs
Density531/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$42,125
Per Capita$26,615
Unemployment12.0%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$1,134M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,000
Ownership88.0%
Zillow$127,025
Housing Units77
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.5%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation672 ft (205 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.6%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Indianola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Indianola receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Indianola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Indianola is $42,125, 44% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.0%, unemployment is notably high. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Indianola is $61,000, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Indianola is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
3.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Indianola has a population of 207 with a density of 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 54.9 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.9yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Indianola vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Indianola vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Indianola is $42,125, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,615 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 294 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 18.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Indianola vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,125 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,615 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,038 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.0% |
| 233% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $1,134M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.2% |
The median home value in Indianola is $61,000, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,025, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,000 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,025 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.0% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.51% |
In Indianola, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,705. The dentist ratio is 1:2,207. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Indianola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,705 |
| Dentists | 1:2,207 |
| Mental Health | 1:734 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,157/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Indianola has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Indianola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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. The area receives 23.7 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 672 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.5°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 672 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 531/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9271°N, 87.7402°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vermillion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
40 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
114 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
81 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 66 fatalities, 891 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Indianola has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.0").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianola
What is the population of Indianola?
Indianola has a population of 207 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Indianola expensive to live in?
Indianola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,125, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,000 (78% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Indianola safe?
Indianola is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Indianola?
Indianola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 23.7 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 faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 18.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $61,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,025. The homeownership rate is 88.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Indianola?
Schools in Indianola score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.6% of adults in Indianola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Indianola?
The obesity rate in Indianola is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,705.
What is transportation like in Indianola?
The average commute in Indianola is 26 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Indianola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola is 97.1% White. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.