Median Income
$49,615
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,500
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$639
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Indianola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population460
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density368/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,615
Per Capita$31,931
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$737M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,500
Rent$639
Ownership85.4%
Zillow$168,372
Housing Units211
Rent Burden18.7%
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured3.9%
Smoking14.3%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Elevation2,383 ft (726 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute24 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Indianola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Indianola receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, 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 $49,615, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Indianola is $85,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $639 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches, including 29.9 inches of snow.
Indianola has a population of 460 with a density of 368 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
460
Total Population
2023 Census
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Indianola vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Indianola vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Indianola is $49,615, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,931 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 445 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Indianola vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,615 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,366 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 445 |
| County GDP | $737M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,723 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Indianola is $85,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,372, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $639 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,723 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,372 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $639 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.6% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,723 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.52% |
In Indianola, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 3.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,328. The dentist ratio is 1:1,057. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Indianola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 3.9% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,328 |
| Dentists | 1:1,057 |
| Mental Health | 1:402 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Indianola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,383 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,383 ft (726 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 368/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2346°N, 100.4198°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Red Willow County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
51 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
32 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
2 km E of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
34 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
504 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
21 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
70 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
59 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
70 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Indianola has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.3").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianola
What is the population of Indianola?
Indianola has a population of 460 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 368 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Indianola expensive to live in?
Indianola is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,615, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,500 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $639 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches, with 29.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Indianola?
The job market in Indianola is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 445 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $85,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,372. For renters, the median monthly rent is $639. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,723.
How are the schools in Indianola?
Schools in Indianola score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Indianola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Indianola?
The obesity rate in Indianola is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 3.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,328.
What is transportation like in Indianola?
The average commute in Indianola is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Indianola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola is 94.3% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 27.2% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.