Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,700
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Iola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population71
Median Age57.3 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans64.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$26,972
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$699M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,700
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$113,255
Housing Units31
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property2,351/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking18.1%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation525 ft (160 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+82.8%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute28 min
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Iola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iola receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Iola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iola is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iola is $71,700, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Iola is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,351 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Iola enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 8.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Iola has a population of 71 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 57.3 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 44.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.3yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Iola is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,972 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $977, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 314 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $977 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,796 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 314 |
| County GDP | $699M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,567 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Iola is $71,700, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,255, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 31 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,567. 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,700 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,255 |
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 | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 31 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,567 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.97% |
In Iola, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,381. The dentist ratio is 1:2,175. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,381 |
| Dentists | 1:2,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:542 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,233/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Iola has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,351 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Iola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Iola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 60.3/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,350.8/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°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 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 525 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 525 ft (160 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8341°N, 88.6278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
56 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
77 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
78 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
120 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
77 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
78 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
76 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
48 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
62 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
41 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 471 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
100 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
50 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
66 km |
6 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Iola has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Iola. 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 Iola
What is the population of Iola?
Iola has a population of 71 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Iola expensive to live in?
Iola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,700 (75% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Iola safe?
Iola is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,351 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Iola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iola?
Iola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches, with 8.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Iola?
The job market in Iola is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $977. There are 314 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iola?
The median home value in Iola is $71,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,255. The homeownership rate is 80.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,567.
How are the schools in Iola?
Schools in Iola score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.2% of adults in Iola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iola?
The obesity rate in Iola is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,381.
What is transportation like in Iola?
The average commute in Iola is 28 minutes. 95.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iola is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 44.8% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
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