Median Income
$13,750
82% lower than US avg
Home Value
$262,500
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
531/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$624
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
53.1%
328% higher than US avg
How Iola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population129
Median Age28.7 yrs
Density478/mi²
Male / Female30% / 71%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans100.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$13,750
Per Capita$11,511
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty53.1%
County GDP$3,276M
Commute16 min
Housing
F
Home Value$262,500
Rent$624
Ownership15.0%
Zillow$248,140
Housing Units73
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent531/100K
Property850/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation660 ft (201 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute16 min
Broadband60.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Iola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iola receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Iola faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iola is $13,750, 82% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 53.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iola is $262,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $624 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 19.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 531 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Iola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Iola has a population of 129 with a density of 478 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.7 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.5% female and 29.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 100.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 40.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.7yrs
Median Age
26% below 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 $13,750, which is 82% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,511 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 53.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,571 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $13,750 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,511 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,596 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 53.1% |
| 328% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,571 |
| County GDP | $3,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 191 |
| Retail | 230 |
| Manufacturing | 73 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Iola is $262,500, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,140. Homes sell for 87.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $624 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 15.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,387 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 19.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $262,500 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,140 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $84 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 87.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $624 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 15.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Iola, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753. The dentist ratio is 1:2,094. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,753 |
| Dentists | 1:2,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,190 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,535/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 191 |
Iola has a violent crime rate of 531 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 850 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 531.4/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 850.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°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 43.5 inches. The area receives 35.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 660 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 478/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1338°N, 76.5307°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williamsport Regional (IPT)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
100 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
260 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
6 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1992 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
148 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Iola has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in February to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.4").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Iola
What is the population of Iola?
Iola has a population of 129 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 478 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70.5% female and 29.5% male.
Is Iola expensive to live in?
Iola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $13,750, 82% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,500 (7% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $624 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 19.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Iola safe?
The violent crime rate in Iola is 531 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 850 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Iola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iola?
Iola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
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 $972. There are 1,571 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iola?
The median home value in Iola is $262,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,140. For renters, the median monthly rent is $624. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 15.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,387.
How are the schools in Iola?
Schools in Iola score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Iola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iola?
The obesity rate in Iola is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753.
What is transportation like in Iola?
The average commute in Iola is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% 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. 100.0% of the population are military veterans. 40.9% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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