Median Income
$52,917
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,300
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
372/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher 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
Population286
Median Age57.3 yrs
Density278/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,917
Per Capita$31,242
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,745M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,300
Rent$743
Ownership72.1%
Zillow$488,159
Housing Units185
Rent Burden47.0%
Crime
F
Violent372/100K
Property2,914/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking13.4%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation339 ft (103 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.44
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute34 min
Broadband63.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
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 affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Iola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iola is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iola is $170,300, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Iola is below the national average at 372 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,914 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Iola enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Iola has a population of 286 with a density of 278 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 57.3 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.3%), with 8.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.3% of residents, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 29.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.3yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.3%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.7%
10% above US avg
The median household income in Iola is $52,917, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,242 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,046, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above 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 5,241 business establishments, including 613 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,917 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,242 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,046 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.516 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,241 |
| County GDP | $15,745M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 613 |
| Healthcare | 491 |
| Retail | 675 |
| Manufacturing | 125 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,407 |
| 169% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Iola is $170,300, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,159, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $9,407 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.0% 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 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,300 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $488,159 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.9% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,407 |
| 169% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.52% |
In Iola, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,203. The dentist ratio is 1:1,741. 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,203 |
| Dentists | 1:1,741 |
| Mental Health | 1:667 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 491 |
Iola has a violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,914 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Iola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Iola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 372.5/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,914.1/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 301 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 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 339 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
85°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 69.4°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 339 ft (103 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 278/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7726°N, 96.0776°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brazos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Conroe/North Houston Regional (CXO)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Mar 29, 2025.
| Mar 29, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Wells, Texas |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Round Top, Texas |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
222 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
258 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 3 |
259 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
192 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
132 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
381 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 26 fatalities, 312 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
EF3 |
86 km |
3 |
| Apr 13, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 2000 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Dec 12, 1968 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1957 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1953 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1953 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1950 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY ROAD (18,999 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
RILEY ROAD |
18,999 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
7,272 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
6,349 |
42 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN COMPARTMENT 86-87 |
5,501 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,187 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
DYER MILL |
5,170 |
55 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,033 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
841 ARBOR |
4,966 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
C-38/39/40 |
4,708 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
S839 CONCORD ROBBINS |
4,388 |
51 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,218 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
4,072 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
4,014 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
BIGWOODS C81/86 |
3,979 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,972 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN C 36 39 |
3,832 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,796 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,503 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
85°F (30°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Iola has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 52°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and July the driest (2.3").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $611 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $602 |
| Toddler | $580 |
| Preschool | $572 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iola
What is the population of Iola?
Iola has a population of 286 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 278 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 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 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Iola expensive to live in?
Iola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,300 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Iola safe?
Iola is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,914 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 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Iola?
The job market in Iola faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,046. There are 5,241 business establishments in the area, including 613 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iola?
The median home value in Iola is $170,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.1%. The average annual property tax is $9,407.
How are the schools in Iola?
Schools in Iola score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Iola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iola?
The obesity rate in Iola is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,203.
What is transportation like in Iola?
The average commute in Iola is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iola is 84.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino. 85.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 29.0% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
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