Median Income
$49,688
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,200
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$734
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Iola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,230
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density732/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,688
Per Capita$28,272
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,200
Rent$734
Ownership57.2%
Zillow$291,895
Housing Units635
Rent Burden28.3%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured2.7%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Iola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iola receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Iola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iola is $49,688, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iola is $150,200, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Iola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow.
Iola has a population of 1,230 with a density of 732 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,230
Total Population
2023 Census
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Iola is $49,688, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,272 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,939 business establishments, including 217 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,688 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,272 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,939 |
| County GDP | $5,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 217 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 206 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Iola is $150,200, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,895, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 635 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,200 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $291,895 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $734 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.8% |
| Housing Units | 635 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.16% |
In Iola, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 2.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,360. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 2.7% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Iola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 49.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 732/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5097°N, 89.1172°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
390 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 293 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
66 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
25 km |
6 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
83 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Iola has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141-$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188-$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94-$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753-$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71-$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141-$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376-$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94-$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141-$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764-$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376-$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176-$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471-$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705-$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882-$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753-$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188-$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941-$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82-$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35-$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35-$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82-$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76-$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56-$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71-$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129-$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565-$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471-$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188-$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376-$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705-$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94-$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iola
What is the population of Iola?
Iola has a population of 1,230 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 732 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Iola expensive to live in?
Iola is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,688, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,200 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Iola?
Iola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Iola?
The unemployment rate in Iola is 6.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,939 business establishments in the area, including 217 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iola?
The median home value in Iola is $150,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,895. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Iola?
Schools in Iola score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Iola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iola?
The obesity rate in Iola is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 2.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Iola?
The average commute in Iola is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iola is 90.2% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.