Median Income
$73,281
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$195,000
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
229/100K
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.7%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,069
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Paola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,757
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density1,086/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,281
Per Capita$39,914
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,433M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$195,000
Rent$1,069
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$364,683
Housing Units2,539
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent229/100K
Property1,339/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault159/100K
Burglary53/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation914 ft (279 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score6.31
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Paola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paola receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Paola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paola is $73,281, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paola is $195,000, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,069 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Paola is below the national average at 229 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,339 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Paola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Paola has a population of 5,757 with a density of 1,086 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Paola is $73,281, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,914. The average weekly wage is $1,031, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 966 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,281 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,914 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,031 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,818 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 966 |
| County GDP | $1,433M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,781 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Paola is $195,000, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,683, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,069 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,539 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $5,781 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $195,000 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $364,683 |
| Median List Price | $254,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $254,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.8% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,069 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,539 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,781 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Paola, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,730. The dentist ratio is 1:3,487. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,730 |
| Dentists | 1:3,487 |
| Mental Health | 1:599 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Paola has a violent crime rate of 229 per 100,000 residents, 40% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 158.6 per 100,000, robbery at 17.6, rape at 52.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,339 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,145, burglary at 53, vehicle theft at 141 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 229.0/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 52.9/100K |
| Robbery | 17.6/100K |
| Assault | 158.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,339.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Burglary | 52.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,145.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 140.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°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 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 914 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 914 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,086/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5789°N, 94.8604°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Miami County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrence Regional (LWC)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.4 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 4, 2015.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 96 fatalities, 1,085 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
99 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
58 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
44 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,207 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,097 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,091 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
EAST KENNEDY CREEK |
1,004 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Paola has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Paola. 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 | $681 |
| Toddler | $641 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $424 |
| Preschool | $424 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Paola
What is the population of Paola?
Paola has a population of 5,757 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,086 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Paola expensive to live in?
Paola 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 $73,281, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $195,000 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,069 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Paola safe?
Paola is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 229 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,339 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Paola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paola?
Paola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Paola?
The job market in Paola is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,031. There are 966 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paola?
The median home value in Paola is $195,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,683. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,069. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,781.
How are the schools in Paola?
Schools in Paola score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.7% of adults in Paola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paola?
The obesity rate in Paola is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,730.
What is transportation like in Paola?
The average commute in Paola is 25 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paola is 94.1% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability. 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
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