Neola, IA
Population 1,098 · Iowa
About Neola, IA
Neola is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,098 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,859 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Neola features a median home value of $166,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Neola in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $994, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 414 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (291 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (120 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Neola shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Neola have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Neola residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Neola Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Neola, IA
Compared to national averages, Neola has a median household income of $68,859 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,400, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $994 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Neola's income is 1% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 26% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Neola, IA?
Neola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $994/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,859) that falls below the national average. However, Neola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Neola has a population of 1,098 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Neola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Neola
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sully | 1,092 | $86,576 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 1,090 | $74,773 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 1,107 | $101,375 | $219,000 | Compare |
| Eddyville | 1,085 | $61,205 | $107,300 | Compare |
| Lansing | 1,111 | $49,537 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 1,081 | $64,904 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Larchwood | 1,076 | $69,327 | $189,700 | Compare |
| Winfield | 1,065 | $46,364 | $99,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Neola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Neola
What is the population of Neola, IA?
The population of Neola, IA is 1,098 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Neola?
The median household income in Neola, IA is $68,859 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Neola?
The median home value in Neola, IA is $166,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Neola?
The median monthly rent in Neola, IA is $994, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Neola?
The unemployment rate in Neola, IA is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Neola, IA a good place to live?
Neola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,098 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Neola, IA?
14.4% of residents in Neola aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Neola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Neola, IA: median home value is $166,400 (32% below national), median rent is $994/month, and median household income is $68,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Neola?
The poverty rate in Neola, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Neola, IA?
Neola's population is 1.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.