Iola, KS
Population 5,368 · Kansas
About Iola, KS
Iola is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 5,368 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,417 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Iola features a median home value of $78,100, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Iola one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $689, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,629 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,388 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (841 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Iola shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Iola have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Iola 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 3.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Iola, KS
Compared to national averages, Iola has a median household income of $50,417 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $78,100, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $689 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Iola's income is 21% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 31% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Iola, KS?
Iola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $78,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $689/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,417) that falls below the national average. However, Iola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Iola has a population of 5,368 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Iola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Iola
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goddard | 5,361 | $92,220 | $203,500 | Compare |
| Colby | 5,389 | $66,731 | $150,700 | Compare |
| Concordia | 5,067 | $50,213 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Tonganoxie | 5,693 | $77,500 | $227,700 | Compare |
| Louisburg | 5,034 | $75,556 | $257,600 | Compare |
| Paola | 5,757 | $73,281 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Ulysses | 5,812 | $63,765 | $123,100 | Compare |
| Mulvane | 5,829 | $70,224 | $168,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Iola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Iola
What is the population of Iola, KS?
The population of Iola, KS is 5,368 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Iola?
The median household income in Iola, KS is $50,417 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Iola?
The median home value in Iola, KS is $78,100, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Iola?
The median monthly rent in Iola, KS is $689, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Iola?
The unemployment rate in Iola, KS is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Iola, KS a good place to live?
Iola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,368 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Iola, KS?
22.9% of residents in Iola 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 Iola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Iola, KS: median home value is $78,100 (68% below national), median rent is $689/month, and median household income is $50,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Iola?
The poverty rate in Iola, KS is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Iola, KS?
Iola's population is 3.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.