Paola, KS
Population 5,757 · Kansas
About Paola, KS
Paola is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 5,757 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,281 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paola features a median home value of $195,000, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Paola in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,069, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,667 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,644 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (856 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paola shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Paola have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Paola residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paola, KS
Compared to national averages, Paola has a median household income of $73,281 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $195,000, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,069 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Paola's income is 15% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 71% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Paola, KS?
Paola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $195,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,069/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,281) that falls below the national average. However, Paola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paola has a population of 5,757 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Paola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Paola
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulysses | 5,812 | $63,765 | $123,100 | Compare |
| Tonganoxie | 5,693 | $77,500 | $227,700 | Compare |
| Mulvane | 5,829 | $70,224 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Maize | 5,990 | $68,750 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Eudora | 6,036 | $106,356 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Colby | 5,389 | $66,731 | $150,700 | Compare |
| Iola | 5,368 | $50,417 | $78,100 | Compare |
| Goddard | 5,361 | $92,220 | $203,500 | 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 Paola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paola
What is the population of Paola, KS?
The population of Paola, KS is 5,757 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 Paola?
The median household income in Paola, KS is $73,281 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paola?
The median home value in Paola, KS is $195,000, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paola?
The median monthly rent in Paola, KS is $1,069, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paola?
The unemployment rate in Paola, KS is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Paola, KS a good place to live?
Paola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,757 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paola, KS?
28.7% of residents in Paola 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 Paola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paola, KS: median home value is $195,000 (20% below national), median rent is $1,069/month, and median household income is $73,281. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paola?
The poverty rate in Paola, KS is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Paola, KS?
Paola's population is 1.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.