Indianola, MS
Population 9,360 · Mississippi
About Indianola, MS
Indianola is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 9,360 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,275 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 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 Indianola features a median home value of $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Indianola one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $763, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,970 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (1,874 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (1,582 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Indianola shows an unemployment rate of 13.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Indianola have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of Indianola 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 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Indianola Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Indianola, MS
Compared to national averages, Indianola has a median household income of $39,275 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $763 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Indianola's income is 21% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 5% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Indianola, MS?
Indianola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $763/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,275) that falls below the national average. However, Indianola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Indianola has a population of 9,360 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Indianola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Indianola
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamondhead | 9,338 | $86,208 | $236,700 | Compare |
| Booneville | 9,060 | $50,112 | $123,500 | Compare |
| West Point | 9,967 | $35,055 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Bay St. Louis | 9,971 | $70,082 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Yazoo City | 10,270 | $28,722 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Flowood | 10,384 | $83,204 | $288,400 | Compare |
| Senatobia | 8,306 | $52,370 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Gulf Hills | 8,193 | $66,472 | $191,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Indianola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Indianola
What is the population of Indianola, MS?
The population of Indianola, MS is 9,360 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Indianola?
The median household income in Indianola, MS is $39,275 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola, MS is $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Indianola?
The median monthly rent in Indianola, MS is $763, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Indianola?
The unemployment rate in Indianola, MS is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Indianola, MS a good place to live?
Indianola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,360 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Indianola, MS?
24.2% of residents in Indianola 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 Indianola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Indianola, MS: median home value is $119,100 (51% below national), median rent is $763/month, and median household income is $39,275. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Indianola?
The poverty rate in Indianola, MS is 31.1%, 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 Indianola, MS?
Indianola's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 80.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.