Iola, WI
Population 1,230 · Wisconsin
About Iola, WI
Iola is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 1,230 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.7 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 Iola features a median home value of $150,200, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Iola in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $734, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 654 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (357 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (267 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 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Iola have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% 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 3.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Iola, WI
Compared to national averages, Iola has a median household income of $49,688 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,200, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $734 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Iola's income is 32% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 27% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Iola, WI?
Iola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $734/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,688) 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 1,230 with a median age of 44.7 years. Compare Iola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Iola
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Round Lake | 1,233 | $35,380 | $82,900 | Compare |
| Oakfield | 1,219 | $100,417 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Glenwood City | 1,218 | $70,833 | $159,900 | Compare |
| Cashton | 1,243 | $68,594 | $145,400 | Compare |
| Lyons | 1,206 | $94,483 | $284,300 | Compare |
| Boyceville | 1,200 | $55,972 | $158,200 | Compare |
| Spring Valley | 1,260 | $65,893 | $191,500 | Compare |
| Black Creek | 1,263 | $63,894 | $173,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Iola, WI is 1,230 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Iola?
The median household income in Iola, WI is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Iola?
The median home value in Iola, WI is $150,200, which is 39% 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, WI is $734, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Iola?
The unemployment rate in Iola, WI is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Iola, WI a good place to live?
Iola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,230 and a median age of 44.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Iola, WI?
16.2% 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, WI: median home value is $150,200 (39% below national), median rent is $734/month, and median household income is $49,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Iola?
The poverty rate in Iola, WI is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Iola, WI?
Iola's population is 3.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.