Iola, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,348
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,221/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,471
-6.0% year-over-year change

Iola population

How many people live in Iola

Iola is home to 5,348 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Iola locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
5,348
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
2,633
Female
50.8%
2,715
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,633 49.2% 2.2%
Female 2,715 50.8% -2.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Iola is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.2% are children under 15, then 17.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 19.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.2%
15 to 24
17.8%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
19.9%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,132 21.2% 11.3%
15 to 24 950 17.8% 24.0%
25 to 44 1,217 22.8% -1.4%
45 to 64 1,064 19.9% -18.3%
Over 65 985 18.4% -6.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Iola, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,110 95.6% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 47 0.9% -48.4%
Non-citizens 191 3.6% 33.6%
Racial breakdown
White
86.9%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 4,647 86.9%
Black or African American 342 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.2%
Asian 22 0.4%
Two or more races 314 5.9%
Other 15 0.3%

Households in Iola

A peek inside Iola households

Iola has 2,063 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.7% are families, while the remaining 39.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,063
-7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
811
Family households
1,252
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 811 39.3% -7.5%
Family households 1,252 60.7% -7.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Iola

The housing landscape of Iola

Iola's housing consists of 2,471 units, with 82.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,471
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,049 82.9%
1 unit, attached 36 1.5%
2 units 109 4.4%
3 or 4 units 27 1.1%
10 to 19 units 31 1.2%
20 to 49 units 99 4%
50 or more units 1 0%
Mobile home 119 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
6
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Iola

In Iola, the median construction year is 1960. About 37.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 916 37.1% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 117 4.7% 8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 205 8.3% -17.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 282 11.4% -20.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 494 20% 9.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 132 5.3% -24.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 164 6.6% -10.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 107 4.3% -26.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 48 1.9% -14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.2% -25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Iola occupancy rates

Out of the 2,063 occupied housing units in Iola, 60.9% are owner-occupied, while 39.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,063
-7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
806
Owner occupied
1,257
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 806 39.1% -4.2%
Owner occupied 1,257 60.9% -9.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Iola housing costs

Housing costs in Iola come to a median of $742 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $767.

Median housing costs per month
$742/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Iola
$767/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Iola

Iola education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Iola went to high school, while 27.2% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 62 1.5% -11.4%
High school diploma 1,814 44.6% -8.3%
College diploma 1,103 27.2% -2.1%
Associate degree 284 7% 37.2%
Bachelor's degree 569 14% -11.9%
Graduate degree 231 5.7% 6.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Iola

How much people earn in Iola

The average annual household income in Iola was $66,954 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,221, reflecting a +7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Iola
$66,954/year
12.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Iola
$54,221/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Iola income by age

In Iola, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,167 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,976, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,924 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,976 6.1%
25 - 44 $60,000 3.4%
45 - 64 $69,167 13.6%
Over 65 $38,924 0.1%
Above poverty level
4,452
Below poverty level
415
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,452 91.5% 6.1%
Below poverty level 415 8.5% -40.8%

Average renter income in Iola

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Iola, their median household income was $31,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,000
Rent-to-income ratio
29.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Iola

Workforce and job types in Iola

The job market in Iola is powered by 2,342 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.9% run their own businesses, 59.3% are employed by private companies, and 28.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,342
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,672
Blue collar
670
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,672 71.4% 4.0%
Blue collar 670 28.6% -4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
2.9%
Private companies
59.3%
Governmental workers
28.2%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 68 2.9% -12.8%
Private companies 1,389 59.3% 3.2%
Governmental workers 660 28.2% -1.6%
Not for profit companies 225 9.6% 6.1%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
64.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Iola stands at 8.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Iola

How people get around in Iola

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,066 88.3% 2.1%
Bicycle 2 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 149 6.4% -18.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Iola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66749 7,448 2,898 $60,093 $75,812

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FAQs about Iola demographics 

What is the total population of Iola?

Iola has a total population of 5,348 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Iola?

The gender ratio in Iola is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (2,633 residents)
  • 50.8% females (2,715 residents)

What is the median age in Iola?

The median age in Iola is 32.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Iola?

The age distribution in Iola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.2% (1,132 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.8% (950 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (1,217 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.9% (1,064 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (985 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Iola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Iola is as follows:
  • White: 86.9% (4,647 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (342 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (22 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (314 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (15 residents)

What percentage of the population in Iola are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Iola.

How many housing units are there in Iola?

There are 2,471 housing units in Iola, reflecting a -6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Iola and what is the average household size?

Iola has a total of 2,063 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Iola?

Iola has a median household income of $54,221, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Iola?

The employment rate is 91.6% in Iola, with a workforce of 2,342 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.4% (1,672 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.6% (670 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.9% (68 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.3% (1,389 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.2% (660 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (225 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025