Indianola, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,062
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,708/yr
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,060
2.3% year-over-year change

Indianola population

How many people live in Indianola

Indianola is home to 9,062 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Indianola locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
9,062
-3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
4,183
Female
53.8%
4,879
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,183 46.2% -5.2%
Female 4,879 53.8% -1.4%
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 Indianola is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,812 20% -8.0%
15 to 24 1,241 13.7% -11.5%
25 to 44 2,517 27.8% 4.4%
45 to 64 1,988 21.9% 3.3%
Over 65 1,504 16.6% -9.0%
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 Indianola, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 15% of locals are Caucasian, 81.6% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,891 98.1% -4.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 0.3% -30.8%
Non-citizens 144 1.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
15%
Black or African American
81.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 1,356 15%
Black or African American 7,396 81.6%
Asian 40 0.4%
Two or more races 262 2.9%
Other 8 0.1%

Households in Indianola

A peek inside Indianola households

Indianola has 3,493 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.9% are families, while the remaining 34.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,493
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,192
Family households
2,301
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,192 34.1% -5.8%
Family households 2,301 65.9% 5.0%
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 Indianola

The housing landscape of Indianola

Indianola's housing consists of 4,060 units, with 79.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,060
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,235 79.7%
1 unit, attached 22 0.5%
2 units 272 6.7%
3 or 4 units 90 2.2%
5 to 9 units 288 7.1%
10 to 19 units 16 0.4%
20 to 49 units 96 2.4%
Mobile home 41 1%
Homes built since 2020
21
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Indianola

In Indianola, the median construction year is 1971. About 6.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 262 6.4% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 154 3.8% 40.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 734 18.1% -0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 804 19.8% 10.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 747 18.4% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 755 18.6% 18.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 357 8.8% -18.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 171 4.2% 20.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 55 1.4% -32.1%
Built in 2020 or later 21 0.5% N/A
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.

Indianola occupancy rates

Out of the 3,493 occupied housing units in Indianola, 51.8% are owner-occupied, while 48.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,493
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,685
Owner occupied
1,808
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,685 48.2% 6.5%
Owner occupied 1,808 51.8% -3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
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.

Indianola housing costs

Housing costs in Indianola come to a median of $650 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $720.

Median housing costs per month
$650/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 Indianola
$720/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 Indianola

Indianola education at a glance

About 36.1% of the population in Indianola went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 14.8% earned an associate degree and 9.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 714 10.6% 36.3%
High school diploma 2,428 36.1% -14.1%
College diploma 1,312 19.5% -3.7%
Associate degree 996 14.8% 46.3%
Bachelor's degree 641 9.5% -4.8%
Graduate degree 638 9.5% -20.2%
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 Indianola

How much people earn in Indianola

The average annual household income in Indianola was $53,804 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,708, reflecting a +6.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Indianola
$53,804/year
8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Indianola
$41,708/year
6.2% year-over-year change

Indianola income by age

In Indianola, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,859. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,517 overall. Overall, 69.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $50,859 -2.2%
45 - 64 $50,517 6.3%
Over 65 $24,174 5.8%
Above poverty level
6,205
Below poverty level
2,731
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,205 69.4% -0.4%
Below poverty level 2,731 30.6% -3.8%

Average renter income in Indianola

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Indianola, their median household income was $19,033 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,033
Rent-to-income ratio
45.4%
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 Indianola

Workforce and job types in Indianola

The job market in Indianola is powered by 3,659 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,659
5.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,636
Blue collar
1,023
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,636 72% 5.4%
Blue collar 1,023 28% 7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 192 5.2% -9.9%
Private companies 2,405 65.7% 15.8%
Governmental workers 804 22% -7.9%
Not for profit companies 258 7% -12.2%
Unemployment rate
13.1%
0.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Indianola stands at 13.1%, 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 Indianola

How people get around in Indianola

Commuting methods vary: 92.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 3,376 92.7% 3.9%
Walk 17 0.5% -54.0%
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 Indianola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38751 9,949 3,831 $44,699 $61,010

Explore more communities

FAQs about Indianola demographics 

What is the total population of Indianola?

Indianola has a total population of 9,062 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 -3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Indianola?

The gender ratio in Indianola is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (4,183 residents)
  • 53.8% females (4,879 residents)

What is the median age in Indianola?

The median age in Indianola is 35.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Indianola?

The age distribution in Indianola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (1,812 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (1,241 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (2,517 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (1,988 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (1,504 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Indianola is as follows:
  • White: 15% (1,356 residents)
  • Black or African American: 81.6% (7,396 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (262 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Indianola.

How many housing units are there in Indianola?

There are 4,060 housing units in Indianola, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Indianola has a total of 3,493 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Indianola?

Indianola has a median household income of $41,708, representing a +6.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.9% in Indianola, with a workforce of 3,659 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72% (2,636 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28% (1,023 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (192 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (2,405 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (804 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (258 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