Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Indianola, IA
Considering a move to Indianola, IA? With a population of around 15,800, this welcoming community boasts affordable living, with median home prices at $230,000 and average rents near $950. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (110 per 100K), short 21-minute average commutes, and top-rated schools including the well-regarded Simpson College. Indianola offers a friendly small-town feel, plenty of sunny days, and easy access to the Des Moines metro area—making it an excellent choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Indianola, IA
Demographics - Indianola, IA
Indianola is home to about 15,800 residents, offering a moderately dense small-town environment with a median age of 36.5 years. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming and familiar setting for newcomers.
Population:
15,833
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Indianola, IA?
Indianola offers an affordable cost of living, with the median home value at $230,000 and average rent around $950. Utility and living expenses are below the national average, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.3
Grocery:
95.8
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
90.2
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Indianola, IA a safe place to live?
Indianola boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 110 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime remains relatively modest. Residents can enjoy peace of mind in a community where the chance of violent crime is 1 in 910 and property crime is 1 in 83.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,320
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Indianola, IA year-round?
Indianola experiences all four seasons, with cold winters, warm summers reaching up to 86°F, and pleasant springs and falls. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days and receives an average annual rainfall of 36.5 inches, providing a balance of sunshine and seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The city features a median household income of $73,800 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most residents have a high school diploma or higher, and short 21-minute average commutes contribute to Indianola's convenient and community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$73,800
Family Income:
$92,100
Per Capita Income:
$34,800
Income Male:
$48,600
Income Female:
$37,400
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
36.9%
Education
How are the schools in Indianola, IA?
Indianola offers strong educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools and the presence of Simpson College right in town. Students benefit from favorable student-teacher ratios and access to both K-12 and higher education within or near the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Indianola High School
Street:
1304 E 1st Ave
Phone:
515-961-9510
Students:
1,070
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Emerson Elementary School
Street:
1109 E Euclid Ave
Phone:
515-961-9550
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4

Private Schools
Name:
Indianola Christian Academy
Street:
1300 E 2nd Ave
Phone:
515-961-5755
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Simpson College
City:
Indianola
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,250
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Indianola provides quality healthcare with a major local hospital offering emergency services and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.5%. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, access to medical care is both convenient and reliable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Indianola
Address:
1504 N 1st St, Indianola, IA 50125
Phone:
(515) 961-3701
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Indianola, IA?
The housing market in Indianola is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $230,000 and 71.9% owner-occupied homes. Home values have appreciated by 4.4% over the past year, and rental options remain accessible with average rents at $950.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Indianola residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with services available at the nearby Ankeny office and accessible online. The DMV provides essential licensing and registration support for drivers and vehicle owners in the area.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.