Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Indianola, MS
Looking for a warm, friendly community with affordable living? Indianola, MS, population 9,165, offers low housing costs with median home prices around $92,400 and average rents near $720. Residents enjoy short commutes of just 18 minutes, a mild climate with 63% sunny days, and access to local schools and the South Sunflower County Hospital. While crime rates are above national averages and incomes are modest, Indianola’s cost of living is one of the lowest in the nation—ideal for those seeking value and southern charm.
Demographics - Indianola, MS
Demographics - Indianola, MS
Indianola is home to about 9,165 residents, with a population density of 1,430 per square mile. The city is predominantly African American, with a median age of 36.5 years and a slightly higher proportion of females. Most people speak English, making for a close-knit and culturally rich community.
Population:
9,165
Density:
1,430 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
17.0%
Black:
80.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Indianola, MS?
Indianola boasts a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $92,400 and average rent at $720 per month. Living expenses, including groceries and utilities, are well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals or families. State taxes range from 3% to 5%, further enhancing the city’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$92,400
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.6
Grocery:
89.2
Housing:
34.7
Utilities:
95.9
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Indianola, MS a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Indianola are higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 177 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance of property crime. While the community is welcoming, it’s important for newcomers to stay vigilant and consider local safety resources. Neighborhood watch programs and community engagement can help enhance safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
564
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,984
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 177
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Indianola, MS year-round?
Indianola enjoys a mild, subtropical climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 36°F. The city sees about 63% sunny days and receives over 53 inches of rainfall annually, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer especially comfortable temperatures for residents.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Typical households in Indianola have a median income of around $31,800, with a poverty rate of 34.9%. Most residents commute about 18 minutes to work, and education levels show that over three-quarters have finished high school. The area is tight-knit, with a small percentage relying on public transportation and limited language diversity.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$36,700
Family Income:
$41,400
Per Capita Income:
$18,950
Income Male:
$33,200
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
34.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.2%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Indianola, MS?
Indianola offers a mix of public and private school options, including Gentry High School and Indianola Academy, with manageable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Mississippi Delta Community College just nine miles away. The city’s schools support a range of academic and technical programs for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Gentry High School
Street:
801 B.B. King Rd
Phone:
662-887-4651
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Indianola Career & Technical Center
Street:
244 E. Sunflower Rd
Phone:
662-887-2012
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
Indianola Academy
Street:
407 Gresham St
Phone:
662-887-2028
Students:
610

Colleges
Name:
Mississippi Delta Community College - Moorhead Campus
City:
Moorhead
State:
MS
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to South Sunflower County Hospital, providing general and emergency care within the city. With approximately 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 83% of residents insured, basic healthcare needs are met locally. The healthcare index suggests room for improvement, but essential services are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
South Sunflower County Hospital
Address:
121 E Baker St, Indianola, MS 38751
Phone:
(662) 887-5235
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.2%
Health Care Index:
65.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Indianola, MS?
The housing market in Indianola is highly affordable, with median home prices around $92,400 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $720. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering choices for both buyers and renters. Home values have seen slight appreciation, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$92,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Indianola residents are served by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety based in Jackson, reachable by phone or online for licensing and vehicle registration. State DMV services are conveniently accessible, ensuring local drivers can manage their records and requirements efficiently. The main office’s resources are available through the department’s website for added convenience.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Dr, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
1-601-987-1212
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.