Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Paola, KS
Considering a move to Paola, KS? This friendly city of 5,868 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $198,500 and average rents at $975. Residents enjoy short commutes (25 minutes), low violent crime (188 per 100K), and a family-friendly atmosphere. With quality local schools, plenty of sunny days, and a welcoming small-town feel just outside Kansas City, Paola is a great choice for comfortable and convenient living.
Demographics - Paola, KS
Paola, Kansas, is home to about 5,900 residents, with a median age of 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White at over 90%, with a small but present mix of other ethnic backgrounds. The city maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere with a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Population:
5,868
Density:
1,185 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Paola, KS?
Paola offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of approximately $198,500 and average rent around $975. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are generally below national averages, and state taxes remain moderate. This makes the city appealing for those seeking value and comfort in their daily lives.
Median House Value:
$198,500
Gross Rent:
$975
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Paola, KS a safe place to live?
Paola experiences low violent crime rates at 188 incidents per 100,000 people, with property crime being more common but still manageable. Residents face a 1 in 531 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 54 chance of property crime, contributing to a sense of safety in the community. Overall, Paola maintains a reassuring environment for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,845
Crime Index:
2,033
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 531
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Paola, KS year-round?
Paola enjoys a variety of seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters with lows around 19°F. The area receives nearly 40 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 62% of the year. This climate supports outdoor activities and a comfortable lifestyle throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Paola have a median income of $57,280, with a family income average of $73,300. The area boasts a high rate of high school graduates (over 90%) and a low unemployment rate near 4%. A manageable commute time and low poverty rate help foster a stable, tight-knit community.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$57,280
Family Income:
$73,300
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$44,900
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$975
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
24.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Paola, KS?
Paola provides quality local education through its public schools, including Paola High School and Sunflower Elementary, with manageable student-teacher ratios. The city also offers private schooling options and is within easy driving distance to colleges such as Johnson County Community College and Ottawa University. Families in Paola benefit from a supportive educational environment for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Paola High School
Street:
401 Angela St
Phone:
913-294-8010
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Paola Middle School
Street:
405 N Hospital Dr
Phone:
913-294-8030
Students:
495
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Sunflower Elementary School
Street:
1401 E 303rd St
Phone:
913-294-8040
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Trinity Catholic School
Street:
601 E Chippewa St
Phone:
913-294-3284
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Johnson County Community College
City:
Overland Park
State:
KS
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
16,300
Name:
Ottawa University
City:
Ottawa
State:
KS
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Paola is anchored by the Miami County Medical Center, offering general, surgical, and emergency services. The city has about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of people are covered by health insurance. Access to care is reliable, supporting the well-being of the local population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Miami County Medical Center
Address:
2100 Baptiste Dr, Paola, KS 66071
Phone:
(913) 294-2327
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Paola, KS?
Paola's housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $198,500 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, and rental vacancies remain low. This stability makes Paola a solid choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$198,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$975
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Paola are served by the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles, with the main office located in Topeka. Essential DMV services, licensing, and vehicle registration can be accessed both online and in person. The process is straightforward, ensuring residents can manage their driving needs efficiently.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
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.