Paoli, Indiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Paoli, Indiana had a total population of 3,125, the 175th largest town in Indiana, with a median household income of $42,906, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.2%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Paoli Quick Facts
How Paoli Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,274 | 3,125 | -4.6% |
| Median household income | $45,926 | $42,906 | -6.6% |
| Median home value | $134,300 | $150,700 | +12.2% |
How Paoli Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Paoli Rankings in Indiana
Explore Indiana Rankings
Other Cities in Orange County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orleans | 2,235 | $65,330 | 13.9% | $117,500 |
| French Lick | 1,828 | $54,519 | 10.1% | $85,100 |
| West Baden Springs | 543 | $42,857 | 18.1% | $163,800 |
Cities Similar to Paoli
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covington | 3,069 | $52,466 | $164,400 | 18.2% | 15.0% |
| Bicknell | 3,017 | $52,188 | $66,300 | 10.2% | 14.2% |
| Corydon | 3,157 | $56,513 | $144,600 | 14.8% | 8.8% |
| Country Squire Lakes | 3,057 | $57,201 | $26,600 | 1.8% | 23.9% |
| Loogootee | 2,853 | $50,000 | $148,500 | 11.6% | 26.4% |
Population Overview
Paoli is a small community located in Indiana, within Orange County. The total population is 3,125. It ranks as the 175th most populous out of 967 Census-designated places in Indiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Paoli is 42.6 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 38.1 years. 12.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Paoli is $42,906. This is 40% lower than the state median of $71,957. It is also 47% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%. This is 104% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.3%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.8%. This is 82% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $150,700. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $218,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 62.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 70.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Paoli has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.4%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 9.1%.
Education
14.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 29.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Paoli, Indiana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Indiana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 967 Census-designated places in Indiana. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Paoli, Indiana?
Paoli, Indiana has a population of 3,125 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Paoli, IN?
The median household income in Paoli is $42,906, which is 47% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Paoli, IN?
The poverty rate in Paoli is 25.2%. This means approximately 741 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Paoli, Indiana?
Paoli's population is 86.3% White, 0.4% Black, 4.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Paoli, IN?
The median home value in Paoli is $150,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Paoli, Indiana?
14.0% of adults (25+) in Paoli hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.