Iola city, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Iola city, Kansas has a total population of 5,368, the 62nd largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $50,417, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
Iola city Quick Facts
How Iola city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Iola city Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Allen County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humboldt city | 1,956 | $43,558 | 25.1% | $91,600 |
| La Harpe city | 424 | $43,167 | 8.3% | $54,900 |
| Viola city | 200 | $183,145 | 0.5% | $159,200 |
Cities Similar to Iola city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia city | 5,067 | $50,213 | $96,100 | 20.5% | 13.2% |
| Colby city | 5,389 | $66,731 | $150,700 | 29.9% | 8.2% |
| Ulysses city | 5,812 | $63,765 | $123,100 | 22.3% | 6.4% |
| Russell city | 4,258 | $51,347 | $109,400 | 17.6% | 18.8% |
| Abilene city | 6,449 | $56,592 | $136,000 | 20.7% | 8.1% |
Population Overview
Iola city is a small city located in Kansas, within Allen County. The total population is 5,368. It ranks as the 62nd most populous out of 726 cities and towns in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Iola city is 38.4 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 37.2 years. 10.2% 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 Iola city is $50,417. This is 31% lower than the state median of $72,639. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 36% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 26% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 36% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $78,100. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Iola city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Iola city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.1%) is well below the state average of 13.3%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
22.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Iola city, Kansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 726 Census-designated places in Kansas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Iola city, Kansas?
Iola city, Kansas has a population of 5,368 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Iola city, KS?
The median household income in Iola city is $50,417, which is 36% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Iola city, KS?
The poverty rate in Iola city is 14.5%. This means approximately 724 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Iola city, Kansas?
Iola city's population is 85.2% White, 4.0% Black, 5.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Iola city, KS?
The median home value in Iola city is $78,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Iola city, Kansas?
22.9% of adults (25+) in Iola city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.