Is Iola Safe, Pros and cons of living in Iola
Iola, Kansas, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with a population of approximately 5,348 residents (as of 2024) (cite: 5). This city in Allen County provides a sparse suburban feel, where most residents own their homes (cite: 6). It’s a place characterized by a conservative demographic, with a significant portion of its population identifying with this political leaning (cite: 6).
The city’s economic landscape is anchored by a sizable industrial base, and it serves as a regional shopping center for surrounding counties (cite: 4). While Iola has faced population decline in recent years, it remains a vital hub for its region (cite: 4). The community is known for its local merchants and a strong sense of local pride, evident in its residents’ support for community events and initiatives (cite: 4).
Is it Safe to Live in Iola?
Iola’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average (cite: 14). NeighborhoodScout analysis indicates that Iola is not among the safest communities in America (cite: 14). Compared to other Kansas cities of similar size, Iola’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average (cite: 14).
Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Iola is about 1 in 40 (cite: 14). The rate for property crime is approximately 20 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of such offenses (cite: 14). This includes larceny, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft (cite: 14).
Violent crime statistics in Iola also present concerns, with rates for assault, murder, rape, and robbery being higher than national averages in some categories (cite: 16). The cost of crime per resident in Iola is higher than both the national and state averages, underscoring the financial impact of crime in the community (cite: 21). While some residents consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, crime risk varies by neighborhood (cite: 21).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Iola presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value in Iola was approximately $78,300 in 2024 (cite: 5), and the median listing price is around $129.5K (cite: 22). This is significantly lower than the national median home value (cite: 5, 22).
The cost of living in Iola is also notably lower than the national average, with housing costs being a major contributing factor. Housing in Iola is about 46% lower than the national average (cite: 26). The median property value has seen a slight increase year-over-year, growing by 0.256% to $78,300 (cite: 5).
Rental prices in Iola are also quite accessible. The average rent in Iola, KS, is $875 (as of May 2026) (cite: 11). Rental properties range from $575 to $1,300, offering a variety of options for renters (cite: 11). In the last year, the average rent has increased by $180, though it decreased by $20 in the last month (cite: 11).
Job Market and Economic Outlook
Iola serves as a significant industrial and economic center for Allen County and southeast Kansas (cite: 4). The city’s economy is supported by a strong industrial base, with manufacturing being a key sector employing a substantial portion of its residents (cite: 4). Major employers in Iola include Gates Corporation, Russell Stover’s Candies, Columbia Metal Products, TRAMEC LLC, and Cameron International (cite: 10).
The employed population in Iola grew slightly from 2023 to 2024, reaching 2,342 residents (cite: 5). The most common employment sectors for Iola residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (cite: 5). The job market is powered by these working residents spread across various industries and roles (cite: 8).
However, the unemployment rate in Iola stands at 8.4% (cite: 8). This rate is considered higher than the typical 4% to 5% range, which might suggest fewer job opportunities or economic challenges in the area (cite: 8). A workforce development effort is considered critical for Iola to retain existing employers and attract new businesses (cite: 4).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Iola experiences distinct seasons, with hot, muggy, and wet summers and short, very cold, snowy, and windy winters (cite: 15). The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 99°F (cite: 15).
The summer months, from June to September, are warm, with average daily high temperatures above 80°F (cite: 15). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F (cite: 15, 32). Conversely, winter brings cold temperatures, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 24°F and a high of 42°F (cite: 15).
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with May typically seeing the most rain, averaging 5.1 inches (cite: 15). January receives the least amount of rain, with an average of 0.7 inches (cite: 15). The area can experience uncomfortable humidity during the summer months, particularly from July to August (cite: 32).
Education and Demographics
Iola Unified School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering PK-12 education (cite: 12). The district has an overall Niche grade of C+ and a rating of 3.8 out of 5 (cite: 12). It has 1,176 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (cite: 12).
State test scores indicate that 26% of students are proficient in math and 40% in reading within the district (cite: 12). Iola Elementary School, serving grades PK-5, has 635 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (cite: 33). Proficiency rates at the elementary level are 30% for math and 30% for reading (cite: 33).
The population of Iola is approximately 5,348, with a median age of 32.6 years (cite: 3, 5, 8). The demographic makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 85% of the population (cite: 3, 5). Other racial groups include Black or African American residents and those identifying with two or more races (cite: 5).