BtoBers

Moving to Iola, Kansas

by · Published · Updated

Iola, Kansas is a small town in Allen County. It has a population of around 5,400 people according to the most recent census. The geography of Iola is diverse, with rolling hills and farmland in the area. The climate is moderate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. The city experiences all four seasons and receives an average of 35 inches of precipitation annually.

Iola’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded by settlers who were looking for a place to settle and farm. Since then, Iola has grown into a thriving community with a vibrant economy and bustling downtown area filled with shops and restaurants.

Politically, Iola leans Republican but has elected representatives from both parties over the years. In terms of education, Iola is served by two public school districts as well as several private schools and institutions of higher learning such as Allen Community College and Pittsburg State University-Girard Campus.

The landmarks that make up Iola are numerous and include several historic buildings such as City Hall, which was built in 1891; the old Carnegie Library; the historic Santa Fe Depot; and many others that are important to preserving the town’s history. Additionally, there are several parks throughout town such as Riverside Park which features walking trails along the banks of Elm Creek as well as a fishing pond stocked with trout each year during Trout Days celebration held annually in April.

Population: 6,302. Estimated population in July 2024: 6,008 (-4.7% change)
Males: 2,957 (46.9%), Females: 3,345 (53.1%)

Allen County

Zip code: 66749

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.9 years
Median household income: $29,219
Median house value: $39,100

Population by Race

Races in Iola:

  • White Non-Hispanic (92.9%)
  • Black (2.8%)
  • Hispanic (1.8%)
  • Two or more races (1.8%)
  • American Indian (1.7%)
  • Other race (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (23.4%), United States (12.3%), English (11.6%), Irish (10.5%), Swedish (3.8%), Dutch (3.4%).

Elevation: 965 feet

Land area: 4.2 square miles

Map of Iola, KS

Population by Education

Iola, Kansas is a small city located in Allen County with a population of about 5,500. The city has been steadily growing over the past few years and has become increasingly popular among young professionals and families alike. The median household income in Iola is $41,368, which is slightly higher than the national average. The cost of living in Iola is also quite reasonable compared to other cities in the region. Housing prices are well below the national average, with a median home value of around $80,000. Renting an apartment or house can be done for under $800 per month in most cases. Food costs are also quite reasonable, with the average grocery bill coming in at around $50 per week. Taxes are also lower than many other cities in Kansas and the surrounding area. Overall, Iola offers an affordable cost of living for those looking to relocate or start a new life here.

For population 25 years and over in Iola

  • High school or higher: 82.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 8.0%
  • Unemployed: 6.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 14.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Iola city

  • Never married: 26.9%
  • Now married: 46.8%
  • Separated: 2.1%
  • Widowed: 12.7%
  • Divorced: 11.5%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -127 (-2.0%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Iola:

  • ALLEN COUNTY HOSPITAL (101 S 1ST ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Iola:

  • NEOSHO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; CHANUTE, KS)
  • ANDERSON COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 27 miles; GARNETT, KS)
  • COFFEY COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 31 miles; BURLINGTON, KS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Iola:

  • FORBES FIELD (about 73 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Abbreviation: FOE)
  • JOPLIN REGIONAL (about 83 miles; JOPLIN, MO; Abbreviation: JLN)
  • CHARLES B. WHEELER DOWNTOWN (about 100 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Abbreviation: MKC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Iola:

  • ALLEN COUNTY (about 5 miles; IOLA, KS; Abbreviation: K88)
  • CHANUTE MARTIN JOHNSON (about 19 miles; CHANUTE, KS; Abbreviation: CNU)
  • YATES CENTER (about 25 miles; YATES CENTER, KS; Abbreviation: 8K5)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Iola:

  • ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 1,140; Location: 1801 N COTTONWOOD; Public; Website: allencc.net)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Iola:

  • PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; PITTSBURG, KS; Full-time enrollment: 5,566)
  • EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 65 miles; EMPORIA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,528)
  • UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 72 miles; LAWRENCE, KS; Full-time enrollment: 22,506)
  • WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA (about 82 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,472)
  • JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 84 miles; OVERLAND PARK, KS; Full-time enrollment: 8,857)
  • MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE COLLEGE (about 85 miles; JOPLIN, MO; Full-time enrollment: 4,569)
  • DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 92 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,189)

Schools

Public high school in Iola:

  • IOLA SR HIGH (Students: 459; Location: 300 E JACKSON; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Iola:

  • IOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 345; Location: 600 EAST STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • LINCOLN ELEM (Students: 264; Location: 700 N JEFFERSON; Grades: KG – 05)
  • JEFFERSON ELEM (Students: 224; Location: 300 S JEFFERSON; Grades: KG – 05)
  • MCKINLEY ELEM (Students: 142; Location: 209 S KENTUCKY; Grades: KG – 05)

Private primary/middle school in Iola:

  • COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 40; Location: PO BOX 425; Grades: PK – 6)

Libraries

Library in Iola:

  • IOLA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $213,835; Location: 218 EAST MADISON; 37,144 books; 1,101 audio materials; 824 video materials; 116 serial subscriptions)

Related Posts: