Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Indianola, Iowa is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,415 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Indianola population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 0% Black.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Indianola, Iowa could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Indianola and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Indianola to Iowa and the national average.
Indianola, IA receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #38 in Iowa and #1,117 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Indianola could be a great choice! Indianola also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Indianola scores well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+) The bad news for Indianola, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
If you're considering living in Indianola, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Indianola provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
The unemployment rate in Indianola has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.4%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Indianola schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Indianola an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Indianola market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Indianola meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Indianola. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Indianola are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Indianola come in at $306,228, which is 27.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Indianola, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Indianola | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.7% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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