Indianola 81 Exceptional
Indianola Livability #38 ranked city in Iowa#1,117 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Indianola

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

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What's it like Living in Indianola?

Located in the state of Iowa, Indianola is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,921 people. The majority of Indianola residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black.

Living in Indianola can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, 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 has a livability score of 82 out of 100 and is ranked #20 in Iowa and #738 in the USA. This is a great score, as Indianola ranks well in multiple categories! Indianola has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Indianola ranks well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Indianola, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Indianola undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Indianola, the unemployment rate stands at 2.29%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Indianola, the average school test scores reached an impressive 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Indianola an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Indianola excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Indianola. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Indianola are affordable. The median home price for Indianola homes is $167,600, which is 26.2% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Indianola, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 12.5% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Indianola

See all the best places to live around Indianola

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Compare Indianola, IA Livability

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      Indianola transportation information

      Statistic Indianola Iowa National
      Average one way commute22min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.7%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.7%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk9.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Indianola, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).