Cost of Living in Indianola, MS
Population 9,360 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Indianola's median household income of $39,275 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (31% here). At 13.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Indianola lies roughly 80 miles north of the nearest major metro, Jackson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Jackson's $108,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Indianola
The median home value in Indianola is $119,100 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $763/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,275/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. Overall, Indianola has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
Indianola has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Indianola, MS?
Indianola has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Indianola, MS?
The median gross rent in Indianola is $763 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $119,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Indianola?
The median household income in Indianola is $39,275 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Indianola, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Indianola is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Indianola, MS affordable?
Yes, Indianola is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
Indianola at a Glance
- Population
- 9,360
- Median Income
- $39,275
- Home Value
- $119,100
- Median Rent
- $763/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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