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Indianola

city

Indianola, Iowa, is a city located in Warren County, approximately 19 miles south of Des Moines. As the county seat, it had a population of 15,833 in 2020, and current estimates place it around 16,514 in 2026. Indianola offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban amenities, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals. Indianola's economy is diverse, with key sectors including retail trade, education, and healthcare. Major institutions such as Simpson College contribute to the city's economic and cultural landscape. The city also benefits from its proximity to Des Moines, providing access to a wider range of employment and economic opportunities. Indianola is known for its annual National Balloon Classic, a nine-day hot air balloon festival that draws visitors from around the country. The city also boasts a historic downtown, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and a strong sense of community, making it a distinctive and appealing place to live and visit.

Indianola, Iowa

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
69-38280
Country
United States
County
Warren County
Geography
Region
Midwest
Elevation
958 ft
Total Area
11.44 sq mi
Land Area
11.44 sq mi
Water Area
0 sq mi
Latitude
41.37222
Longitude
-93.56333
Climate
Temperate climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Neighboring Areas
Des Moines · Norwalk · Carlisle
Demographics
Population (2020)
15,833
Est. Population (2026)
16,514
Median Age
35.9
Median Income
$75,453
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Family Households
61.6%
Owner-Occupied
69.9%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Indianola is 92.8% White, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 4.6% from two or more races. 2.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
6 members
School District
Indianola Community School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Retail Trade · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
Education
Schools
6
Students
3,634
Teachers
300
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
School Districts
Indianola Community School District
Colleges & Universities
Simpson College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Highways · D-Line Shuttle · Link Shuttle · Des Moines International Airport (nearby)
Utilities
Municipal water · Municipal sewer
Major Facilities
Hospital · Des Moines International Airport (nearby)
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Parks · Outdoor Trails · Disc Golf · Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center
Parks & Trails
City Parks · Trail System
History
Founded
1849
Incorporated
1863
Named After
A newspaper account of a Texas ghost town of the same name
Historical Significance
Indianola has served as the county seat of Warren County since its founding and has grown into a center for education, commerce, and community events.
Key Events
Founded as the county seat of Warren County · Incorporated in 1863 · Home to Simpson College, founded in 1860 · Site of the National Balloon Classic since 1968