Indianola
cityIndianola, 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
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 69-38280
- Country
- United States
- County
- Warren County
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.7%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 3,634
- Teachers
- 300
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- School Districts
- Indianola Community School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Simpson College
- 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)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Parks · Outdoor Trails · Disc Golf · Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks · Trail System
- 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






