1

Iola, KS Home for Rent

Section Image
  • /9

    $800

    Total Monthly Price

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 550 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    223 N Sycamore St Unit C, Iola, KS 66749

    223 N Sycamore St Unit C, Iola, KS 66749

Why Live in Iola

Iola, located in southeast Kansas, serves as the political and economic center of Allen County. With a population of approximately 5,400, Iola is experiencing a resurgence, marked by new investments in housing, businesses, and parks. The city’s economy, once reliant on natural gas extraction, now includes big-box retailers, manufacturers like Russell Stover Chocolates, and a growing number of remote workers. Housing in Iola features a mix of styles, from 1870s homes to new constructions, with ranch-style homes and bungalows being most common. Downtown Iola boasts early 1900s brick storefronts that now house law offices, boutique shops, and eateries such as El Charro, King’s Sandwich Shop, and Rookies Sports Bar & Grill. For outdoor enthusiasts, Riverside Park offers baseball fields, a municipal pool, and a skate park, while the newly established Lehigh-Portland State Park provides hiking, mountain biking, and water activities. The Prairie Spirit Trail, starting at Cofachique Park, offers a 51-mile trail for walking and biking. Iola is conveniently located about 100 miles from Kansas City, Wichita, and Joplin, with easy access via state highways. The local school district, Iola USD 257, includes Iola Elementary, Iola Middle School, and Iola High School, which offers career preparation programs and dual enrollment with Allen Community College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Iola, KS?
The median rent for a home in Iola, KS is $800 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Iola, KS?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Iola, KS, a household needs to earn roughly $32,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $800 per month in Iola, KS, renters typically need to show $2,400 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Iola, KS?
In Iola, KS, the price-to-rent ratio is 13.0, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$800
Median Condo Rent
$800
How to Rent a Home