Paola Elementary School in Paola, KS

Paola is a small town of 5,757 people in Miami County with a median age of 44.3 years, per the 2023 American Community Survey. The community skews toward stability and ownership—two-thirds of its 2,500 households are owner-occupied—with a median household income of $73,281 as of 2023. About 29 percent of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, per the same survey. The median home value sits at $195,000, and renters can expect a median gross rent of $1,069 monthly, also from the 2023 ACS figures.

The local housing market has shown solid activity in the past month, with 22 homes sold at a median price of $348,250 and a median time on market of 20 days. Sellers have been in a slight advantage position, with homes selling at 101 percent of list price over that period. Year-to-date, 160 homes have closed, with a median sale price of $289,000, indicating some price variability across the market. New construction remains minimal—just two total building permits were issued in the most recent survey period (July 2026), both for single-family homes.

The commute to Kansas City or other employment centers averages 25.3 minutes, per the 2023 Census data, making Paola accessible without requiring a long daily drive. It's a rural county seat, not a growth engine, with the modest recent sales and minimal new permits reflecting the pace of life here rather than explosive demand.