Paola, KS, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 5,768 as of the 2020 census, Paola, Kansas is a sleepy Midwestern town far removed from the glitz and glamour of the coasts. The median household income hovers around $52,000, and nearly 7% of the population lives below the poverty line. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's convoluted history of Native American displacement and a rotating cast of civic leaders.

The climate is reasonably mild, with hot, humid summers and generally cool, dry winters. However, the lack of urban amenities and cultural attractions may leave some residents feeling isolated. Paola is best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life and a tight-knit community, though it offers little to excite the more adventurous spirit.

This is a town for the stalwart, not the faint of heart.