Much of the population consists of Somali, Borana, and Ameru as well as minority groups including Turkana and Samburu.

There has been a steady increase in the urban population in recent years, especially moving from as far as Moyale, Marsabit and Mandera.

Isiolo town recently acquired status as a resort city cashing in on the popular Samburu and Shaba Game reserves, tourist destinations after Maasai Mara.

[3] The plan calls for Isiolo to become a tourist centre that will include casinos, hotels, upscale retail outlets, a modern airport and transport facilities.

On July 14, 2005, Bishop Luigi Locati, who represented the Roman Catholic Church in Isiolo, was murdered.

[citation needed] Isiolo is home to the Ameru, Samburu, Turkana, Rendille, Boran, Somali.

The Jamia mosque and the Catholic church's twin bell towers are among the landmarks of Isiolo town.