IndianaPop. 55,367Smaller cities
Is Anderson a Good Place to Live? Anderson, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Anderson ranks #980 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #414 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($119,000, #12 of 524) and low rents ($925/mo, #19 of 524), and trails on low household income ($46,909, #512 of 524) and high poverty (21%, #469 of 524).
Anderson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Anderson's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Anderson?
Anderson's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $925/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $135,767, 48% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Anderson | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.7#471 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $135,767#22 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,079/mo#47 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $119,000#30 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $925/mo#124 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.7%#859 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Anderson housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Anderson is in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Anderson safe?
Anderson recorded 410 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 61% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #735 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #327 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anderson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,017 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Anderson | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 410#735 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,017#718 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Anderson?
The median household in Anderson earns $46,909, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Anderson | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $46,909#1266 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21%#1146 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Anderson?
The median resident of Anderson is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 15.7%#1252 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Anderson's schools and health?
Anderson's 10 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $14,420 spent per pupil. 38.7% of adults are obese and 16.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Anderson | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.7%#436 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,420#655 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.7%#1053 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16.1%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11%#780 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,736 students are enrolled in Anderson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Anderson?
The average commute in Anderson is 24.7 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 0.4% of workers take transit and 9.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Anderson scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.8°F and winters 30.7°F, with 43.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Anderson | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.2%#852 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.8% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.6% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34.9 | 20.7 | 3 |
| Feb | 39.3 | 23.8 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 50 | 32.3 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 62.7 | 42.2 | 4.1 |
| May | 72.7 | 52.8 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 81.1 | 61.8 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 64.8 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 63.2 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 76.6 | 55.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 64.7 | 45 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 50.8 | 34.8 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 39.4 | 26 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anderson Sewage Plt.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anderson Sewage Plt.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Anderson?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Anderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#359 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0062% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0042% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 49% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Anderson compare with similar-size cities?
Anderson is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #414 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,367.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #76 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 | 25.9 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #1162 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 | 40.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Anderson compare with the rest of Indiana?
Anderson ranks #15 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 35% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 61% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Anderson's score calculated?
Anderson scores 50.4 out of 100, #980 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Anderson. Similar-size median 55.5.
38.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Anderson's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
66.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Anderson. Similar-size median 58.9.
33.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Anderson's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Anderson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Anderson. Similar-size median 56.1.
21.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Anderson. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Anderson. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Anderson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Anderson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Anderson has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Anderson
Is Anderson, IN a good place to live?
Anderson ranks #980 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #414 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($119,000, #12 of 524) and low rents ($925/mo, #19 of 524), and trails on low household income ($46,909, #512 of 524) and high poverty (21%, #469 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Anderson?
Anderson's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $925/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $135,767, 48% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Anderson?
Anderson recorded 410 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 61% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #735 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #327 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anderson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,017 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Anderson?
The median household in Anderson earns $46,909, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Anderson?
Median rent in Anderson is $925/mo (Census), #124 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,079/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Anderson?
The typical home value in Anderson is $135,767, up 2% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $119,000.
How are the public schools in Anderson?
Anderson's 10 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $14,420 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Anderson?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 7.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Anderson?
Anderson averages 52.6°F over the year, 72.8°F in summer and 30.7°F in winter, with 43.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Anderson walkable?
Anderson scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Anderson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Anderson?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Anderson?
Anderson has 55,367 residents. The median resident of Anderson is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Anderson compare with the rest of Indiana?
Anderson ranks #15 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 35% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 61% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Anderson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Anderson's population of 55,367 are Mount Prospect, IL (#76 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), West Haven, CT (#435 overall), Chicopee, MA (#690 overall), and Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall). Anderson is #980.