Best Cities for Retirees in Indiana
Indiana ranks #22 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 62.8. Carmel is its best city for retirees at 72.5.
- Indiana, all states
- #22 of 50
- Population
- 101,651
Indiana for Retirees: The Full Picture
Indiana sits at #22 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers healthcare that, while accessible, isn't among the nation's strongest alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 93.3). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Indiana's health score of 40/100 is a concern — at 75.4 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.09% of income. The 5.02% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.77% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
A typical home value of $260,095 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 80/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 21 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Carmel | A+ | 72.5 | 73.1 | 71 | 95 | 59 | 101,651 |
| 2Fishers | A+ | 70.9 | 70.7 | 68 | 90 | 64 | 102,337 |
| 3Westfield | A+ | 68.8 | 72.7 | 65 | 87 | 62 | 54,677 |
| 4Noblesville | A | 66.2 | 66.6 | 61 | 76 | 69 | 73,362 |
| 5Greenwood | B+ | 59.7 | 60.4 | 48 | 63 | 73 | 66,029 |
| 6Columbus | B+ | 58.8 | 59.6 | 47 | 53 | 78 | 51,824 |
| 7Lafayette | B | 58.5 | 57.7 | 53 | 31 | 81 | 71,159 |
| 8Mishawaka | C+ | 56.1 | 53.7 | 44 | 34 | 82 | 51,021 |
| 9Fort Wayne | B | 55.5 | 56.7 | 38 | 37 | 82 | 268,589 |
| 10Jeffersonville | B | 55.4 | 57.2 | 35 | 50 | 79 | 51,043 |
| 11Kokomo | D | 54.2 | 48.8 | 38 | 33 | 87 | 59,122 |
| 12Bloomington | B | 53.5 | 57.9 | 52 | 7 | 73 | 80,049 |
| 13Elkhart | C+ | 52.6 | 52.8 | 23 | 29 | 86 | 53,733 |
| 14South Bend | C | 52.5 | 52.2 | 33 | 26 | 84 | 103,085 |
| 15Indianapolis city | C | 50.7 | 50.9 | 43 | 40 | 77 | 885,860 |
| 16Anderson | C | 50.4 | 50.4 | 33 | 22 | 84 | 55,367 |
| 17Hammond | D | 46.1 | 44.6 | 29 | 29 | 75 | 76,768 |
| 18Terre Haute | D | 46.0 | 47.6 | 28 | 13 | 89 | 58,427 |
| 19Muncie | C | 45.8 | 49.8 | 31 | 6 | 90 | 64,751 |
| 20Evansville | D | 44.0 | 45.1 | 36 | 30 | 85 | 116,116 |
| 21Gary | F | 33.9 | 31.1 | 9 | 2 | 80 | 68,113 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Indiana for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana a good state for retirees?
Indiana ranks #22 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 62.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (80/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (10/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Indiana?
Carmel ranks #1 in Indiana for retirees with a score of 72.5/100, followed by Fishers and Westfield.
What factors are most important for retirees in Indiana?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.