IndianaPop. 116,116Mid-size cities
Is Evansville a Good Place to Live? Evansville, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Evansville ranks #1196 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #231 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($975/mo, #9 of 256) and affordable homes ($143,100, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,087 per 100,000, #225 of 235) and low household income ($53,387, #238 of 256).
Evansville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Evansville'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 Evansville?
Evansville's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $204,516, 21% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Evansville | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.5#261 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $204,516#125 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,076/mo#45 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $143,100#73 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $975/mo#183 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.9%#669 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Evansville 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. Evansville is in the Evansville, IN-KY metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Evansville safe?
Evansville recorded 1,087 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 4.3 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #1048 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #225 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Evansville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,063 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Evansville | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,087#1048 of 1,085 | 254 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,063#962 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Evansville?
The median household in Evansville earns $53,387, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Evansville | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $53,387#1180 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 18.4%#1054 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Evansville?
The median resident of Evansville is 38.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 22.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1071 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Evansville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 22.8%#1071 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Evansville's schools and health?
Evansville's 32 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $13,520 spent per pupil. 40% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Evansville | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86.6%#630 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,520#761 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40%#1120 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.7%#1141 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,392 students are enrolled in Evansville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Evansville?
The average commute in Evansville is 18.3 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1% of workers take transit and 5.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Evansville scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.2°F and winters 36.2°F, with 47.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Evansville | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.3 min#211 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 78.7% | 76.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.1% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 5.7% | 9.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 41.7 | 25.5 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 46.7 | 28.4 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 36.4 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 68.4 | 46.1 | 5.1 |
| May | 77.3 | 56.6 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 85.7 | 65.3 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 68.8 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 87.9 | 66.7 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 81.9 | 58.6 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 70.1 | 47.1 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 56.2 | 36.5 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 45.6 | 29.5 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Evansville Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Evansville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 57.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 36.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Evansville Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Evansville?
Vanderburgh County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Vanderburgh County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Evansville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.18%#833 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Vanderburgh County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Vanderburgh County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0016% | 88% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.006% | 80% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 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 Evansville compare with similar-size cities?
Evansville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #231 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 116,116.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #629 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 | 22.7 min |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #454 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 | 24.1 min |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #1226 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 | 42 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| League City, TXPop. 116,215 | #287 | 62.2 | $121,099 | $1,684/mo | 60 | 29.9 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 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 Evansville compare with the rest of Indiana?
Evansville ranks #19 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 45.1 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 26% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 4.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Evansville's score calculated?
Evansville scores 45.1 out of 100, #1196 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Evansville. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Evansville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
21.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Evansville. Similar-size median 53.8.
36.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Evansville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
59.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Evansville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
84.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Evansville. Similar-size median 51.2.
29.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Evansville. Similar-size median 42.1.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Evansville. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Evansville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
40.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Evansville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Evansville 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 Evansville
Is Evansville, IN a good place to live?
Evansville ranks #1196 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #231 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($975/mo, #9 of 256) and affordable homes ($143,100, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,087 per 100,000, #225 of 235) and low household income ($53,387, #238 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Evansville?
Evansville's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $204,516, 21% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Evansville?
Evansville recorded 1,087 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 4.3 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #1048 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #225 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Evansville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,063 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Evansville?
The median household in Evansville earns $53,387, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Evansville?
Median rent in Evansville is $975/mo (Census), #183 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,076/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Evansville?
The typical home value in Evansville is $204,516, up 4.3% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $143,100.
How are the public schools in Evansville?
Evansville's 32 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $13,520 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Evansville?
The average commute is 18.3 minutes, #211 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Evansville?
Evansville averages 57.2°F over the year, 77.2°F in summer and 36.2°F in winter, with 47.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Evansville walkable?
Evansville scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Evansville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Vanderburgh County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Evansville?
Vanderburgh County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Evansville?
Evansville has 116,116 residents. The median resident of Evansville is 38.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 22.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1071 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Evansville compare with the rest of Indiana?
Evansville ranks #19 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 45.1 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 26% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 4.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Evansville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Evansville's population of 116,116 are Clearwater, FL (#629 overall), West Jordan, UT (#454 overall), Antioch, CA (#1226 overall), High Point, NC (#796 overall), and League City, TX (#287 overall). Evansville is #1196.