IndianaPop. 885,860Large cities
Is Indianapolis a Good Place to Live? Indianapolis, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Indianapolis ranks #947 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 37 large cities and #14 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37) and affordable homes ($224,800, #5 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Indianapolis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Indianapolis'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 Indianapolis?
Indianapolis'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 $1,156/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $230,020, 12% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Indianapolis | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 95.7#471 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $230,020#202 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,389/mo#246 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $224,800#309 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,156/mo#397 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 20.9%#556 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Indianapolis 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. Indianapolis is in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Indianapolis safe?
Indianapolis recorded 769 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #998 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Indianapolis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,819 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Indianapolis | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 769#998 of 1,085 | 254 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,819#918 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Indianapolis?
The median household in Indianapolis earns $66,219, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Indianapolis | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $66,219#898 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Indianapolis?
The median resident of Indianapolis is 34.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Indianapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.3 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 34.9%#615 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 56% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Indianapolis's schools and health?
Indianapolis's 209 public schools graduate 87.5% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $15,413 spent per pupil. 38.2% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Indianapolis | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 87.5%#568 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $15,413#525 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 38.2%#1023 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 132,577 students are enrolled in Indianapolis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Indianapolis?
The average commute in Indianapolis is 24.6 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1.4% of workers take transit and 14% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Indianapolis scores 10.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.3°F and winters 31.6°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Indianapolis | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 71.8% | 76.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.4% | 0.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.8% | 2% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 14% | 9.6% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.9#599 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 36.4 | 21.2 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 41 | 24 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 52.1 | 33.1 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 64 | 43.1 | 4.1 |
| May | 73.8 | 53.7 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 82.1 | 63 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 85.2 | 66.7 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 84 | 64.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 57.1 | 2.6 |
| Oct | 65.6 | 45.4 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 52 | 34.8 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 40.8 | 26.2 | 2.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indianapolis Eagle Creek Airport.
| Measure | Indianapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 53.7°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 74.3°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 31.6°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 40.7 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indianapolis Eagle Creek Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Indianapolis?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 40% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Indianapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#374 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Marion County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marion County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0084% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 38% 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 Indianapolis compare with similar-size cities?
Indianapolis is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #20 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 885,860.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #745 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 | 27.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 | 30.4 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 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 Indianapolis compare with the rest of Indiana?
Indianapolis ranks #14 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 8% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% 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 Indianapolis's score calculated?
Indianapolis scores 50.9 out of 100, #947 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 Indianapolis. Similar-size median 50.4.
50.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Indianapolis's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
37.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Indianapolis. Similar-size median 52.4.
43.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Indianapolis's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
60.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Indianapolis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
76.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Indianapolis. Similar-size median 43.4.
39.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Indianapolis. Similar-size median 40.4.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Indianapolis. Similar-size median 56.6.
50.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Indianapolis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
52.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
53.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Indianapolis's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Is Indianapolis, IN a good place to live?
Indianapolis ranks #947 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 37 large cities and #14 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37) and affordable homes ($224,800, #5 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis'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 $1,156/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $230,020, 12% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis recorded 769 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #998 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Indianapolis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,819 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Indianapolis?
The median household in Indianapolis earns $66,219, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Indianapolis?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,156/mo (Census), #397 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,389/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Indianapolis?
The typical home value in Indianapolis is $230,020, down 0.8% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $224,800.
How are the public schools in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis's 209 public schools graduate 87.5% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $15,413 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Indianapolis?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis averages 53.7°F over the year, 74.3°F in summer and 31.6°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Indianapolis walkable?
Indianapolis scores 10.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #599 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 Indianapolis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Indianapolis?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 40% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has 885,860 residents. The median resident of Indianapolis is 34.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Indianapolis compare with the rest of Indiana?
Indianapolis ranks #14 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 8% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Indianapolis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Indianapolis's population of 885,860 are Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Fort Worth, TX (#745 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and San Francisco, CA (#213 overall). Indianapolis is #947.