Living in Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis is the 16th-largest city in the US, home to about 901,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Indiana. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (95.7 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 901,116+1.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $224,8003.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,156/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,219median, per year
- Price level
- 95.7US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 36° / 85°lows 21° / 66°
- Average commute
- 25 min14% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.95%top rate, flat
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County: Marion County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 715 ft
Metro area: Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Cost of living in Indianapolis
The median home in Indianapolis is worth $224,800 and the median household earns $66,219 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,156 a month, about 21% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area at 95.7, with housing at 88.9 and goods at 94.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $71,800 here. Indiana taxes wages at a top rate of 2.95% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Indiana is 7%.
What would my salary be worth in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis weather
Average highs run from 36°F in January to 85°F in July, and January nights average 21°F. It gets 44 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 26 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 105 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and July to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Indianapolis
People and work
The median resident is 34.3 years old, and 35% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes; 14% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.3140th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 35%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,496361.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 15.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1973median year
Who moves to Indianapolis, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Chicago (Cook County), Hammond (Lake County) and Fort Lauderdale (Broward County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Chicago (Cook County), Hammond (Lake County) and Houston (Harris County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Marion County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, strong wind, lightning, inland flooding.
Home prices
+3.5% in a year
Up 44% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
38% good days
8 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Indianapolis
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Indiana University-Indianapolis 2 miles
- Butler University 5 miles
- University of Indianapolis 5 miles
- Marian University 4 miles
- Franklin College 21 miles
- Anderson University 34 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Indianapolis
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis International Airport IND | 10 mi | 5,181,947 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Indianapolis
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | 2 mi | 13,830 | $9,479 | 54% |
| Butler University | 5 mi | 4,317 | $37,499 | 77% |
| University of Indianapolis | 5 mi | 3,005 | $19,536 | 57% |
| Marian University | 4 mi | 2,266 | $23,459 | 65% |
| Franklin College | 21 mi | 900 | $24,343 | 58% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Indianapolis
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 15, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 17 and the first frost comes around October 26.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Indianapolis, IN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Indianapolis.
Wildfire smoke in Indianapolis
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Indianapolis on about 134 days a year, including about 30 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Indianapolis
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 362,961 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 21,055 | 50 | 12.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Lawrence Township Metropolitan School District (16,747 students), Perry Township Metropolitan School District (16,243 students), Wayne Township Metropolitan School District (16,146 students), Warren Township Metropolitan School District (11,915 students), Franklin Township Community School Corporation (11,413 students), Washington Township Metropolitan School District (11,391 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Indianapolis's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Indianapolis's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Pittsburgh, PA80% matchCompare
- Allentown, PA79% matchCompare
- Springfield, MA78% matchCompare
- New Britain, CT76% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Indianapolis
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Indianapolis
- Perfect North Slopes 79 miles
- Paoli Peaks 87 miles
- Mad River Mountain 135 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Indianapolis
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.4 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Indianapolis report card from locals
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Indianapolis through locals' eyes
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Cities near Indianapolis
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishers, IN | 14 mi | 104,812 | $391,000 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Carmel, IN | 14 mi | 105,634 | $486,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Noblesville, IN | 20 mi | 76,111 | $349,700 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Bloomington, IN | 46 mi | 83,307 | $321,400 | 95.1 | Compare |
| Cincinnati, OH | 95 mi | 314,367 | $230,900 | 95.4 | Compare |
| Dayton, OH | 103 mi | 136,688 | $100,600 | 92.7 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Whitestown, Zionsville and Fishers lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Indianapolis.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Indianapolis with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Indianapolis a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income. Compare Indianapolis side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Indianapolis?
The Census Bureau estimates Indianapolis had 901,116 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 887,647 in April 2020 (+1.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Indianapolis?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $71,800 in the Indianapolis area. The median household here earns $66,219.
When is the best time to visit Indianapolis?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and July to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 85°F and January 36°F for daytime highs.
What county is Indianapolis in?
Indianapolis is in Marion County, Indiana. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Indianapolis in?
Indianapolis is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Indianapolis?
About 715 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Indiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Indiana has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.95% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Indianapolis. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Indianapolis, IN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.