Indiana
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Is moving to Indiana right for you?

Indiana is one of the states with the most beautiful natural attractions in America. The state’s breathtaking landscapes makes it appealing to many tourists and young families.

If you’re interested in moving to a city with affordable housing, low cost of living, with a lively art and music scene, moving to Indiana is right for you.

Indiana has a booming job market and the state is suitable for startups. The state’s food scene is absolutely remarkable. You’ll have access to lots of beautiful green parks and other remarkable outdoor scenes.

If all of that sounds like what you’ll like to be a part of, this guide contains all the information you need to decide if moving to Indiana is right for you.

Demographics

Indiana Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Indiana.

Male vs Female Population of Indiana 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Indiana 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Indiana 2021

move to Indiana

Quick facts to know before moving to Indiana

  • Property tax in Indiana has a 0.81% average effective rate
  • Indiana’s average one-way commute time takes 23.4 minutes
  • Indiana’s median home cost is $142, 600
  • Indiana’s cost of living is around 18% lower than the U.S. average
  • Average annual pay for the average jobs in Indiana is $59,767
  • Indiana ranks as the 41st most affordable state or district to attend college
  • Average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $825

What’s the Population of Indiana?

Indiana has a population of 6.8 million people. The state is rated as the 17th most populous state in the county.

  • Indiana stretches across 36,418 sq miles (94,321 sq km), area
  • Indiana is rated as the 38th largest state in the United States
  • Indiana has a population density of 181 people per square mile
  • Indiana is the 16th most densely populated state in the U.S.
  • The largest city in Indiana is the state capital known as Indianapolis

How is the weather like in Indiana?

If weather is one of the key things on your list to consider before making up your mind about moving to Indiana, we have collated key stats about the state’s weather. Check them out here:

  • Indiana summer high is around 85 degrees
  • Indiana winter low in January is around 19 degrees
  • Indiana averages 22 inches of snow in a year
  • Indiana average 43 inches of rain a year

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How fast can you commute in Indiana?

Indiana’s average one-way commute time takes 23.4 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. Shorter commuting time in Indiana means less stress and a longer lifespan. That’s one of the key things to consider if you’re moving to Indiana.

Here’s how Hoosiers commute to work:

  • About 83.0% of Indianans residents drive their own car alone
  • Up to 8.8% of Indianans carpool with others
  • Approximately 3.7% of Indianans work from home
  • About 1.0% of Indianans take mass transit
pros

Top 10 Reasons To Move to Indiana

Every year, thousands of people relocate to Indiana for several reasons. We’ve listed the ten best reasons why people are moving to Indiana to give you an idea of what to expect. Here are the 10 reasons why people are moving to Indiana:

  • Affordable homes

    It is easier to rent a home or to buy one in Indiana as they are highly affordable than in the neighboring states. The median home cost is $142, 600 much lower than the national average. However, home prices have significantly gone up in the last 10 years.

    Similarly, you could rent a studio apartment for $573 while the national average rent is $949. In Indiana, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $662 and a 2-bedroom apartment is $825. The average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $1,084 while the US average is $1,681.

  • Low cost of living

    With an overall cost of living index of 90.4, Indiana has the 10th lowest cost of living in the U.S. Groceries, utilities, housing, transformation, and health – everything costs lesser than the national average.

  • Farmer market

    The best way to know Indiana is to walk through the farmer markets there. The local shops sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and various other products from neighborhood farms. From homegrown chickens and hogs, syrup, honey, pumpkins, gourds, and squash, you will find an array of products here.

  • Hoosiers are friendly people

    Indiana is ranked among the top friendliest states and locals here pride themselves on their exceptional ‘Hoosier hospitality’, going above and beyond for other people. People here are good-natured, with a good sense of humor.

  • Booming job market

    As the economy in Indiana overgrows the national economy, the job sector is robust with more openings coming up in recent years. Healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and technology are some of the areas where finding a job is easier.

  • Top-quality schools

    Here is the best news for families planning to live in Indiana. The school system in Indiana is one of the best in the country and the state boasts of top-notch colleges and schools.

  • Remarkable sports atmosphere

    Indiana takes pride in its rich basketball heritage and the state has produced more talents in the sport than any other US state. However, the sports frenzy in the Hoosier State is not limited to basketball but baseball, soccer, football, and ice hockey are also prominent here.

    Some of the top professional teams in Indiana include:

    • Evansville Otters
    • Fort Wayne Mad Ants
    • Indiana Fever
    • Gary SouthShore RailCats
    • Indiana Pacers
    • FC Indiana
    • Indy Eleven

     

  • Scenic views

    It’s no secret that Indiana is brimming with beautiful places. From urban gems in Indianapolis to sprawling nature parks, Hoosier state has got an embellished exterior that you will not miss capturing on your camera.

    Here are the best and most beautiful places in Indiana

    • Turkey Run State Park
    • The Indiana Dunes
    • Cataract Falls
    • Brown County State Park
    • Kissing Bridges
    • Kesling Wetland and Farmstead
    • Clifty Falls State Park
    • Nappanee
    • Bean Blossom
    • East Pierhead Lighthouse
    • Hemlock Cliffs Falls
    • Monument Circle
    • Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark

     

  • You’ll love the skywalk

    Skywalk at the downtown Indianapolis connecting various landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment options is the best way to navigate the city while staying indoors.

pros

Pros & Cons of Living in Indiana

Indiana has many reasons to call it a home. One of the most industrialized states in the country, the Hoosier State is also a scenic paradise with lakes, parks, and forests.

And moreover, the tax system is also people friendly. However, before you make the final decision, it is vital to gauge both positives and negatives of moving to Indiana. We’ve compiled here both the honest pros and cons of living in Indiana.

Here are the key pros and cons of living in the state to help you get started.

Pros of living in Indiana
  • Hoosiers are friendly people
  • Indiana has a low crime rate
  • Cities in Indiana aren’t too big
  • The cost of living in Indiana is lower than the U.S. average
  • You’ll enjoy all four seasons in Indiana
  • Home to top-quality colleges and universities
  • Housing is affordable in Indiana
  • Indiana is a central location that connects to other cities
  • A great place to raise kids or enjoy peace and quiet
  • Indiana is home to several artists, including Michael Jackson
Cons of living in Indiana
  • Indiana is a state with no diversity
  • Winters can be really cold in Indiana
  • Only a few things to do in other cities aside from Indianapolis
  • Drug abuse is a serious issue in Indiana
  • Indiana isn’t ethnically diverse
  • Extreme hot and cold weather
  • Poor public transit system
  • Corn farms everywhere
  • You’ll have to deal with weird laws in Indiana

10 Best Places To Live In Indiana

Moving to Indiana means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the city. Indiana is home to many beautiful cities and towns. Here’s a list of the ten best places to live if you’re moving to Indiana:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Carmel 97,464 2.5% $333,200
2 Westfield 39,610 2.8% $254,8000
3 Zionsville 27,463 2.5% $385,700
4 Munster 22,689 3.9% $228,400
5 New Whiteland 6,051 1.7% $97,100
6 St. John 17,426 4.3% $290,200
7 Noblesville 63,071 3.2% $209,100
8 Brownsburg 26,046 3.0% $195,700
9 Crown Point 29,850 3.8% $194,600
10 Whitestown 8,312 2.2% $225,000

Indiana Cities Moving Guides

Cost of living in Indiana

The cost of living in Indiana is rated 82.1. The national average cost of living is rated 100. That means the cost of living in Indiana is 17.9% lower than the national average. This makes moving to Indiana suitable for many families.

Here’s a breakdown of various metrics that make up the cost of living in Indiana:

Cost of living Indiana United States
Overall 82.1 100
Grocery 92.9 100
Health 82.2 100
Housing 61.7 100
Median Home Cost $142,600 $231,200
Utilities 97.2 100
Transportation 85.4 100
Miscellaneous 97.3 100
The national average is 100.

Healthcare cost in Indiana

Healthcare cost is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to look at before making up your mind about moving to Indiana. Here’s the average cost of healthcare in the state if you’re moving to Indiana:

Family size Average monthly cost of health plan
Individual plus child $719
Couple, age 40 $900
Family of three (adult couple and a child) $1,169
Family of four (adult couple and two children) $1,438
Family of five (adult couple and three children) $1,708

Education cost in Indiana

Education costs could be one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Indiana. Whether you intend to school in Indiana or not, having a clear idea of the cost of education in the state is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of education cost in Indiana:

  • Average annual in-state college tuition in Indiana was $17,985 for the 2019-2020 academic year.
  • That tuition fee is $3,320 higher than the U.S. average
  • Indiana ranks 12th most expensive state in education
  • Indiana ranks as the 41st most affordable state or district to attend college

Here’s the average cost of college education in the state since you’re considering moving to Indiana:

Education Indiana, Indiana United States
Expend. per Student $11,035 $12,383
Educ. Expend. per Student $9,423 $10,574
Instr. Expend. per Student $5,432 $6,428
Pupil/Teacher Ratio 17.9 16.8
Students per Librarian 411.5 538.1
Students per Counselor 480.5 403.2

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How is the housing market in Indiana?

Moving to Indiana could mean renting or buying a home in the state. About 72.9% of Indiana residents are homeowners, while approximately 27.1% are renters.

Median Home Prices in Indiana

Indiana’s median home cost is $142, 600. Over the last ten years, the state’s home value has increased by 23.2%. Currently, home appreciation in Indiana has increased by 8.9%.

Average Home Rental Prices in Indiana

Renting a home is a good housing option if you’re moving to Indiana. The state has some of the lowest home rental costs in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of home rental in Indiana:

  • Average cost of a studio apartment in Indiana is $573
  • Average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $662
  • Average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $825
  • Average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $1,084
  • Average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $1,221

Median House Price in Indiana vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Indiana vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Indiana vs USA 2021

Indiana’s Job Market

Getting a job after moving to Indiana is fairly easy. The state’s unemployment rate is slightly lower than the national average. Here are key data about Indiana’s job market:

  • Indiana’s unemployment rate is 3.6%. The national average is 3.7%
  • Job growth in Indiana has been positive so far
  • Indiana’s future job growth is 34.84%. U.S. average is 33.51%
  • Recent job growth in Indiana is 1.89%. U.S. average is 1.59%

What’s the Average Salary & Income in Indiana?

Moving to Indiana could mean getting a new job with a different pay scale or perhaps setting up a company that requires paying employees. Here’s the average salary and income in Indiana:

  • Average annual pay for the Average jobs in Indiana is $59,767
  • Average hourly rate for average jobs in Indiana is $28.73 an hour
  • Average weekly rate of the average job in Indiana is $1,149 a week
  • Average monthly pay for average jobs in Indiana is $4,981 a month
  • Salaries in Indiana could be as as high as $130,409 or as low as $19,657
  • In Indiana 90th percentile earn up to $86,299 annually

Largest companies in Indiana

Some of the largest companies in Indiana are also the largest employers. Since you’re interested in moving to Indiana, here’s a list of the top 10 largest companies and employers in the state:

Rank Company City Employees
1 Cummins Columbus 58,600
2 Anthem Indianapolis 53,000
3 Eli Lilly and Company Indianapolis 40,655
4 WTIU Bloomington 26,540
5 Purdue University West Lafayette 21,930
6 Berry Global Evansville 21,000
7 Steak ‘n Shake Indianapolis 20,732
8 Purdue University West Lafayette 20,330
9 Franciscan Health Indianapolis 19,000
10 Zimmer Biomet Warsaw 18,200

What are the Hottest job market in Indiana?

Some of the cities in Indiana are notable hotspots for jobs. If you’re moving to Indiana and looking to get a job as fast as possible, here’s a top 10 list of the best places to get jobs in the state:

Rank Place Unemployment Rate Average Income
1 Zionsville 3.07% $175,296
2 Carmel 2.34% $158,161
3 Fishers 3.2% $133,684
4 St. John 3.65% $124,158
5 Noblesville 3.45% $96,093
6 Greenwood 4.2% $75,751
7 Crown Point 3.55% $90,349
8 Columbus 4.6% $78,702
9 Westfield 2.71% $111,918
10 Plainfield 5.92% $79,855

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What are the Top career options in Indiana?

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Indiana, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Moving to Indiana could mean changing your profession or career. If you’re considering a career in some of the fastest growing jobs in Indiana, we’ve made a top 10 list to give you a head start. Check out the top 10 career options in Indiana:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Wage Jobs in 2024
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant 143.3% $59,380 1,290
2 Biomedical Engineer 140.0% $78,710 1,610
3 Home Health Aid 139.5% $22,820 18,930
4 Web Developer 139.1% $59,080 3,200
5 Physical Therapist Assistant 137.8% $55,950 2,480
6 Nurse Practitioner 136.7% $99,240 4,840
7 Operations Analyst 135.2% $69,900 1,920
8 Music Therapist 132.9% $46,660 1,130
9 Physician Assistant 131.6% $100,350 1,250
10 Physical Therapist 131.4% $80,770 5,770

Top Industries in Indiana

There are several top industries in Indiana. The state’s job market is currently booming and they are driven by these various industries. Since you’re considering moving to Indiana, here’s a list of the leading industries in the state:

  • Energy Sector
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals And Medical Devices
  • Mining
  • Transportation
  • Agriculture

Number of Households by Income Level in Indiana

Median Income in Indiana vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Indiana vs USA

Taxes in Indiana

Moving to Indiana could mean paying less or more in taxes.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the major taxes in the state since you’re considering moving to Indiana:

  • The Income tax in Indiana is 3.23% statewide flat rate (counties may charge additional rates)
  • Sales tax in Indiana is 7%
  • Property tax in Indiana has a 0.81% average effective rate
  • Indiana Gas tax is 31 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and 51 cents per gallon of diesel

Statewide income tax in Indiana has decreased twice in recent years. In 2015, it lowered from a flat rate of 3.40% to 3.30%. In 2017 and beyond, it decreased further to 3.23%.

What are the best things to do in Indiana?

Moving to Indiana means you’ll get the chance to participate in various activities in the state, and visit tons of beautiful attractions. Here are some of the best things to do if you’re moving to Indiana:

  • Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indianapolis

    It has one of the finest Native American and Western Art collections and is a part of Indianapolis's White River State Park. The mission of the museum is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history, and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America.

  • Take your kids to Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Fort Wayne

    The 40-acre zoo is considered to be one of the best zoos in the US with more than 1,000 animals. There are rides as well as options to hand-feed animals.

  • Explore the Snite Museum of Art, Notre Dame

    A fine art museum, it homes over 25,000 works of art that span cultures, eras, and media. The museum also holds programs, workshops, exhibitions, and lectures.

  • Visit the Indiana University Bloomington

    One of the biggest universities in the country, Indiana University, Bloomington has over 40,000 students from 165 countries. The university focuses highly on sports and has teams for baseball, basketball, soccer, and football.

  • Spend time at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter

    The 15,349-acre India Dunes National lakeshore runs for about 20 miles (32 km) along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is a hot destination to scout rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach. There are 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.

  • Visit the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, Madison

    Lanier Mansion is a state museum and a National Historic Landmark. A perfect example of Greek Revival architecture, the mansion is considered to be the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District.

  • Tour the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum

    A 100,000 square feet museum, RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart stores historical recreational vehicles from Airstream, Winnebago, and other American makers. The museum is run by a non-profit organization on donations and it displays vehicles starting from 1913.

  • Tour the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

    The 5-floor museum has over 120,000 artifacts and exhibit items and receives over 1 million visitors every year. It also hosts interactive sessions for children.

  • Tour the Prophetstown State Park, West Lafayette

    Prophetstown State Park was once a Native American village where they hunted and lived for thousands of years. Currently, there is an open-air Museum at Prophetstown, with living history exhibits including a Shawnee village and a 1920s-era farmstead. The park has tall grass and wildflower prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers. Hiking, biking, and trailing destination, there are 110 campsites for recreation.

  • Explore the Studebaker National Museum, South Bend

    A variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages and military vehicles related to American history are on display at the museum. This even includes the car that Abraham Lincoln rode on the night of his assassination.

  • Catch a glimpse of WonderLab Museum of Science, Bloomington

    A 15,0000-square feet science museum, WonderLab helps people, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, foster lifelong learning, and explore connections to the arts and everyday life.

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How Safe Is Indiana?

Safety is always among the top things to consider before moving to any state. Since you’re considering moving to Indiana, safety should be among the key things to consider on your list. Here are key stats about Indiana crime rates:

  • Violent crime rate in Indiana is rated 23.0. National average is 22.7
  • Property crime rate in Indiana is rated 36.1. National average is 35.4
  • Aggravated assault was reported as 67% of violent crimes in Indiana
  • Rape account for 10% of all crimes in Indiana
  • Safest cities in Indiana reported more rapes than other cities statewide
  • 8 of the safest cities in Indiana reported violent crime rates lower than 1 per 1000 people
  • The most common property crime in Indiana is Larceny-theft
  • 56% of Indiana residents use some sort of property protection
  • Up to 31% of Indianans stated that their property was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

What are the best schools and universities in Indiana?

Indiana is home to several top-quality schools. That means moving to Indiana gives you easier access to these schools.

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