Moving to Indiana statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Indiana?

Approximately 150,649 people moved to Indiana in 2023, while 120,876 moved out. This represents a net gain of 29,773 residents. The Hoosier State has become a popular move-in destination in recent years, attracting roughly 62 movers per day between 2022 and 2023.

Though the majority of Indiana’s inbound migrants are international, the state still experienced more positive domestic migration than neighboring Illinois or Michigan. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Indiana ranked as the 30th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Indiana

With high quality of life and affordability scores based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, Indiana ranks as the 25th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. A low economic score is the primary factor holding the state back, but many are still attracted to the low cost of living.

Of those moving to the Hoosier State, the majority are relocating either to Fort Wayne or the suburbs north of Indianapolis. These regions offer unmatched job opportunities and a high quality of life. Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville — all just north of Indianapolis — attracted 11,308, 5,048 and 4,070 new residents, respectively, between 2020 and 2023. Over the same period, Westfield also saw the highest population growth — a substantial 24.4% increase.

The top five locales people moved to in Indiana between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Indiana?

An affordable cost of living and growing job opportunities in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis are the primary reasons people are moving to Indiana. Despite housing costs that are 39.8% below the national average — one of the most affordable in the country — the Hoosier State’s median household income is only slightly below the national median. This means earning a livable income here will likely be easier than in other states.

The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, manufacturing, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ roughly 51% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state, however, is construction, growing at a rate of 5.7% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Indiana housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,352 and a median home sale price of $252,900, Indiana renters and homeowners can expect to pay nearly 40% less than the national median for housing.

At 0.84%, Indiana also has a moderate property tax rate that ranks as the 21st lowest in the nation. The tax rate here is exactly half that of Texas — a state with one of the highest property taxes.

In 2021, the average property owner in Hamilton County — where Westfield and other popular Indianapolis suburbs are located — paid $2,887 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Indiana varies greatly by county, with residents in Hamilton County paying the most annually in 2021, while those in Pulaski County paid substantially less with an average of $503.

Cost-of-living statistics in Indiana

Indiana’s cost-of-living index is 91.5, making it the 13th most affordable state in the country. Despite a median household income 10% lower than the national median, at $67,820, affordable housing availability helps offset this. Luckily, the unemployment rate (3.8%) is also slightly below the national average of 4.2%.

However, gas prices don’t follow this same affordability trend, being 6.7% higher ($3.48) than the national average of $3.26. Compared to neighboring Ohio, Indiana produces far less oil and natural gas, potentially contributing to higher gas prices. Overall, the Hoosier State ranks as the 47th most green state in the country.

For would-be movers, Indiana offers a low cost of living that’s somewhat offset by its lower-than-average median household income. However, the balance between the two is better than many other states.

Who lives in Indiana?

An estimated 6,862,199 people live in Indiana as of 2023, making it the 17th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 29,925 people compared to 2022.

Indiana’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for about 50.4% of the population and men accounting for 49.6%. In 2023, nearly 3.5 million Indiana residents were female, and 3.4 million were male.

On average, Indiana’s population is also slightly younger (38.2 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 25 and 44 years old make up the largest age demographic, accounting for 25.3% of the population, or 1.7 million people.

White Americans account for the largest share of Indiana’s residents, approximating 83.7% of the population (5.7 million people). Indiana also has a considerable share of Black and Hispanic residents when compared to other states, representing 10.4% and 8.8% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Indiana

Not sure how to start your move to Indiana? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Indiana offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing and utilities available across the state. However, prices will likely be higher around popular areas like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. To budget accordingly, we recommend using resources on Indiana.gov to research property taxes, average utility costs and home sale prices in your preferred area.

2. Explore the job market

Many people are attracted to Indiana for its booming job market driven by industries like manufacturing, transportation and health care. In fact, the Hoosier State is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in the country, producing everything from automotive parts to pharmaceuticals. Before making the move, check job boards and utilize employment resources through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website to explore openings in your field.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

Though the state might receive less snow than in neighboring Michigan or Appalachian states, Indiana still experiences a full range of seasons. Expect hot, humid summers and cold, snowy or cloudy winters. We recommend investing in both winter and summer gear, from coats and snow shovels to shorts and air conditioning. You can stay updated on local weather patterns through the National Weather Service.

4. Research transportation options

Though Indiana’s major hubs — including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and South Bend — offer public transportation options in the form of buses and commuter rail, most of Indiana is car-centric. If you don’t have a personal vehicle, we recommend researching ride-sharing services and regional transit systems on the Indiana Department of Transportation website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Though Hoosiers are generally safe from earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires, seasonal tornadoes and flooding can pose a major threat. The tornado season runs from March through July, with flooding and severe winter storms also common throughout the year. Consider signing up for local weather alerts and researching emergency plans through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.

6. Discover Indiana’s attractions

Far from its reputation for cows and cornfields, Indiana offers several scenic state parks and bustling cultural hubs. Explore outdoor destinations like Brown County State Park, or visit the capital city for national attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There’s something new to find in every corner of the state. Use VisitIndiana.com to find activities and attractions that suit your interests.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Indiana, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.