Metro areas in Indiana: income, rent and home values
Indiana has 15 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Chicago, IL with 9.4 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Chicago, IL ($93,989). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Columbus, IN (23.9%) and the largest in Bloomington, IN (39.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Fort Wayne, IN (+10.2%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 9,433,437 | $93,989 | $1,620 | $347,700 | 30.6% |
| Cincinnati, OH | 2,313,506 | $85,866 | $1,279 | $312,400 | 29.6% |
| Indianapolis, IN | 2,204,583 | $83,815 | $1,380 | $304,600 | 28.8% |
| Louisville, KY | 1,400,719 | $76,510 | $1,229 | $288,400 | 28.1% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 466,258 | $72,269 | $1,157 | $251,300 | 31.3% |
| South Bend, IN | 324,538 | $67,932 | $1,158 | $229,100 | 28.1% |
| Evansville, IN | 273,786 | $74,563 | $1,084 | $231,900 | 30.6% |
| Lafayette, IN | 229,154 | $66,677 | $1,225 | $283,400 | 32.3% |
| Elkhart, IN | 208,774 | $73,432 | $1,160 | $248,000 | 31.1% |
| Terre Haute, IN | 171,434 | $59,900 | $877 | $162,400 | 26.3% |
| Bloomington, IN | 165,231 | $65,429 | $1,269 | $316,800 | 39.2% |
| Muncie, IN | 113,106 | $53,422 | $890 | $155,700 | 30.2% |
| Michigan City, IN | 111,294 | $68,394 | $1,039 | $249,500 | 30.1% |
| Columbus, IN | 85,729 | $82,961 | $1,364 | $254,700 | 23.9% |
| Kokomo, IN | 83,904 | $65,835 | $969 | $185,200 | 31.0% |
Includes 4 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Indiana at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Indiana for renters?+
Columbus, IN, where renters spend a median 23.9% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Indiana has the highest income?+
Chicago, IL, with a median household income of $93,989 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Indiana?+
15 metropolitan statistical areas in Indiana have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.