More than 44,000 people moved to Indiana in 2024. That's not a fluke, and it's not just about affordable rent. From first-time homebuyers tired of coastal prices to families seeking top-ranked schools, the Hoosier State keeps climbing the relocation radar.

If you've been searching "should I move to Indiana" or "is Indiana a good place to live," you're in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about relocating to Indiana in 2025, backed by current data and local insight from Get Indiana.

Why People Are Moving to Indiana Right Now

Indiana posted a net domestic migration gain of over 30,000 residents between 2020 and 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state ranked among the top destinations for affordability-driven moves, and the Midwest as a whole has led small business employment growth for 18 consecutive months as of late 2025.

What's driving the interest? It comes down to a few key factors that keep showing up in relocation research.

Indiana Cost of Living: The Real Numbers

Let's start with money. Indiana's cost of living runs about 7% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable states in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report, Indiana holds a cost of living index of 92.2, compared to the national baseline of 100.

Here's what that means in practice:

• To live comfortably in Indiana: A single adult needs approximately $88,000 per year, the 5th lowest threshold among U.S. states

• Median household income: $69,477 statewide

• State income tax: A flat 3.0%, among the lowest in the nation

• No estate tax or inheritance tax

For comparison, living comfortably in coastal metro areas often requires $120,000 to $150,000 or more for the same household. That gap adds up fast, and it's one of the biggest reasons families are choosing Indiana.

Indiana Job Market and Economy

The employment picture in Indiana has strengthened considerably. The state's unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% as of September 2025, representing a 0.7 percentage point decrease from the prior year. That's the largest year-over-year improvement of any U.S. state.

Indiana leads the nation in small business job growth. The Paychex Small Business Jobs Index ranked Indiana #1 among all states in November 2025, with a score of 101.22. The state gained 1.54 percentage points in the jobs index over the most recent quarter.

Major employers and Fortune 500 presence:

Indiana is home to several Fortune 500 headquarters:

• Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis): Pharmaceutical giant and Indiana's largest revenue generator

• Cummins Inc. (Columbus): Engine and power technology leader

• Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Indianapolis): Major health insurance provider

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation reported more than 10,600 new jobs committed in 2025, with average wages of $40.59 per hour. Real wage growth in Indiana reached 2.3% over the past year, outpacing many peer states.

Key industries include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. The state has positioned itself as a hub for pharmaceutical research, data centers (79 facilities statewide), and distribution given its central location.

Four Seasons of Fun in Indiana

Yes, Indiana has real winters. Central Indiana averages 20-25 inches of snow annually, while northern areas like South Bend and Fort Wayne see 33-40+ inches. But Hoosiers have turned winter into an opportunity for adventure.

Winter activities worth embracing:

• Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run: A 30-foot tower sends you racing down a refrigerated track at speeds up to 35 mph

• Perfect North Slopes: Ski and snowboard runs just outside Cincinnati, with tubing for the whole family

• Ice skating at Howard Park (South Bend): A 16,000-square-foot ice trail that's become a regional destination

• Clifty Falls State Park: Frozen waterfalls create stunning winter hiking scenery

And when the snow melts, you've got warm summers at Indiana Dunes State Park (yes, we have beaches on Lake Michigan), fall foliage drives through Brown County, and spring festivals across the state. Check out our summer bucket list and fall foliage guide for ideas.

Best Places to Live in Indiana for Families

Carmel, Indiana topped the national "Best Small Cities in America 2025" rankings with a score of 71.01. Fishers landed at #6 nationally. These Hamilton County suburbs consistently rank among the best places to raise kids anywhere in the country.

Top family-friendly communities:

• Carmel: Award-winning schools, 200+ miles of trails, walkable downtown, median home price around $400,000+

• Fishers: 600 acres of parks, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (rated among state's best), strong job growth

• Zionsville: Brick-lined Main Street, Zionsville Community Schools rated A+, crime rate 68% below national average

• Westfield: Rapidly growing with Grand Park sports complex, newer construction, strong youth sports programs

• Brownsburg: More affordable entry point with excellent public schools

West Lafayette Community School Corporation holds the #1 spot in Niche's 2025 Best School Districts in Indiana rankings, largely due to Purdue University's influence on academic culture. Carmel and Zionsville round out the top three.

A milestone worth noting: Indiana achieved 87.3% third-grade reading proficiency on the IREAD assessment in 2024-2025, the largest single-year increase since testing began in 2013.

For a deeper dive into raising kids here, check out our guide to the top family-friendly towns in Indiana.

Best Indiana Towns for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Indiana has 24 state parks, numerous state recreation areas, and a national park at Indiana Dunes. If outdoor access matters to you, these locations deliver.

Top picks for nature lovers:

• Bloomington: Access to Griffy Lake, Monroe Lake, and Brown County State Park

• Angola and Steuben County: Chain of lakes, Pokagon State Park

• Madison and Jefferson County: Clifty Falls State Park, Ohio River bluffs, Hatcher Hill Trail

• Terre Haute: Proximity to Turkey Run State Park and covered bridge country

The Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan offers 15 miles of shoreline and diverse ecosystems. It's consistently ranked among the most underrated national parks in America. Our guide to camping at Indiana Dunes covers everything you need to plan a trip.

Looking for something unexpected? Indiana is full of surprises. From the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point to the world's smallest children's art gallery in Carmel, the state rewards curious explorers. Browse our hidden gems guide for off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

Things to Consider Before Moving

Every state has trade-offs, and it's worth knowing what to expect.

Transportation: Most of Indiana requires a car. Indianapolis has IndyGo bus service and the Red Line rapid transit, but smaller cities and towns are built around driving. The upside? Commute times are short, parking is plentiful, and you won't spend hours stuck in traffic.

Entertainment options: Indianapolis offers excellent restaurants, professional sports, and cultural institutions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and the world-class Children's Museum. College towns like Bloomington and West Lafayette bring additional energy. Smaller communities have their own charm, from local festivals to Friday night football games that bring the whole town together.

Weather variety: You'll experience all four seasons here. Some people love the variety. If you're coming from a place with year-round warmth, it takes adjustment. But most transplants find they appreciate the seasonal rhythm once they settle in.

The Bottom Line

Indiana offers something increasingly rare: the chance to own a home, raise a family, and build a life without financial stress eating away at every paycheck. Add in strong schools, a growing job market, and communities where people still wave at their neighbors, and you start to understand why so many are making the move.

More than 44,000 people figured that out in 2024. The data suggests 2025 will continue the trend. If you're weighing a move to Indiana, the numbers are on your side, and so is the quality of life.

Thinking about relocating to the Hoosier State? Subscribe to the Get Indiana newsletter for weekly updates on communities, housing trends, and everything that makes Indiana home.