Indianapolis’ population total has changed little in recent years. According to recent census estimates, Indianapolis grew by 5,050 people or 0.6 percent from 2000 to 2006. Another estimate suggests the population has declined slightly.¹

The total number of people living in Indianapolis is steady, but the mix is shifting. The population is getting older. It is getting more ethnically diverse. It is getting wealthier, but retaining much poverty. It is leaving some neighborhoods and moving into others. 

The U.S. population is growing, but the growth is not equal in all regions. Over the past decade and more, Nevada has been the fastest-growing state. All the other fast-growing states are in the West or the South. Montana and the Dakotas have lost population in recent years. Zooming in on counties and cities, we find another factor. While most of the fast-growing cities and counties are in the West and South, many suburban areas in the Midwest and East are growing faster than the nation. Hamilton County, Ind., is one of those fast-growing suburbs.

If the general trend is toward the South and West and into the suburbs, what can be expected of a Midwestern central city? The next few pages show that Midwestern cities are growing slowly, and that Indianapolis is doing better than most.

1 Estimates of population vary because of methodology. The decennial census is the most complete tally of population. Other surveys, such as the American Community Survey, can be more recent, but less accurate. Non-census data sources such as the ACS count households only, leaving out retirement institutions, college dormitories, prisons, etc. This creates a disparity of 20,000 or more between the decennial census and the annual updates. As to the future, the Indiana Business Research Center provides estimates and forecasts of state and county population.