Population growth is determined by two factors: natural increase and migration. They are independent of each other, so a community might grow in both; grow in only one or the other; or decline in both. Indianapolis has high natural increase, offset by out-migration.

 
 
   
     
  Indianapolis is doing well in comparison with simlar cities in other statesNatural increaseIndianapolis' high birth rateNumber of births, 2003Indianapolis neighborhoods: birth rates varyEducational attainment of mothersMigration explains the growth of the suburbs  
  PopulationThe population basicsIndianapolis' population is growing slowlyThe Central Indiana region grew rapidlyIndianapolis is younger than the state or the nationIndianapolis is becoming more diverse  
  Most Central Indiana growth is in surburban areas rather than the urban coreIndianapolis will remain the hub of Central IndianaThe trend is toward more older peopleBlacks are the largest minority, while Hispanics are the fastest-growing ethnic groupThe suburbs remain whiteEthnic, racial and cultural groupsHispanic social integrationHistoric sidebar