Indianapolis, Indiana, and Akron, Ohio, are two Midwestern U.S. cities with their unique characteristics. While they share some similarities due to their geographic location and industrial history, they each have differences that could significantly impact someone's decision to live, work, or visit. A detailed comparison of these cities through various factors including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, among others, will provide valuable insights into their urban landscapes.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Akron, OH : 259.1 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 366%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Akron has decreased by 27,727 people (12.8%) during that time.
Indianapolis tends to have a higher overall crime rate than Akron, with both cities having higher rates than the national average. However, both cities are making efforts to improve public safety, and safe neighborhoods do exist. Tourists and newcomers alike are advised to research neighborhoods and be aware of their surroundings. Public safety infrastructures, like law enforcement and community outreach programs, are actively working towards improving the conditions in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 81 registered sex offenders living in Indianapolis and 907 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,525 to 1; the ratio in Akron is 218 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Akron.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is quite affordable in both cities as compared to the national Average, with Akron being slightly more cost-effective than Indianapolis. This extends to areas like housing, food, utilities, and transportation. For those looking to relocate, Akron might be the more appealing option financially.
Income Tax
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.23%, and Indianapolis imposes an additional county income tax. Ohio has a progressive state income tax system, and Akron imposes a municipal income tax as well.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Indianapolis are generally lower than the national average, while Akron has higher property tax rates due to school district levies.
Sales Tax
Indiana has a state sales tax rate of 7%, and there is no additional sales tax in Indianapolis. Ohio's state sales tax is 5.75%, and Akron imposes an additional 0.5% for a total of 6.25%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$41,628
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$25,307
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
95.7
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $54,561 in Akron to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is known for its flat plains and fertile soil, lying in the Central Till Plains. Akron is sited in the Great Lakes region, characterized by rolling hills at the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains.
Indianapolis is home to many esteemed institutions, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Akron also boasts respected institutions of higher education, such as the University of Akron. For K-12 education, both cities have a mix of public and private schools, although the quality can vary greatly between districts.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy revolving around industries such as healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Akron, once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," has since diversified its economy to include research, manufacturing, and healthcare. Both cities have steady job markets, but those in healthcare, education, and tech may find more opportunities in Indianapolis.
Biggest Employers
Indianapolis' largest employers include IU Health, St. Vincent Health, and Eli Lilly and Company. Akron's biggest employers are Summa Health System, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and GOJO Industries, the makers of Purell, which reflects their strong healthcare and manufacturing industries.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 33 building permits issued in Akron in 2012.
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Akron (Summit County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
2020
63.7%
53.9%
34.5%
44.4%
1.9%
1.7%
2016
58.2%
51.7%
35.6%
43.2%
6.2%
5.1%
2012
60.1%
57.3%
37.9%
41.6%
2.0%
1.1%
2008
63.8%
57.9%
35.4%
40.8%
0.8%
1.3%
2004
50.6%
56.9%
48.7%
43.1%
0.7%
0.0%
2000
48.0%
53.4%
49.3%
43.1%
2.8%
3.5%
1996
44.6%
52.1%
47.8%
34.2%
7.7%
13.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
21.6%
4.6%
6.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.3%
5.7%
3.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.4%
3.4%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.9%
1.5%
2.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.9%
1.6%
2.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.1%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
0.4%
Weather
Both cities have a typical Midwestern climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Indianapolis, being further south, has slightly milder winters and hotter summers. Akron sees more precipitation, especially snow in winter, due to its proximity to the Great Lakes. Both cities have their outdoor recreation activities and parks for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the various seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
49.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
32.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
54.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
38.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
96.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
51.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
43.6%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
65.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
22.1%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
9.9 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Akron, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
Indianapolis
Akron
2018
94
78
0.58
0.18
13.2
N/A
23.1
29.5
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
9.0
0.3
0.1
2017
87
76
0.82
0.06
12.4
N/A
23.0
31.0
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
8.5
0.4
0.1
2016
91
80
0.62
0.10
13.0
N/A
22.5
27.1
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
10.3
0.4
0.3
2015
89
92
0.73
0.12
14.9
N/A
22.9
27.8
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
13.9
1.1
1.0
2014
100
59
0.62
0.13
16.1
N/A
25.1
26.2
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
7.4
3.2
2.2
2013
94
62
0.69
0.18
11.5
N/A
26.3
26.2
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
8.9
2.6
2.9
2012
103
90
0.65
0.13
10.4
N/A
25.7
30.4
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
12.9
2.9
2.7
2011
105
91
0.68
0.09
11.3
N/A
22.9
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
10.8
2.4
3.2
2010
101
112
0.54
0.16
12.7
N/A
21.6
32.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
15.3
3.3
2.5
2009
97
64
0.73
0.27
11.4
N/A
23.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
N/A
1.9
1.9
2008
91
71
0.62
0.31
11.5
N/A
N/A
33.6
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
3.0
2.8
2007
103
77
0.69
0.29
13.1
N/A
N/A
36.1
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
3.6
3.2
2006
95
64
0.59
0.42
14.5
N/A
N/A
30.9
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
4.2
2005
121
88
0.65
0.42
15.2
N/A
N/A
33.1
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
4.5
2004
104
74
0.62
0.41
15.8
N/A
N/A
27.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
20.4
15.1
N/A
4.6
4.7
2003
113
84
0.67
0.39
16.6
N/A
N/A
28.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
20.5
15.8
N/A
4.2
7.3
2002
125
91
0.76
0.47
17.4
N/A
N/A
32.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
20.9
16.8
N/A
3.9
8.4
2001
105
91
0.81
0.51
16.6
N/A
N/A
31.7
0.031
N/A
N/A
21.9
16.3
N/A
3.8
8.6
2000
98
78
0.87
0.59
17.3
N/A
N/A
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
4.5
8.0
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
111.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
52.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
11%
Transportation
Both cities face challenges regarding public transit. Indianapolis has the IndyGo bus system, and Akron has the METRO Regional Transit Authority, but both systems have areas they do not service well. Both cities are car-dependent, but efforts to improve public and alternative transportation, like bike lanes and shared-use paths, are underway.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
112
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
10
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
1.4%
Carpooled
8.5%
7.7%
Car alone
87.3%
87.7%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Average
28.1 min
24.6 min
Other means
22.5 min
22 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
85.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
12.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Indianapolis' real estate market tends to be more expensive than Akron's, with home values above the national average, although it varies by neighborhood. Akron's real estate market is generally more affordable, and various neighborhoods appeal to different income levels.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a mix of urban, suburban, and rural living. Indianapolis has revitalized downtown neighborhoods and quieter suburban communities, while Akron boasts historic neighborhoods, vibrant downtown living, and laid-back suburban areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Houses
399,820
93,546
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1977
1960
Median year house/condo built
1971
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
15.6 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
84,914 (90.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
42,714 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
42,200 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$905.97
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$784
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$81,314
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$106,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$136,437
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$102,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$135,558
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$94,537
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$44,110
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$181,576
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$137,428
Median house age
48
68
Renting percentage
44.2%
45.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,507.1
House value disparities
36.1%
36.4%
Household income disparities
44.4%
45%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$71,904
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$49,938
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,292 (4.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
2,419 (9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
25,670 (95.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,878 (10.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
3.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Akron
One, detached
59.0%
67.7%
One, attached
9.2%
3.0%
Two
2.5%
6.8%
3 or 4
6.2%
4.5%
5 to 9
7.7%
4.9%
10 to 19
6.3%
3.9%
20 to 49
3.1%
2.9%
50 or more
5.0%
6.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
3,686
State government workers
15,502
2,025
Unpaid family workers
1,601
196
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis' economy centers around health services, education, finance, insurance, and manufacturing while Akron is known for its ties to the polymer industry and healthcare. Skilled manufacturing jobs remain important to Akron's economy, and in Indianapolis, roles in healthcare, education, and tech are notable growing sectors.
Indianapolis is a major healthcare hub with nationally recognized hospitals like Riley Hospital for Children and IU Health. Akron also has excellent healthcare facilities, including Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Akron Children's Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have experienced urban revitalization efforts, but Indianapolis' downtown stands out with modern infrastructures attributable to major events like the Indy 500 and the Super Bowl. Akron has seen downtown redevelopment, particularly in the arts and culture sector, and preservation of historic industrial buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Akron
Hospitals
76
11
TV stations
19
22
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
69
Bank institutions located here
27
12
Main business address for public companies
28
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
15
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Akron
1999
3,358
674
2000
3,562
857
2001
2,649
599
2002
1,915
414
2003
2,519
644
2004
3,702
816
2005
6,057
1,353
2006
5,811
1,286
2007
3,456
734
2008
1,247
280
2009
565
85
Culture and Food
Indianapolis has a thriving cultural scene, including a growing foodie culture. It’s also home to a multitude of cultural institutions and museums. Akron also offers a vibrant cultural life, featuring a revitalized arts district and diverse cuisine, with a notable influence from the city's immigrant communities.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is notable for its sports teams, such as the Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA), and the Indy 500 motor race. Akron, while not having major league teams of its own, is near Cleveland and its sport franchises including the Browns (NFL), Cavaliers (NBA), and Indians (MLB).
Indianapolis, IN and 
Akron, OH : 259.1 miles
