Comparing Indianapolis, IN and Montgomery, AL offers insight into two unique chapters of American urban life. Each city boasts of wide-ranging attributes from culture and food to infrastructure and economy. Depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices, one city may offer a standout advantage over the other.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Montgomery, AL : 513.3 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 344%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Montgomery has decreased by 2,903 people (1.4%) during that time.
Comparatively, Indianapolis generally has a higher crime rate than Montgomery. While both cities actively work on strategies to reduce crime rates, potential residents might consider the fact that both cities frequently appear in the FBI's high crime cities in the US. However, crime is primarily concentrated in certain areas and other neighborhoods in both cities remain safe and peaceful.
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 433 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,525 to 1; the ratio in Montgomery is 468 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Montgomery.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Montgomery generally comes out on top, with lower costs across most categories, including housing. On average, the cost of living in Montgomery is significantly lower than the national average. In Indianapolis, the cost of living is also lower than the national average, but still slightly higher than Montgomery.
Income Tax
In Indiana, residents of Indianapolis pay a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%. In Alabama, the state income tax rate varies from 2% to 5%, depending on income, with Montgomery’s residents falling into this scale.
Property Tax
Indianapolis property taxes are relatively moderate compared to the national average, while Montgomery offers lower than average property taxes, which might be more enticing to potential homeowners.
Sales Tax
Indiana, including Indianapolis, has a flat state sales tax rate of 7%. Montgomery, Alabama, has a more complex sales tax system with a combined state, county, and city rate, which can be up to 10%, depending on the specifics of the purchase.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$46,957
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$27,253
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
84.6
If you make $50,000 in Montgomery, you will have to make $51,832 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is predominantly flat with a generally gentle terrain. The city is essentially landlocked, with the nearest major bodies of water being the Great Lakes. Montgomery is located on the Alabama River and is characterized by rolling hills and coastal plains.
Education can be comparable in both cities. The Indianapolis Public Schools system serves the city of Indianapolis, while the Montgomery Public Schools system serves Montgomery. Both cities also boast a handful of colleges and universities, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Alabama State University in Montgomery.
Indianapolis has a robust economy with a focus on sectors like healthcare, education, and retail. It boasts a lower unemployment rate than the national average. Montgomery's economy is quite diverse as well, with government, healthcare, and manufacturing providing many jobs, although the unemployment rate is slightly higher compared to the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the biggest employers include the Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and the State of Indiana. Meanwhile, in Montgomery, the State of Alabama, Montgomery Public Schools, and Baptist Health are the largest employers.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 261 building permits issued in Montgomery in 2012 (87 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Montgomery (Montgomery County), 62.0% voted for Democrats and 37.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
Montgomery
2020
63.7%
65.1%
34.5%
33.6%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
58.2%
61.4%
35.6%
35.5%
6.2%
3.1%
2012
60.1%
62.0%
37.9%
37.7%
2.0%
0.3%
2008
63.8%
59.7%
35.4%
40.3%
0.8%
0.0%
2004
50.6%
50.6%
48.7%
49.4%
0.7%
0.0%
2000
48.0%
50.4%
49.3%
48.4%
2.8%
1.2%
1996
44.6%
48.7%
47.8%
48.0%
7.7%
3.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
Montgomery
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
4.1%
4.6%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
18.8%
5.7%
15.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
2.2%
3.4%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.2%
1.5%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.1%
1.6%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.6%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
1.1%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.4%
1.1%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
1.2%
0.5%
2.0%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Montgomery, on the other hand, has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild, wet winters. For those who prefer a warmer climate year-round, Montgomery might be more appealing, while those who enjoy experiencing different seasons might prefer Indianapolis.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
64.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
40%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
52.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
17.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
63.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
17%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.4 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Montgomery, Alabama
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Indianapolis
2018
94
75
0.58
N/A
13.2
N/A
23.1
26.3
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
13.8
0.3
N/A
2017
87
89
0.82
N/A
12.4
N/A
23.0
27.8
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
11.7
0.4
N/A
2016
91
75
0.62
N/A
13.0
N/A
22.5
29.6
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
8.8
0.4
N/A
2015
89
76
0.73
N/A
14.9
N/A
22.9
26.8
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
10.6
1.1
N/A
2014
100
55
0.62
N/A
16.1
N/A
25.1
28.2
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
N/A
3.2
N/A
2013
94
53
0.69
N/A
11.5
N/A
26.3
27.2
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
N/A
2.6
N/A
2012
103
63
0.65
N/A
10.4
N/A
25.7
29.7
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
N/A
2.9
N/A
2011
105
67
0.68
N/A
11.3
N/A
22.9
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
2.4
N/A
2010
101
84
0.54
N/A
12.7
N/A
21.6
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
12.5
3.3
N/A
2009
97
68
0.73
N/A
11.4
N/A
23.2
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
10.5
1.9
N/A
2008
91
79
0.62
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
30.4
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
3.0
N/A
2007
103
90
0.69
N/A
13.1
N/A
N/A
34.0
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
3.6
N/A
2006
95
73
0.59
N/A
14.5
N/A
N/A
31.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
N/A
2005
121
71
0.65
N/A
15.2
N/A
N/A
28.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
N/A
2004
104
62
0.62
N/A
15.8
N/A
N/A
26.0
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
N/A
2003
113
67
0.67
N/A
16.6
N/A
N/A
25.4
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
N/A
2002
125
78
0.76
N/A
17.4
N/A
N/A
28.6
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
94
0.81
N/A
16.6
N/A
N/A
28.3
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
108
0.87
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
144.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
166.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
15%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transportation, but Indianapolis' system is more extensive, featuring city buses, a downtown bike-share program, and an electric car sharing service. Montgomery's public transportation is more limited but serves key areas of the city. Both cities are car-dependent but are continually working towards improving their public transportation systems.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
168
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Bicycle
0.5%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
0.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.1%
Car alone
87.3%
89.9%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Average
28.1 min
26.5 min
Other means
22.5 min
19.9 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
31.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.2%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
7.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In terms of real estate, Montgomery tends to be more affordable, with median home costs significantly lower compared to that of Indianapolis. Both cities offer a range of housing options from downtown apartments to suburban homes, catering to diverse lifestyle choices.
Neighborhoods
Both Indianapolis and Montgomery are multicultural cities with diverse neighborhoods. Neighborhoods in Indianapolis like Broad Ripple Village, and Meridian-Kessler are known for their vibrancy and rich architecture. In Montgomery, areas like Old Cloverdale and Hillwood offer a welcoming community atmosphere with a blend of historic and modern homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Houses
399,820
93,055
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.4
Median year apartment built
1977
1981
Median year house/condo built
1971
1979
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
14.9 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
81,529 (87.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
45,969 (56.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
35,560 (43.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,021
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$926
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$177,602
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$136,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$182,881
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$83,037
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$87,195
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$55,784
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$154,829
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$110,664
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$179,453
Median house age
48
43
Renting percentage
44.2%
41.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
598.9
House value disparities
36.1%
41.3%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$69,253
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$43,782
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
462 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
1,755 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
28,109 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
309 (1.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,440 (8.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
3.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Montgomery
One, detached
59.0%
70.2%
One, attached
9.2%
3.4%
Two
2.5%
0.9%
3 or 4
6.2%
4.3%
5 to 9
7.7%
8.7%
10 to 19
6.3%
7.0%
20 to 49
3.1%
1.1%
50 or more
5.0%
2.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
4,332
State government workers
15,502
6,387
Unpaid family workers
1,601
0
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis is a hub for the education, healthcare, logistics, and retail industries, offering plenty of job opportunities in these sectors. Montgomery, on the other hand, has a strong footing in government, healthcare, manufacturing, and education, with the state of Alabama being the city's largest employer.
Both cities have reliable health care systems. Indianapolis is home to several major hospitals, including the highly-ranked Indiana University Health Medical Center. Montgomery offers quality health care options with the Baptist Medical Center South and Jackson Hospital among others.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have established infrastructures with Indianapolis boasting more expansive and modern facilities. This is influenced by its status as a state capital and a host to several major sporting events. Montgomery's infrastructure has seen substantial updates, particularly in its downtown area.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Montgomery
Hospitals
76
14
TV stations
19
11
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
69
Bank institutions located here
27
18
Main business address for public companies
28
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Montgomery
1999
3,358
1,463
2000
3,562
832
2001
2,649
509
2002
1,915
393
2003
2,519
393
2004
3,702
529
2005
6,057
779
2006
5,811
694
2007
3,456
538
2008
1,247
243
2009
565
100
Culture and Food
Both Indianapolis and Montgomery have rich cultural scenes. Indianapolis offers a mix of Midwestern and cosmopolitan cultures, with an array of global cuisines, museums, and arts venues. Montgomery is steeped in American civil rights history and features iconic southern cuisine.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is home to the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), the Indiana Pacers (NBA), and the Indianapolis 500 motor race. Montgomery hosts minor league baseball team, the Montgomery Biscuits, and the Alabama State University Hornets.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Montgomery, AL : 513.3 miles
