Comparing Indianapolis, the bustling hub of Indiana, and El Paso, Texas' westernmost city, offers a fascinating examination of two very different parts of the United States. From their contrasting climates and distinct cultural vibes, to differing economy and infrastructure, residents of both cities experience unique lifestyles. Both cities offer a range of economic opportunities, outdoor activities, and entertainment options, but each has its own unique perks and challenges. It's worthwhile to delve into the details of each city to get a sense of where you could see yourself fitting in, be it for long-term living or a short-term visit.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
El Paso, TX : 1,259.7 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 30%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of El Paso has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) during that time.
According to data from the FBI, Indianapolis has a higher overall crime rate than El Paso. El Paso is frequently recognized as one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. However, it is important to note that crime rates can greatly vary depending on the neighborhood in both cities. Efforts are ongoing in both cities to diminish crime rates and improve overall safety. Tourists and potential residents should check the safety of specific neighborhoods before planning their trips or moves.
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 82 registered sex offenders living in Indianapolis and 1,274 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in El Paso is 536 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in El Paso.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living is cheaper in El Paso than in Indianapolis. Areas where El Paso is particularly more affordable include housing and groceries. However, Indianapolis offers a comparable cost of living relative to average incomes and boasts a more affordable healthcare system. Depending on one's priorities and lifestyle, either city could be seen as more cost-effective.
Income Tax
Both Indianapolis and El Paso do not have a specific city income tax. For state income tax, Indiana adopts a flat rate of 3.23% for all taxpayers, while Texas is one of seven states in the U.S. that does not collect state income tax.
Property Tax
When it comes to property taxes, Indianapolis' average rate is lower than the national average, while El Paso's is considerably higher. Both cities make adjustments and grants available for seniors and disabled homeowners, making it crucial for homeowners to investigate what might be applicable in their situation.
Sales Tax
Indiana has a 7% state sales tax, which also applies in Indianapolis. In Texas, there is a 6.25% state sales tax, with cities like El Paso allowed to impose an additional local sales tax, which is currently 2%, making the total sales tax in El Paso 8.25%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$51,241
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$25,670
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
82.2
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $53,345 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is centrally located in Indiana and is largely flat with minor slopes. It is surrounded by fertile agricultural land. El Paso, on the other hand, is situated in the far west of Texas near the border with Mexico, and features a rugged mountainous terrain that includes the scenic Franklin Mountains.
In terms of education, both cities have a range of options. Indianapolis is home to numerous renowned elementary, middle, and high schools, while El Paso showcases several school districts that are recognized for their success. For higher education, Indianapolis hosts a plethora of universities, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). El Paso houses the University of Texas at El Paso and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Both cities offer a bustling work scene and steadily growing economies. Indianapolis is known for health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade jobs. Tech is also a rapidly growing industry in Indianapolis. On the other hand, El Paso's economy is primarily based on healthcare, education, and the military, with significant growth in cross-border trade with Mexico and other international business.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the biggest employers include Anthem Inc, Eli Lilly, and Indiana University Health. In El Paso, the largest employers consist of the Federal Government, which includes jobs in border security and the military, University Medical Center, and the University of Texas at El Paso.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In El Paso (El Paso County), 65.5% voted for Democrats and 33.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
2020
63.7%
66.8%
34.5%
31.6%
1.9%
1.6%
2016
58.2%
69.1%
35.6%
26.0%
6.2%
4.9%
2012
60.1%
65.5%
37.9%
33.2%
2.0%
1.3%
2008
63.8%
66.0%
35.4%
33.4%
0.8%
0.6%
2004
50.6%
56.2%
48.7%
43.3%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
48.0%
57.9%
49.3%
39.8%
2.8%
2.3%
1996
44.6%
62.3%
47.8%
32.1%
7.7%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
43.2%
4.6%
11.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
3.3%
5.7%
26.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.0%
3.4%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.2%
1.5%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.1%
1.6%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.6%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
1.0%
Weather
The weather in these two cities is significantly different as well. Indianapolis experiences a temperate climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters, while El Paso has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Snow is common in Indianapolis in the winter, but very rare in El Paso. This can make El Paso more appealing for those seeking sunnier climates, but Indianapolis may appeal to those who enjoy a change of seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
64.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
42.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
42.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
59.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
10.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
89.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
13.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
89.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
75.4%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
Indianapolis
El Paso
2018
94
139
0.58
0.17
13.2
14.0
23.1
32.0
N/A
N/A
18.2
35.7
10.4
9.2
0.3
N/A
2017
87
173
0.82
0.19
12.4
13.0
23.0
30.5
N/A
N/A
17.6
40.4
10.1
9.5
0.4
0.5
2016
91
148
0.62
0.17
13.0
12.6
22.5
30.6
N/A
N/A
18.0
35.2
9.9
9.2
0.4
0.5
2015
89
112
0.73
0.18
14.9
12.7
22.9
30.8
N/A
N/A
19.7
31.2
9.9
8.0
1.1
0.5
2014
100
157
0.62
0.13
16.1
12.8
25.1
30.0
N/A
N/A
20.6
40.3
12.1
9.7
3.2
0.4
2013
94
211
0.69
0.23
11.5
14.1
26.3
30.5
N/A
N/A
19.9
43.9
12.8
10.8
2.6
0.4
2012
103
229
0.65
0.30
10.4
15.9
25.7
31.6
N/A
N/A
20.8
40.2
12.9
11.6
2.9
0.4
2011
105
221
0.68
0.23
11.3
15.9
22.9
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.7
16.3
11.6
2.4
0.5
2010
101
211
0.54
0.25
12.7
15.3
21.6
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.8
15.9
7.9
3.3
0.3
2009
97
117
0.73
0.23
11.4
15.4
23.2
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.6
13.8
8.3
1.9
0.3
2008
91
210
0.62
0.25
11.5
15.2
N/A
30.1
0.010
0.017
N/A
34.6
13.2
9.7
3.0
0.6
2007
103
134
0.69
0.28
13.1
13.9
N/A
30.6
0.011
0.019
N/A
40.5
14.9
8.4
3.6
0.4
2006
95
241
0.59
0.37
14.5
14.3
N/A
30.6
0.009
0.018
N/A
55.0
14.5
11.1
3.6
0.3
2005
121
159
0.65
0.43
15.2
13.1
N/A
29.6
0.014
0.013
N/A
44.5
18.0
9.6
4.3
0.6
2004
104
183
0.62
0.38
15.8
13.5
N/A
29.2
0.010
0.020
N/A
47.3
15.1
8.2
4.6
0.4
2003
113
278
0.67
0.46
16.6
15.5
N/A
29.5
0.010
0.039
N/A
60.4
15.8
10.8
4.2
0.6
2002
125
203
0.76
0.43
17.4
16.4
N/A
30.5
0.009
0.034
N/A
53.3
16.8
11.0
3.9
0.4
2001
105
139
0.81
0.51
16.6
15.5
N/A
28.7
0.031
0.046
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.8
3.8
0.7
2000
98
145
0.87
0.67
17.3
17.8
N/A
27.8
N/A
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
4.5
1.0
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
4.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
524.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
11%
Transportation
Public transportation in both cities is run by city-owned entities: IndyGo in Indianapolis and Sun Metro in El Paso. Both cities also offer bike-sharing programs and are constantly expanding cycling infrastructure. As for driving commuters, Indianapolis' well-designed highway system makes it easier to navigate, while El Paso commuters generally deal with less traffic.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
331
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Bicycle
0.5%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
11.2%
Car alone
87.3%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Average
28.1 min
25.1 min
Other means
22.5 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Both cities have growing real estate markets. However, home prices in Indianapolis are generally higher than in El Paso. Apartments in both cities are relatively affordable but vary based on neighborhoods and amenities. It's important to conduct localized research, as the real estate market can fluctuate.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis' neighborhoods are diverse, from the historic charm of Meridian-Kessler to the modern vibrancy of Downtown. El Paso's neighborhoods, like Scenic Heights and Mission Hills, combine the beauty of nature with convenient city living. It's worth noting that each boasts safe and family-friendly options.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Houses
399,820
261,779
Average household size (people)
2.4
3
Median year apartment built
1977
1982
Median year house/condo built
1971
1985
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
14.7 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
242,529 (92.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
147,788 (60.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
94,741 (39.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$570.82
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$939
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$227,007
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$152,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$187,761
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$75,782
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$266,003
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$43,095
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$149,459
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$186,951
Median house age
48
38
Renting percentage
44.2%
39.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,051
House value disparities
36.1%
32.7%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$74,665
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$52,954
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,889 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
2,956 (3.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
84,973 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
250 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
3,635 (4.2%)
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%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
El Paso
One, detached
59.0%
67.7%
One, attached
9.2%
4.4%
Two
2.5%
2.4%
3 or 4
6.2%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.7%
5.9%
10 to 19
6.3%
5.8%
20 to 49
3.1%
2.4%
50 or more
5.0%
4.8%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
19,650
State government workers
15,502
12,525
Unpaid family workers
1,601
901
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis' industries are diverse, which include finance, health care, education, and a robust tech sector. Meanwhile, El Paso’s biggest industries include healthcare, international trade, and education. Both cities offer numerous opportunities in respective industries for those seeking meaningful employment.
Indianapolis boasts numerous hospitals and health networks, including the nationally-recognized Indiana University Health system. El Paso's health care system is robust as well, featuring University Medical Center of El Paso and several other quality hospitals and clinics.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis is structured around a hub-and-spoke model, with interstates leading out from the city center. It is well-known for its fast and efficient urban development model. Meanwhile, El Paso's urban planning incorporates both American and Mexican influences, with an emphasis on community connection and green spaces. Both cities are investing diligently in modernizing their infrastructure, with convenient public transit options and steadily improving road quality.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
El Paso
Hospitals
76
41
TV stations
19
10
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
89
Bank institutions located here
27
19
Main business address for public companies
28
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
El Paso
1999
3,358
1,994
2000
3,562
993
2001
2,649
704
2002
1,915
594
2003
2,519
1,268
2004
3,702
1,646
2005
6,057
2,316
2006
5,811
2,701
2007
3,456
2,051
2008
1,247
1,034
2009
565
454
Culture and Food
Indianapolis boasts a healthy mix of Midwest and international cultures, reflected in its diverse culinary scene. It's also known for its thriving craft beer scene and is home to many music and art festivals. El Paso’s culture is influenced by its proximity to Mexico, offering a blend of Texan and Mexican cuisines (Tex-Mex), vibrant festivals, and rich heritage landmarks.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a strong sports culture. Indianapolis is home to several major sports teams including the Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA), and Fever (WNBA). The city is also famous for hosting the Indy 500 motor race. In contrast, El Paso has minor league teams like El Paso Chihuahuas (Triple-A baseball) and Locomotive FC (USL Championship soccer), as well as UTEP's NCAA Division I teams.
Indianapolis, IN and 
El Paso, TX : 1,259.7 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
El Paso, TX : 1,259.7 miles
