Indianapolis, Indiana and Laredo, Texas, while both US cities, each offer unique experiences to residents and visitors alike. Factors including crime rates, climate, living costs, and local culture greatly influence the lifestyle you might encounter in each location. Indianapolis, famed for its sports and excellent infrastructure, tends to be more vibrant, yet affordable, with a dynamic economy. Laredo, on the other hand, is known for its stronger Mexican influence, hotter climate, and more conservative cost of living. Read on to explore the details of life in these two cities.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Laredo, TX : 1,140.6 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 244%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Laredo has grown by 79,577 people (45.1%) during that time.
Indianapolis has been wrestling with higher rates of crime, especially property crime compared to national averages. However, it's worth noting that crime rates significantly vary across various neighborhoods. Efforts to combat crime are ongoing, with safety measures continuously being implemented. In comparison, Laredo has a lower crime rate overall, which adds to the town's appeal for both residents and tourists looking for safer environments.
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 266 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in Laredo is 978 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Laredo.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Indianapolis is higher than in Laredo. However, Indianapolis is still considered more affordable than many other major US cities. This contrasts with Laredo's generally lower cost of living, especially when it comes to housing costs, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Income Tax
Indianapolis residents experience state income tax at a rate of 3.23%. Laredo, located in Texas, a state free from income tax, provides an advantage for residents looking to save on personal earnings.
Property Tax
In terms of property taxes, Indianapolis residents can expect an average rate of 0.845%. Those living in Laredo face a slightly higher property tax rate, with an average of 2.2%.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate in Indianapolis is 7%, while in Laredo it's a slightly higher 8.25%, reflecting the differences between Indiana and Texas tax rules.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$52,438
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$21,785
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
82.6
If you make $50,000 in Laredo, you will have to make $53,087 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis, located in the Midwest, boasts gentle hills and flat farmlands. Laredo, in southern Texas, features a unique landscape of hills and flatlands near the Rio Grande, adding a different appeal for nature lovers.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse selection of educational opportunities, including renowned universities such as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Public schools in Indianapolis are part of Indianapolis Public Schools, the largest school district in Indiana. On the other hand, Laredo has a smaller selection of educational offerings, with the prominent Texas A&M International University as its main higher education institution.
The economy of Indianapolis is diverse, with health care and social services, manufacturing, and retail trade being important sectors. It's also a city with a good job market and offers better-than-average job opportunities. Laredo's economy leans heavily on international trade due to its location on the border with Mexico, and it offers a steady job market.
Biggest Employers
Indianapolis' largest employers include the health network Indiana University Health and retail giants like Amazon. In Laredo, the largest employers are primarily in the public sector, such as the United Independent School District and Laredo Medical Center.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,462 building permits issued in Laredo in 2012 (822 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Laredo (Webb County), 76.4% voted for Democrats and 22.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
2020
63.7%
61.1%
34.5%
37.9%
1.9%
1.0%
2016
58.2%
74.4%
35.6%
22.8%
6.2%
2.9%
2012
60.1%
76.4%
37.9%
22.5%
2.0%
1.1%
2008
63.8%
71.5%
35.4%
28.0%
0.8%
0.4%
2004
50.6%
57.0%
48.7%
42.7%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
57.6%
49.3%
41.6%
2.8%
0.8%
1996
44.6%
76.7%
47.8%
19.0%
7.7%
4.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
50.6%
4.6%
18.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.2%
5.7%
21.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.0%
3.4%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.0%
1.5%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.1%
1.6%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.6%
2.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
0.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
0.7%
Weather
Weather conditions in Indianapolis are characterized by a typical Midwestern climate, with humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Laredo, in contrast, experiences a semi-arid climate. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are typically mild. These climate differences necessitate different lifestyles and preparedness, depending on your weather preferences.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
73.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
80%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
36.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91.2%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
21.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
17.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
64.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
78.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
43.1%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
12.1 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Laredo, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Laredo
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
2018
94
44
0.58
0.20
13.2
N/A
23.1
24.2
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
N/A
0.3
N/A
2017
87
N/A
0.82
N/A
12.4
N/A
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.4
N/A
2016
91
37
0.62
0.37
13.0
N/A
22.5
20.0
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.4
N/A
2015
89
41
0.73
0.26
14.9
N/A
22.9
21.1
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
N/A
1.1
N/A
2014
100
43
0.62
0.24
16.1
N/A
25.1
22.6
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
N/A
3.2
N/A
2013
94
51
0.69
0.12
11.5
N/A
26.3
23.5
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
N/A
2.6
N/A
2012
103
N/A
0.65
N/A
10.4
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
N/A
2.9
N/A
2011
105
55
0.68
N/A
11.3
N/A
22.9
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
2.4
N/A
2010
101
54
0.54
0.40
12.7
N/A
21.6
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.3
15.9
N/A
3.3
N/A
2009
97
50
0.73
0.41
11.4
N/A
23.2
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
13.8
N/A
1.9
N/A
2008
91
62
0.62
0.40
11.5
N/A
N/A
20.5
0.010
0.009
N/A
28.0
13.2
N/A
3.0
N/A
2007
103
63
0.69
0.54
13.1
N/A
N/A
22.2
0.011
0.009
N/A
29.5
14.9
N/A
3.6
N/A
2006
95
116
0.59
0.52
14.5
N/A
N/A
21.6
0.009
0.010
N/A
39.3
14.5
N/A
3.6
N/A
2005
121
66
0.65
0.53
15.2
N/A
N/A
22.3
0.014
0.013
N/A
27.5
18.0
N/A
4.3
N/A
2004
104
57
0.62
0.57
15.8
N/A
N/A
22.4
0.010
0.012
N/A
24.2
15.1
N/A
4.6
N/A
2003
113
62
0.67
0.79
16.6
N/A
N/A
24.0
0.010
0.011
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
N/A
2002
125
58
0.76
0.84
17.4
N/A
N/A
24.5
0.009
0.008
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
55
0.81
0.85
16.6
N/A
N/A
22.8
0.031
0.013
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
60
0.87
0.95
17.3
N/A
N/A
22.5
N/A
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
9.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
58.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
16%
Transportation
In Indianapolis, public transit is well-organized, with IndyGo buses providing regular service. The city also abounds in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly spots. Laredo's public transit mainly consists of El Metro, its bus network. However, in both cities, owning a car could be more convenient for commuting.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
135
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
7
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Bicycle
0.5%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.5%
12%
Car alone
87.3%
83.1%
Streetcar
0%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Average
28.1 min
21.3 min
Other means
22.5 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
40.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
87%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In Indianapolis, the real estate market is relatively affordable compared to other major US cities. Laredo's real estate market is even more affordable, with significantly low housing costs.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis has diverse neighborhoods to fit varying lifestyles and budgets, from the vibrant Downtown to the family-friendly Fishers. In Laredo, neighborhoods are generally quieter, with suburban-like environments such as North Creek or Del Mar Hills.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Houses
399,820
82,105
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.7
Median year apartment built
1977
1993
Median year house/condo built
1971
1999
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
14.3 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
76,095 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
48,145 (63.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
27,950 (36.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$660.71
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$895
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$131,192
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$157,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$200,897
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$236,063
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$131,179
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$140,731
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$84,838
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$167,216
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$187,779
Median house age
48
25
Renting percentage
44.2%
36.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,046.5
House value disparities
36.1%
37.1%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$78,507
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$53,572
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
313 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
431 (1.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
25,985 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
3 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
605 (2.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Laredo
One, detached
59.0%
66.4%
One, attached
9.2%
2.3%
Two
2.5%
1.7%
3 or 4
6.2%
5.7%
5 to 9
7.7%
3.9%
10 to 19
6.3%
2.6%
20 to 49
3.1%
1.5%
50 or more
5.0%
5.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
9.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
5,131
State government workers
15,502
4,703
Unpaid family workers
1,601
395
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, the healthcare and social services sector is the largest employer. Retail trade and manufacturing are other significant industries. On the contrary, Laredo's economy heavily relies on international trade, with occupations mainly in transportation and warehousing.
Both cities have respectable healthcare systems. Indianapolis is home to state-of-the-art facilities like the Indiana University Health Medical Center. Laredo’s healthcare system includes the highly-rated Laredo Medical Center, offering comprehensive medical services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis boasts excellent infrastructure, including quality roads and public transit systems. IndyGo, the city’s bus system, serves commuters with its frequent routes. Laredo, while not as developed, has adequate infrastructure to meet residents’ needs and is continuously developing.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Laredo
Hospitals
76
11
TV stations
19
7
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
259
56
Bank institutions located here
27
13
Main business address for public companies
28
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Laredo
1999
3,358
2,067
2000
3,562
823
2001
2,649
343
2002
1,915
155
2003
2,519
330
2004
3,702
450
2005
6,057
645
2006
5,811
720
2007
3,456
564
2008
1,247
174
2009
565
64
Culture and Food
Indianapolis is characterized by a vibrant city culture, with options ranging from performance arts to a thriving culinary scene. Priding itself as a sports city, it offers great sports events and cultural attractions. Laredo, with a stronger Mexican influence, presents a rich Hispanic culture, demonstrated in local festivals, cuisines, and traditions.
Sports Teams
Sports fans would feel at home in Indianapolis, host to prominent sports teams such as the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and Indianapolis Colts (NFL). Laredo, however, doesn't host major league sports teams, but still provide local sports enjoyment through minor league and college sports teams.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Laredo, TX : 1,140.6 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Laredo, TX : 1,140.6 miles
