Indianapolis and Memphis are two cities with unique cultures and lifestyles. While Indianapolis is known for its sports culture, thriving job market, and affordable housing, Memphis exudes a charming southern ambiance, bustling music scene, and historical landmarks. They both have certain advantages and drawbacks, making them appealing to different types of people based on their personal preferences and needs.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Memphis, TN : 384.9 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 40%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
Indianapolis' crime rate tends to be relatively high compared to the national average, although crime often concentrates in specific areas and thorough safety precautions can limit risks. On the other hand, Memphis also struggles with a high crime rate, specifically with violent crimes, which is a significant concern for both locals and visitors. Despite these rates, both cities have numerous secure and friendly neighborhoods to enjoy a safe living or vacation experience.
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 2,628 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is quite affordable compared to the national average—this includes essentials like housing, groceries, transportation, and health care. Memphis also offers a low cost of living, with many expenses coming in under the national median. Both these cities could be attractive to individuals seeking an affordable urban environment without compromising on amenities and opportunities.
Income Tax
Income tax in Indiana is a flat rate of 3.23%, with an added county tax that can range from 0.02% to 0.03%. In contrast, Tennessee has no state income tax, making it appealing for high-income earners.
Property Tax
Property tax in Indianapolis is around 0.852%, while in Memphis it's significantly higher at around 1.73%. This difference can be a significant factor in home buying decisions for both locales.
Sales Tax
The combined city and state sales tax rate in Indianapolis is 7%, whereas in Memphis it's considerably higher at 9.75%. This can make a notable difference in the overall cost of living for residents and affects the prices for tourists as well.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $51,287 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Indianapolis is located in the Great Lakes region, featuring flat plains and minor hills. Memphis is situated alongside the Mississippi River, offering a more varied terrain with river views and considerable green space.
Both Indianapolis and Memphis offer a variety of educational opportunities. In Indianapolis, top-tier institutions like Butler University and The University of Indianapolis offer high-quality education. Meanwhile, Memphis is the home to the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and numerous reputable public and private schools.
The economy of Indianapolis is diverse, with a strong focus on finance, insurance, manufacturing, health care, and education, Additionally, the city is known as a hub for motorsports. Conversely, Memphis' economy heavily relies on industries like transportation, logistics, health care, and education. The city also has a thriving music and tourism industry.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the biggest employers include Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly, and Company, and Anthem Inc. In contrast, Memphis' top employers consist of FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone.
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
2020
63.7%
64.8%
34.5%
34.2%
1.9%
1.1%
2016
58.2%
62.3%
35.6%
34.7%
6.2%
3.1%
2012
60.1%
62.9%
37.9%
36.7%
2.0%
0.4%
2008
63.8%
63.8%
35.4%
36.2%
0.8%
0.0%
2004
50.6%
57.7%
48.7%
42.0%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
56.8%
49.3%
42.3%
2.8%
0.9%
1996
44.6%
78.9%
47.8%
19.6%
7.7%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
6.5%
4.6%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
14.8%
5.7%
15.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.3%
3.4%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
1.5%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.1%
1.6%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.6%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.1%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.5%
1.1%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.2%
1.5%
0.2%
0.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Weather-wise, Indianapolis experiences a traditional Midwest climate with hot summers and cold winters, while Memphis enjoys a warmer, more humid subtropical climate for most of the year. Memphis often sees higher temperatures and for a more extended period than Indianapolis. Each city offers a contrasting appeal—Indianapolis for those who prefer a significant change in seasons and Memphis for those who enjoy more warmth and less extreme winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
50%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
Indianapolis
Memphis
2018
94
81
0.58
0.24
13.2
10.4
23.1
27.1
N/A
N/A
18.2
19.0
10.4
8.1
0.3
0.4
2017
87
74
0.82
0.24
12.4
10.2
23.0
28.1
N/A
N/A
17.6
17.5
10.1
7.9
0.4
0.3
2016
91
76
0.62
0.24
13.0
10.2
22.5
28.8
N/A
N/A
18.0
19.6
9.9
8.5
0.4
0.9
2015
89
77
0.73
0.26
14.9
11.1
22.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
9.2
1.1
1.0
2014
100
75
0.62
0.27
16.1
10.1
25.1
26.5
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
9.9
3.2
1.3
2013
94
74
0.69
0.31
11.5
8.3
26.3
26.6
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
10.2
2.6
1.0
2012
103
94
0.65
0.32
10.4
9.3
25.7
29.7
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
10.7
2.9
0.6
2011
105
93
0.68
0.34
11.3
10.0
22.9
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
11.1
2.4
0.5
2010
101
95
0.54
0.43
12.7
10.3
21.6
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
12.9
3.3
N/A
2009
97
86
0.73
0.35
11.4
8.7
23.2
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
11.8
1.9
N/A
2008
91
94
0.62
0.36
11.5
10.3
N/A
26.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
13.2
3.0
N/A
2007
103
106
0.69
0.47
13.1
11.2
N/A
26.7
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
14.8
3.6
5.6
2006
95
108
0.59
0.43
14.5
13.0
N/A
26.8
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
14.7
3.6
6.3
2005
121
110
0.65
0.46
15.2
10.1
N/A
26.9
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
17.9
4.3
4.9
2004
104
98
0.62
0.51
15.8
N/A
N/A
24.9
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
14.5
4.6
5.9
2003
113
110
0.67
0.57
16.6
20.1
N/A
25.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
15.0
4.2
5.8
2002
125
110
0.76
0.58
17.4
20.4
N/A
25.1
0.009
N/A
N/A
15.6
16.8
N/A
3.9
4.5
2001
105
111
0.81
0.66
16.6
24.7
N/A
26.0
0.031
N/A
N/A
22.7
16.3
N/A
3.8
6.1
2000
98
103
0.87
0.63
17.3
25.2
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
4.5
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Indianapolis provides decent public transit through buses, and it’s also a fairly car-friendly city. Despite traffic, commuting times are reasonable. Memphis also has a public transit system; however, owning a car can be more convenient. Both cities offer bike-friendly avenues and are inclined towards improving pedestrian infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Bicycle
0.5%
0%
Bus
1.2%
0.4%
Carpooled
8.5%
7.5%
Car alone
87.3%
88.8%
Walked
1.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Average
28.1 min
27 min
Other means
22.5 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.2%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The Indianapolis real estate market thrives with relatively low property values compared to some larger metropolitan areas. Conversely, Memphis also offers affordable housing, but with a higher rate of home appreciation. Both cities offer attractive options for both investors and potential homeowners.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis is filled with unique neighborhoods, each offering a distinct culture and vibe. Places like Broad Ripple Village and Lockerbie Square are popular choices. Memphis also has appealing neighborhoods like Downtown for its urban lifestyle or East Memphis for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Houses
399,820
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1972
Median year house/condo built
1971
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$93,577
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$204,886
Median house age
48
52
Renting percentage
44.2%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,032.8
House value disparities
36.1%
44.1%
Household income disparities
44.4%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Memphis
One, detached
59.0%
61.0%
One, attached
9.2%
5.8%
Two
2.5%
2.1%
3 or 4
6.2%
7.4%
5 to 9
7.7%
9.1%
10 to 19
6.3%
5.6%
20 to 49
3.1%
1.8%
50 or more
5.0%
6.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
16,111
State government workers
15,502
7,650
Unpaid family workers
1,601
668
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Indianapolis include health care, education, finance, and insurance, with numerous professionals working in these sectors. For Memphis, the main occupations align with its main industries—transport, logistics, and health care. Additionally, the music industry offers unique career opportunities in Memphis.
Both Indianapolis and Memphis have strong health care sectors. Indianapolis is home to Indiana University Health, a highly-regarded health system. Memphis hosts the internationally recognized St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Both cities prioritize residents' health care needs efficiently.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis boasts a modern and efficient infrastructure, with developments focusing on different sectors such as transport, utilities, and digital technology. Memphis, on the other hand, invests heavily in preserving its historical infrastructure while also upgrading its modern essentials like transportation and public utilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Memphis
Hospitals
76
35
TV stations
19
14
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
160
Bank institutions located here
27
33
Main business address for public companies
28
17
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
Memphis
1999
3,358
2,195
2000
3,562
2,406
2001
2,649
1,775
2002
1,915
1,444
2003
2,519
2,116
2004
3,702
3,266
2005
6,057
4,730
2006
5,811
5,833
2007
3,456
3,559
2008
1,247
1,174
2009
565
345
Culture and Food
Culturally, Indianapolis offers a blend of Midwestern charm and city living, with a thriving arts scene and food culture, which focuses on farm-to-table dining experiences. Memphis, fondly called the "Home of the Blues", has a rich musical heritage and a strong southern food culture known for its barbecue.
Sports Teams
As for sports, Indianapolis is well-known for its love of various sports, with teams like the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), and Indiana Pacers (NBA). Memphis also boasts the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), and a strong emphasis on college basketball with the Memphis Tigers.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Memphis, TN : 384.9 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Memphis, TN : 384.9 miles
