Indianapolis, IN, the capital of Indiana, and Milwaukee, WI, the largest city in Wisconsin, each offer unique lifestyle aspects influenced by their geography, economic structure, and local culture. They both provide a blend of urban living with easy access to nature, have rich sports cultures, and offer friendly Midwest hospitality. Nevertheless, differences in crime rate, weather, cost of living, education, and infrastructure affect the quality of life in each city profoundly.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Milwaukee, WI : 244.0 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 55%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Based on national averages, both Indianapolis and Milwaukee show higher crime rates. However, as with any city, crime rates can vary greatly from one neighborhood to another. Indianapolis has initiated various community safety programs, focusing on youth engagement and violence reduction. Milwaukee has taken a similar community-based approach, targeting high-crime areas with increased resources. Thus, for both residents and visitors, safety may come down to familiarity with and selection of neighborhoods.
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 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
In general, the cost of living in Indianapolis is lower than in Milwaukee. This difference is driven mainly by housing costs. However, both cities are more affordable than the national average.
Income Tax
The state income tax in Indianapolis is a flat rate of 3.23%. In contrast, Wisconsin has a progressive income tax, and Milwaukee residents could face combined state and local rates up to 7.65%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Milwaukee are notably higher than in Indianapolis. This could affect homeownership decisions for potential residents.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate in Indianapolis is 7%, while in Milwaukee, it's a bit higher at 5.6%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $55,587 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis has a relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for outdoor activities like running and biking. Milwaukee, situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, offers beautiful waterfront views and related pursuits.
Both cities offer a variety of educational opportunities, with numerous public, private, and charter schools to choose from. Indianapolis is home to several higher education institutions, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Milwaukee has prominent universities like Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Both Indianapolis and Milwaukee have stable economies, but different industries dominate. Indianapolis is known for a diversified economy with significant contributions from the health care, education, and finance sectors. Milwaukee is historically manufacturing-oriented but has diversified into healthcare, education, and professional services.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the largest employers include Indiana University Health and St. Vincent Health. In Milwaukee, prominent employers are Aurora Health Care and Ascension Wisconsin.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
2020
63.7%
69.3%
34.5%
29.4%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
58.2%
65.6%
35.6%
28.6%
6.2%
5.8%
2012
60.1%
67.8%
37.9%
31.6%
2.0%
0.5%
2008
63.8%
67.8%
35.4%
31.7%
0.8%
0.5%
2004
50.6%
62.0%
48.7%
37.5%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
48.0%
58.5%
49.3%
37.9%
2.8%
3.6%
1996
44.6%
58.3%
47.8%
32.2%
7.7%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
21.0%
4.6%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.3%
5.7%
4.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.7%
3.4%
3.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
3.0%
1.5%
5.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
2.4%
1.6%
6.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.6%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.1%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
1.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.1%
6.0%
Weather
Weather-wise, Indianapolis experiences humid summers and mild to cold winters without extreme snowfall. Milwaukee, huddled by Lake Michigan, has cooler summers and colder, snowy winters, which might appeal to winter sports enthusiasts. However, the lake effect also results in more sunny days during the rest of the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
2018
94
84
0.58
N/A
13.2
8.8
23.1
28.2
N/A
N/A
18.2
15.3
10.4
7.8
0.3
0.2
2017
87
80
0.82
N/A
12.4
8.9
23.0
27.7
N/A
N/A
17.6
14.3
10.1
6.9
0.4
0.3
2016
91
86
0.62
N/A
13.0
9.4
22.5
27.0
N/A
N/A
18.0
15.0
9.9
7.4
0.4
1.2
2015
89
78
0.73
N/A
14.9
9.6
22.9
27.2
N/A
N/A
19.7
14.9
9.9
7.8
1.1
1.1
2014
100
89
0.62
N/A
16.1
9.9
25.1
26.0
N/A
N/A
20.6
15.4
12.1
9.2
3.2
1.0
2013
94
81
0.69
N/A
11.5
10.4
26.3
26.9
N/A
N/A
19.9
15.4
12.8
9.6
2.6
0.7
2012
103
108
0.65
N/A
10.4
11.5
25.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
20.8
17.2
12.9
9.6
2.9
1.0
2011
105
95
0.68
N/A
11.3
11.4
22.9
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.2
16.3
10.1
2.4
1.2
2010
101
83
0.54
N/A
12.7
12.9
21.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
N/A
3.3
N/A
2009
97
69
0.73
N/A
11.4
12.2
23.2
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
N/A
1.9
N/A
2008
91
61
0.62
N/A
11.5
12.4
N/A
24.6
0.010
N/A
N/A
17.3
13.2
N/A
3.0
N/A
2007
103
80
0.69
N/A
13.1
14.2
N/A
24.1
0.011
N/A
N/A
19.9
14.9
N/A
3.6
N/A
2006
95
66
0.59
0.35
14.5
14.7
N/A
22.8
0.009
0.017
N/A
19.9
14.5
N/A
3.6
2.6
2005
121
99
0.65
0.36
15.2
16.6
N/A
25.1
0.014
0.015
N/A
25.4
18.0
N/A
4.3
3.1
2004
104
75
0.62
0.41
15.8
16.6
N/A
21.2
0.010
0.011
N/A
21.4
15.1
N/A
4.6
3.3
2003
113
76
0.67
0.41
16.6
16.7
N/A
27.1
0.010
0.017
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
3.3
2002
125
92
0.76
0.40
17.4
N/A
N/A
28.9
0.009
0.018
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
3.7
2001
105
96
0.81
0.34
16.6
15.8
N/A
28.3
0.031
0.020
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
3.0
2000
98
84
0.87
0.29
17.3
16.5
N/A
27.0
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
19%
Transportation
Both cities have public transit systems, but the average commute time is slightly less in Indianapolis. Milwaukee, however, offers better intercity connectivity due to its proximity to other large cities.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.5%
0.5%
Bus
1.2%
4.2%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.4%
Car alone
87.3%
81.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Average
28.1 min
24.2 min
Other means
22.5 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
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
Real estate prices are generally lower in Indianapolis compared to Milwaukee, making it more attractive to potential residents.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis is full of family-friendly neighborhoods like Meridian Kessler and Fountain Square, known for their cultural activities. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's distinct neighborhoods like the historic Third Ward and the family-friendly Wauwatosa are also noteworthy.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Houses
399,820
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1956
Median year house/condo built
1971
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$176,965
Median house age
48
68
Renting percentage
44.2%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
2,683.8
House value disparities
36.1%
33%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
5,023 (7.9%)
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%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
One, detached
59.0%
38.9%
One, attached
9.2%
4.5%
Two
2.5%
23.5%
3 or 4
6.2%
6.3%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.3%
10 to 19
6.3%
4.1%
20 to 49
3.1%
6.6%
50 or more
5.0%
9.5%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
10,069
State government workers
15,502
7,334
Unpaid family workers
1,601
199
Industries and Occupations
The prominent industries in Indianapolis are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, while in Milwaukee, it's manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and education.
Both cities offer abundant healthcare facilities. Indianapolis is home to the renowned Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University Health. Milwaukee is not far behind with the Froedtert Hospital and the Children's Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Broadly, infrastructure is more developed in Indianapolis, featuring a robust highway system. However, Milwaukee provides better access to intermodal transportation like Amtrak service and air travel due to its geographical advantage of being closer to other major metropolitan areas.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
Hospitals
76
29
TV stations
19
17
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
259
146
Bank institutions located here
27
29
Main business address for public companies
28
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Milwaukee
1999
3,358
1,506
2000
3,562
1,666
2001
2,649
1,410
2002
1,915
1,157
2003
2,519
1,641
2004
3,702
2,251
2005
6,057
3,325
2006
5,811
4,218
2007
3,456
2,555
2008
1,247
719
2009
565
456
Culture and Food
Both cities offer a unique blend of Midwest and urban culture. Indianapolis is known for its motorsports and the world-renowned Indy 500, while Milwaukee takes pride in its beer-brewing tradition and summer festivals.
Sports Teams
Both cities have their unique sports cultures. Indianapolis is home to the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and the NBA's Pacers. Milwaukee, with the NBA's Bucks and MLB's Brewers, provides equivalent sporting enjoyment.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Milwaukee, WI : 244.0 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Milwaukee, WI : 244.0 miles
