Indianapolis

{{See also|List of modern words formed from Greek polis}}

The name Indianapolis is derived from pairing the state's name, Indiana (meaning "Land of the Indians", or simply "Indian Land"An earlier use of the name dates to the 1760s when it referenced a tract of land under the control of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but the area's name was discarded when it became a part of that state. See {{cite journal | last= Hodgin | first= Cyrus | year=1903| title= The Naming of Indiana |journal= Papers of the Wayne County, Indiana, Historical Society| volume=1| issue=1 | pages=3–11| publisher=Wayne County, Indiana, Historical Society| format =pdf transcription| url=http://www.in.gov/history/2805.htm| access-date =January 23, 2014}}), with the suffix {{lang|el|-polis}}, the Greek word for "city". Jeremiah Sullivan, justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, is credited with coining the name.{{cite web|title=Judge Jeremiah Sullivan House|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/madison/judge_jeremiah_sullivan_house.html|publisher=National Park Service (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)|access-date=August 21, 2017}} Other names considered were Concord, Suwarrow, and Tecumseh.A plaque at the City-County Building commissioned by the Society of Indiana Pioneers in 1962 lists these as considered names: "In an act of January 6, 1821, the Indiana General Assembly, then meeting at Corydon, named the new capital of the state 'Indianapolis'. Jeremiah Sullivan, later an eminent Hoosier jurist, acting in cooperation with Samuel Merrill and the approval of Governor Jonathan Jennings, proposed Indianapolis as the name which was chosen in preference to Tecumseh, Suwarrow, and Concord."

{{Main|History of Indianapolis}}

{{For timeline}}

File:Greater Indianapolis ;the history, the industries, the institutions, and the people of a city of homes (1910) (14803447463).jpg

File:Restored plat of Indianapolis.png's "Plat of the Town of Indianapolis" in 1821]]

In 1816, the year Indiana gained statehood, the U.S. Congress donated four sections of federal land to establish a permanent seat of state government.{{cite book|author=A. C. Howard|title=A. C. Howard's Directory for the City of Indianapolis: Containing a Correct List of Citizens' Names, Their Residence, and Place of Business, with a Historical Sketch of Indianapolis from its Earliest History to the Present Day|publisher=A. C. Howard|year=1857|location=Indianapolis|page=3}} See also {{cite book|author=Hester Ann Hale|title=Indianapolis, the First Century|publisher=Marion County Historical Society|year=1987|location=Indianapolis|page=9}} Two years later, under the Treaty of St. Mary's (1818), the Delaware relinquished title to their tribal lands in central Indiana, agreeing to leave the area by 1821.{{cite book|last=Bodenhamer|first=David|author2=Robert Graham Barrows|author3=David Gordon Vanderstel|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C|isbn=0-253-31222-1}} p. 1042 This tract of land, which was called the New Purchase, included the site selected for the new state capital in 1820.Brown, p. 1; Centennial History of Indianapolis, p. 26; and Howard, p. 2. The indigenous people of the land prior to systematic removal are the Miami Nation of Indiana (Miami Nation of Oklahoma) and Indianapolis makes up part of Cession 99; the primary treaty between the indigenous population and the United States was the Treaty of St. Mary's (1818).{{cite book | author=James H. Madison| title =Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana| publisher =Indiana University Press and the Indiana Historical Society Press | year =2014 | location =Bloomington and Indianapolis | page =123 | isbn =978-0-253-01308-8}}

The availability of new federal lands for purchase in central Indiana attracted settlers, many of them descendants of families from northwestern Europe. Although many of these first European and American settlers were Protestants, a large proportion of the early Irish and German immigrants were Catholics. Few African Americans lived in central Indiana before 1840.Baer, p. 10 and 58.

The first European Americans to permanently settle in the area that became Indianapolis were either the McCormick or Pogue families. The McCormicks are generally considered to be the first permanent settlers; however, some historians believe George Pogue and family may have arrived first, on March 2, 1819, and settled in a log cabin along the creek that was later called Pogue's Run. Other historians have argued as early as 1822 that John Wesley McCormick and his family and employees became the area's first European American settlers, settling near the White River in February 1820.Brown, p. 2; Centennial History of Indianapolis, p. 6; and Hale, p. 8.

On January 11, 1820, the Indiana General Assembly authorized a committee to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital.Hale, p. 9. The state legislature approved the site, adopting the name Indianapolis on January 6, 1821. In April, Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham were appointed to survey and design a town plan for the new settlement.Hyman, p. 10, and {{cite journal|author=William A. Browne Jr.|title=The Ralston Plan: Naming the Streets of Indianapolis|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=25|issue=3|pages=8–9|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Summer 2013}} Accessed March 25, 2016. Indianapolis became a seat of county government on December 31, 1821, when Marion County, was established. A combined county and town government continued until 1832 when Indianapolis was incorporated as a town.Brown, pp. 8, 46 and 49; Centennial History of Indianapolis, p. 30; Esarey, v. 3, pp. 42–43 and 201–2; and {{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=1479–80|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}

Indianapolis became an incorporated city effective March 30, 1847. Samuel Henderson, the city's first mayor, led the new city government, which included a seven-member city council. In 1853, voters approved a new city charter that provided for an elected mayor and a fourteen-member city council. The city charter continued to be revised as Indianapolis expanded. Effective January 1, 1825, the seat of state government moved to Indianapolis from Corydon, Indiana. In addition to state government offices, a U.S. district court was established at Indianapolis in 1825.Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 967; Hale, p. 13; Howard, p. 26; and {{cite book|author=W. R. Holloway|title=Indianapolis: A Historical and Statistical Sketch of the Railroad City, A Chronicle of its Social, Municipal, Commercial and Manufacturing Progress with Full Statistical Tables|url=https://archive.org/details/indianapolishist00inholl|publisher=Indianapolis Journal|year=1870|location=Indianapolis}}

Growth occurred with the opening of the National Road through the town in 1827, the first major federally funded highway in the United States.Baer, p. 11, and Hyman, p. 34. A small segment of the ultimately failed Indiana Central Canal was opened in 1839.{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|pages=395–396}} The first railroad to serve Indianapolis, the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, began operation in 1847, and subsequent railroad connections fostered growth. Indianapolis Union Station was the first of its kind in the world when it opened in 1853.{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/unionstation.htm|title=Indianapolis Union Railroad Station|work=Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary|publisher=National Park Service|location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=August 11, 2015}}

{{Main|Indianapolis in the American Civil War}}

File:Prisoners at Camp Morton, c. 1863.jpg POWs at Camp Morton in 1864]]

During the American Civil War, Indianapolis was mostly loyal to the Union cause. Governor Oliver P. Morton, a major supporter of President Abraham Lincoln, quickly made Indianapolis a rallying place for Union army troops. On February 11, 1861, President-elect Lincoln arrived in the city, en route to Washington, D.C. for his presidential inauguration, marking the first visit from a president-elect in the city's history.Holliday, p. 24; Dunn, Greater Indianapolis, v. I, p. 217; and Leary, pp. 94–98. On April 16, 1861, the first orders were issued to form Indiana's first regiments and establish Indianapolis as a headquarters for the state's volunteer soldiers.{{cite journal|author=John D. Barnhart|title=The Impact of the Civil War on Indiana|journal=Indiana Magazine of History|volume=57|issue=3|page=186|publisher=Indiana University|location=Bloomington|date=September 1961|url= http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/imh/article/view/8814/11342|access-date=October 15, 2015}}{{cite journal| author=Joseph A. Parsons Jr. |title=Indiana and the Call for Volunteers, April, 1861|journal=Indiana Magazine of History|volume=54|issue=1|pages=5–7|publisher=Indiana University|location=Bloomington|date=March 1958|url=http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/imh/article/view/8576/10865|access-date=October 20, 2015}} Within a week, more than 12,000 recruits signed up to fight for the Union.{{cite book|title=Indiana in the Civil War Era, 1850–1880|author=Emma Lou Thornbrough|series=History of Indiana|volume=III|page=124|isbn=0-87195-050-2|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|year=1995|location=Indianapolis}}

Indianapolis became a major logistics hub during the war, establishing the city as a crucial military base.Leary, p. 99.Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 443. Between 1860 and 1870, the city's population more than doubled. An estimated 4,000 men from Indianapolis served in 39 regiments, and an estimated 700 died during the war.Leary, pp. 99, 113–14, and Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., pp. 441, 443. On May 20, 1863, Union soldiers attempted to disrupt a statewide Democratic convention at Indianapolis, forcing an adjournment of the proceedings, sarcastically referred to as the Battle of Pogue's Run.Thornbrough, p. 202; Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 1121; and {{cite book|author=Kenneth M. Stampp|title=Indiana Politics During the Civil War|publisher=Indiana Historical Bureau|series=Indiana Historical Collections|volume=31|year=1949|location=Indianapolis|pages=199–201|oclc=952264}} Fear turned to panic in July 1863, during Morgan's Raid into southern Indiana, but Confederate forces turned east toward Ohio, never reaching Indianapolis.Barnhart, pp. 212–13, and {{cite book|title=Indianapolis and the Civil War|author=John Holliday|publisher=E. J. Hecker|year=1911|pages=58–59}} On April 30, 1865, Lincoln's funeral train made a stop at Indianapolis, where an estimated crowd of more than 100,000 people passed the assassinated president's bier at the Indiana Statehouse.Dunn, v. I, p. 237.

File:Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Otis Lithograph Co. border edit.jpg]]

Following the Civil War and in the wake of the Second Industrial Revolution, Indianapolis experienced tremendous growth and prosperity. In 1880, Indianapolis was the world's third-largest pork packing city, after Chicago and Cincinnati, and the second-largest railroad center in the U.S. by 1888.{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=1483}}{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=23}} By 1890, the city's population surpassed 100,000. Some of the city's most notable businesses were founded during this period of growth and innovation, including L. S. Ayres (1872), Eli Lilly and Company (1876), Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company (1910), and Allison Transmission (1915).

{{Wide image|IN Indianapolis 1914a.jpg|1000px|alt=Panoramic view of Downtown Indianapolis in 1914|Downtown Indianapolis in 1914. At left, the Indiana Statehouse. At center-left are the Claypool Hotel (foreground) and Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (background). The intersection of Illinois St. and the National Road is centered near the bottom of the image. The Indianapolis News Building and Hotel Washington are to the left of Washington Street while the Merchants National Bank Building is visible to the right. At center-right, the Wholesale District. At far-right, the Hotel Severin and Indianapolis Union Station clock tower.}}

Some of the city's most prominent architectural features and best-known historical events date from the turn of the 20th century. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, dedicated on May 15, 1902, would later become the city's unofficial symbol.{{cite journal|author=James Philip Fadely|title=The Veteran and the Memorial: George J. Gangsdale and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=18|issue=1|pages=33–35|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Winter 2006}} Accessed March 26, 2016. Ray Harroun won the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500, held May 30, 1911, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indianapolis was one of the hardest hit cities in the Great Flood of 1913, resulting in five known deaths{{cite web|title=Community Profiles: Indianapolis, Indiana|work=The Great Flood of 1913, 100 Years Later|publisher=Silver Jackets|year=2013|url=http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/1913Flood/communities/indianapolis.shtml|access-date=July 29, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113154058/http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/1913Flood/communities/indianapolis.shtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite journal|author=Trudy E. Bell|title=Forgotten Waters: Indiana's Great Easter Flood of 1913|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=18|issue=2|page=15|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Spring 2006}}Unconfirmed deaths numbered as many as twenty-five. See Bodenhamer and Barrows, p. 582. and the displacement of 7,000 families.{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=581–582|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}

Once home to 60 automakers, Indianapolis rivaled Detroit as a center of automobile manufacturing. The city was an early focus of labor organization. The Indianapolis streetcar strike of 1913 and subsequent police mutiny and riots led to the creation of the state's earliest labor-protection laws, including a minimum wage, regular work weeks, and improved working conditions.{{cite book|author=Dunn, Jacob Piatt|title=Indiana and Indianans|volume=III|year=1919|publisher=American Historical Society|location=Chicago & New York|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OXUmzX6kE-4C|page=1230|author-link=Jacob Piatt Dunn}} The International Typographical Union and United Mine Workers of America were among several influential labor unions based in the city.

As a stop on the Underground Railroad, Indianapolis had one of the largest black populations in the Northern States, until the Great Migration.{{cite web|url=http://mumford.albany.edu/census/2003newspdf/jsonlineSeries/011403MURPHInjsonline.pdf|title=Indianapolis|access-date=November 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926182527/http://mumford.albany.edu/census/2003newspdf/jsonlineSeries/011403MURPHInjsonline.pdf|archive-date=September 26, 2006}} Led by D. C. Stephenson, the Indiana Klan became the most powerful political and social organization in Indianapolis from 1921 through 1928, controlling the City Council and the Board of School Commissioners, among others. At its height, more than 40% of native-born white males in Indianapolis claimed membership in the Klan.

File:Indy Central Canal.jpg in 2008]]

While campaigning in the city in 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered one of the most lauded speeches in 20th century American history, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.{{cite news|author=Morning Edition|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89365887|title=Robert Kennedy: Delivering News of King's Death |publisher=NPR|access-date=July 1, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Higgins|first=Will|date=April 2, 2015|title=April 4, 1968: How RFK saved Indianapolis|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2015/04/02/april-rfk-saved-indianapolis/70817218/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|access-date=March 26, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th Century|url=http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/007256296x/77464/top100_only.html|access-date=August 1, 2016}} As in most U.S. cities during the civil rights movement, the city experienced strained race relations, including 1969 riots. A 1971 federal court decision forcing Indianapolis Public Schools to implement desegregation busing proved controversial.{{cite news|first=Shaina|last=Cavazos|date=August 17, 2016|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/08/indianapolis-school-districts/496145/|title=Racial Bias and the Crumbling of a City|work=The Atlantic|access-date=September 22, 2016}}

During the mayoral administration of Richard Lugar (1968–1976), the city and county governments consolidated. Known as Unigov (a portmanteau of "unified" and "government"), the city-county consolidation removed bureaucratic redundancies, captured increasingly suburbanizing tax revenue, and created a Republican political machine that dominated local politics until the early 2000s.{{cite news |last=Bradner |first=Eric |date=August 29, 2010 |title=Indiana Democrats, African-Americans saw diminishing returns in 'Unigov' |url=http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=303&articleID=55914 |work=Evansville Courier & Press |access-date=March 26, 2016 |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408151900/http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=303&articleID=55914 |url-status=dead }}{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=1356}} Effective January 1, 1970, Unigov expanded the city's land area by more than {{convert|300|sqmi|km2}} and increased its population by some 250,000 people.{{cite news |author= |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/312244277 |url-access=subscription |title=Unigov's 1st Test Is Due |date=May 25, 1971 |work=The Indianapolis News |access-date=July 3, 2023 |page=41 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=It meant the city's jurisdiction grew overnight from one that covered 82 square miles and just over 500,000 residents to one with 400 square miles and more than 750,000 people.}} It was the first major city-county consolidation to occur in the U.S. without a referendum since the creation of the City of Greater New York in 1898.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Creation of Unigov |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William A. |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David G. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-creation-of-1967-1971/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Lugar is credited with initiating downtown revitalization efforts, overseeing the building of Market Square Arena, renovations to Indianapolis City Market, and the formation of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Richard G. Lugar |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/richard-g-lugar/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

Amid the changes in government and growth, the city pursued an aggressive economic development strategy to raise the city's stature as a sports tourism destination, known as the Indianapolis Project.{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |pages=803–804}} During the administration of the city's longest-serving mayor, William Hudnut (1976–1992), millions of dollars were invested into sports venues and public relations campaigns. The strategy was successful in landing the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1982, securing the relocation of the Baltimore Colts in 1984, and hosting the 1987 Pan American Games.

Beginning in 1992, the mayoral administration of Stephen Goldsmith introduced a number of austerity measures to address budget shortfalls through privatization and greater reliance on public–private partnerships. Major downtown revitalization projects continued through the 1990s, including the openings of Circle Centre Mall, Victory Field, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as well as ongoing redevelopment of the Canal and White River State Park area.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Stephen L. Goldsmith Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William A. |last2=Stitt |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/administration-of-stephen-l-goldsmith/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

Bart Peterson took office in 2000, the first Democrat elected to the post since John J. Barton's 1963 election.{{cite news |last=Schneider |first=Mary Beth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/107860017 |url-access=subscription |title=Peterson leads a party revival |date=November 3, 1999 |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 2, 2023 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=For the first time since 1963, and for the first time since Uni-Gov was created in 1969, the voters of Marion County elected a Democrat — Bart Peterson — to be mayor.}} The Peterson administration focused on education reform and promoting the arts. In 2001, the mayor's office became the first in the U.S. to authorize charter schools. Indianapolis Cultural Districts were designated in 2003, followed by the groundbreaking of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in 2007. Further consolidation of city and county units of government resulted in the establishment of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in 2007. Later that year, Greg Ballard succeeded Peterson in a political upset.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bart Peterson Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bart-peterson-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

The Ballard administration oversaw the lease of the city's parking meters and the sale of the city's water and wastewater utilities with proceeds financing street repairs. Ballard pursued several environmental sustainability efforts, including establishing an office of sustainability, installing {{convert|200|mi|km}} of bike lanes and trails, and spearheading a controversial deal to start an electric carsharing program.{{cite news |last=Colombo |first=Hayleigh |date=December 23, 2015 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56391-a-legacy-shaped-by-deals |title=Ballard: A legacy shaped by deals |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Gregory Ballard Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/gregory-ballard-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Two of the city's largest capital projects, the Indianapolis International Airport's new terminal and Lucas Oil Stadium, were completed in 2008.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis International Airport |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Marlette |first1=Jerry |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-international-airport/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Lucas Oil Stadium |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Blair |first=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/lucas-oil-stadium/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}} In 2012, construction began on a $2 billion tunnel system designed to reduce sewage overflows into the city's waterways.{{cite encyclopedia |title=DigIndy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Fischer |first1=Jessica Erin |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/digindy/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

Since 2016, the administration of Joe Hogsett has focused on addressing a rise in gun violence and the city's racial disparities. In recent years, significant capital and operational investments have been made in public safety, criminal justice, and public transit. The city also established rental assistance and food security programs. In 2020, the George Floyd protests in Indiana prompted a series of local police reforms and renewed efforts to bolster social services for mental health treatment and homelessness.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Joseph H. Hogsett Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Lyons Davis |first=Katherine |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/joseph-h-hogsett-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-metropolitan-police-department-impd/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}} In 2021, a mass shooting occurred at a FedEx facility on the city's southwest side, killing nine (including the gunman) and injuring seven others.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/16/us/indianapolis-shooting-fedex-facility/index.html |title=Police ID gunman who killed 8 people at an Indianapolis FedEx facility as 19-year-old former employee |publisher=CNN |last=Spells |first=Alta |date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/shootings-crime-indianapolis-indiana-e92ad3117c56357b3b2c71a2903e68a8 |title=FBI says it interviewed FedEx mass shooter last year |publisher=Associated Press |date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}

File:Indianapolis by Sentinel-2, 2020-09-19.jpg true-color image of the Indianapolis metropolitan area]]

Indianapolis is located in the East North Central region of the Midwestern United States, about {{convert|14|mi|km}} south-southeast of Indiana's geographic center.{{cite report |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/unnumbered/70039437/report.pdf |title=Geographic Centers of the United States |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey |page=2 |access-date=May 5, 2022}} It is situated {{convert|98|mi|km}} northwest of Cincinnati, Ohio, {{convert|107|mi|km}} north of Louisville, Kentucky, {{convert|164|mi|km}} southeast of Chicago, Illinois, and {{convert|168|mi|km}} west of Columbus, Ohio.{{cite web |url=https://www.geodatos.net/en/distances/cities/united-states/indiana-rgn/indianapolis |title=Distances from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |publisher=Geodatos |website=geodatos.net |access-date=April 11, 2024}} According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Indianapolis (balance) encompasses a total area of {{convert|367.9|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|361.6|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}} is water. It is the 18th-most extensive city by land area in the U.S.

As a consolidated city-county, Indianapolis's city limits are coterminous with Marion County, except the autonomous and semi-autonomous municipalities outlined in Unigov.{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Indianapolis-Indiana |title=Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=June 13, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Indiana InDepth Profile: Largest Cities and Towns in Indiana (35,000+)|publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business|url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=a&county_changer=18000&button1=Get+Profile&id=2&page_path=Area+Profiles&path_id=11&panel_number=1|access-date=May 22, 2017}} Nine civil townships form the broadest geographic divisions within the city and county; these are Center, Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Warren, Washington, and Wayne townships.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Townships |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/townships/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} The consolidated city-county borders the adjacent counties of Boone to the northwest; Hamilton to the north; Hancock to the east; Shelby to the southeast; Johnson to the south; Morgan to the southwest; and Hendricks to the west.{{cite report |last1=Geib |first1=W.J. |last2=Schroeder |first2=Frank C. |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |title=Soil Survey of Marion County, Indiana |date=October 6, 1908 |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils |pages=5{{hyphen}}6 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708221416/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago, the Indianapolis area was situated on the southern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The erosive advance and retreat of glacial ice produced a flat or gently sloping landscape, known as a till plain. Elevations across Indianapolis vary from about {{convert|650|ft|m|0}} to {{convert|900|ft|m|0}} above mean sea level.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Geology |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Mirsky |first1=Arthur |last2=Cox |first2=Kristiana |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/geology/ |access-date=December 28, 2023}} Indianapolis is located in the West Fork White River drainage basin, part of the larger Mississippi River watershed via the Wabash and Ohio rivers.{{cite report |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/WFWR_web.pdf |title=Ground-Water Resources in the White and West Fork White River Basin, Indiana |page=8 |quote=Streamflow leaving the basin enters the Wabash River, then the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. |publisher=State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water |date=2002 |access-date=December 28, 2023}} The White River flows {{convert|31|mi|km}} north-to-south through the city and is fed by some 35 streams, including Eagle Creek, Fall Creek, Pleasant Run, and Pogue's Run.{{cite encyclopedia |title=White River |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Strunk |first1=Kevin |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/white-river/ |access-date=May 5, 2022}} The city's largest waterbodies are artificial quarry lakes and reservoirs.

{{Wide image|Panoram Indy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline and White River in daylight}}

{{Wide image|NightPanoIndy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline and White River at twilight}}

{{Wide image|Panorama of downtown Indianapolis skyline, July 2016.jpg|1000px|A 2016 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline, looking northeast from atop the Perry K. Generating Station}}

File:Indiana Central Canal - 2013 June - 01.jpg]]

Indianapolis is an example of a planned city. In 1821, the Indiana General Assembly selected a site near the confluence of the White River and Fall Creek to serve as the new state capital, adopting a plan co-designed by surveyors Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham.{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|page=132|isbn=0-253-31222-1}} The grid plan called for a town of {{convert|1|sqmi|km2}} centered on a traffic circle (from which Indianapolis's "Circle City" nickname originates).{{cite journal|author=William A. Browne Jr.|title=The Ralston Plan: Naming the Streets of Indianapolis|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=25|issue=3|page=8 and 9|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Summer 2013}} Four diagonal avenues{{emdash}}Indiana (northwest), Kentucky (southwest), Massachusetts (northeast), and Virginia (southwest){{emdash}}radiated a block from the circle.Browne, p. 11 and 16. The city's address numbering system originates at the intersection of Washington (running east–west) and Meridian streets (running north–south).{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=1485}}

The {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on}}-long Indiana Central Canal is the oldest extant artificial facility in the city, dating to the 1830s. Between 1985 and 2001, nearly {{convert|1.5|mi}} of the former canal in downtown Indianapolis were redeveloped into a cultural and recreational amenity. North of 18th Street, the canal retains much of its original appearance, flowing through the northside neighborhoods of Riverside, Butler–Tarkington, Rocky Ripple, and Broad Ripple. This segment has been recognized as an American Water Landmark since 1971.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal Corridor |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal-corridor/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Lauritz Larson |first=John |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}

In the 2020 census, Indianapolis was among the 20 largest cities in the U.S. by both population and land area; however, the city’s population density of 2,455 people per square mile (948/km²) ranked 222nd. This contrast is evident in Indianapolis's cityscape where low-density development patterns dominate and some {{convert|14600|acres}} of farmland remain within its municipal boundaries.{{cite web |url=https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18097.pdf |title=2022 Census of Agriculture - County Profile: Marion County, Indiana |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture |access-date=December 28, 2024}}

{{See also|List of Indianapolis neighborhoods}}

File:Webster Avenue in Irvington Terrace.jpg]]

For statistical purposes, the consolidated city-county is organized into 99 "neighborhood areas" with most containing numerous individual historic and cultural districts, subdivisions, and some semi-autonomous towns. In total, some 500 self-identified neighborhood associations are listed in the city's Registered Community Organization system.{{cite web |title=About the Data |url=https://indyvitals.org/AboutTheData |publisher=The Polis Center at IUPUI |access-date=November 26, 2021}} As a result of the city's expansive land area, Indianapolis has a unique urban-to-rural transect, ranging from dense urban neighborhoods to suburban tract housing subdivisions, to rural villages.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=243–244|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}

Typical of American cities in the Midwest, Indianapolis urbanized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in the development of relatively dense, well-defined neighborhoods clustered around streetcar corridors, especially in Center Township.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Center Township |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Donnelly |first1=Cathleen |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/center-township/ |access-date=November 27, 2021}} Notable streetcar suburbs include Broad Ripple, Irvington, and University Heights.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=132–39 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}} Starting in the mid-20th century, the post–World War II economic expansion and subsequent suburbanization greatly influenced the city's development patterns. From 1950 to 1970, nearly 100,000 housing units were built in Marion County, most outside Center Township in suburban neighborhoods such as Castleton, Eagledale, and Nora.

Since the 2000s, downtown Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods have seen increased reinvestment mirroring nationwide market trends, driven by empty nesters and millennials.{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=November 15, 2013 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/44639-study-downtown-can-sustain-huge-apartment-boom |title=Study: Downtown can sustain huge apartment boom |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 11, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=February 25, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2015/02/25/report-downtown-apartment-market-booming-units-way/24000905/ |title=Report: Downtown apartment market booming, with more units on the way |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}} Renewed interest in urban living has been met with some dispute regarding gentrification and affordable housing.{{cite news |last=Eason| first=Brian |date=August 18, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/07/23/tax-relief-plan-targets-gentrifying-indy-neighborhoods/30585231/ |title=Council passes resolution seeking help for owners in gentrifying areas |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Courage |first=Cara |date=August 21, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/aug/21/indianapolis-gentrification-arts-big-car-jim-walker-fountain-square-garfield-park |title=Why Indianapolis is a test case for a fairer form of gentrification |work=The Guardian |access-date=June 11, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Annika |date=February 10, 2016 |url=http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212100211/http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |title=The rent is too damn high! |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=June 11, 2016}} According to a Center for Community Progress report, neighborhoods like Cottage Home and Fall Creek Place have experienced measurable gentrification since 2000.{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Emily |date=December 14, 2016 |url=https://www.nuvo.net/arts/general_arts/are-indy-neighborhoods-gentrifying/article_f7ef3602-5992-5043-b61a-25a88b59aabd.html |title=Are Indy neighborhoods gentrifying? |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=December 20, 2016}} The North Meridian Street Historic District is among the most affluent urban neighborhoods in the U.S., with a mean household income of $102,599 in 2017.{{citation |title=High Income Urban Neighborhoods |publisher=Higley 1000 |website=higley1000.com |url=http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124844/http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |url-status=dead}}

{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Indianapolis|National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Indiana}}

File:Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.jpg is perhaps the most prominent of the city's Neoclassical architecture.]]

Noted as one of the finest examples of the City Beautiful movement design in the U.S., the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District began construction in 1921 in downtown Indianapolis.{{cite web|title=Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/wwmemorialplaza.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior|access-date=May 20, 2016}}{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=762–763|isbn=0-253-31222-1}} The district, a National Historic Landmark, encompasses several examples of neoclassical architecture, including the American Legion, Central Library, and Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse. The district is also home to several sculptures and memorials, Depew Memorial Fountain, and open space, hosting many annual civic events.

After completion of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, an ordinance was passed in 1905 restricting building heights on the traffic circle to {{convert|86|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} to protect views of the {{convert|284|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} monument.{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|page=648|isbn=0-253-31222-1}} The ordinance was revised in 1922, permitting buildings to rise to {{convert|108|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, with an additional {{convert|42|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} allowable with a series of setbacks. A citywide height restriction ordinance was instituted in 1912, barring structures over {{convert|200|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|author=City of New York Board of Estimate and Apportionment|title=Commission on Building Districts and Restrictions: Final Report|publisher=M. B. Brown Printing & Binding Co.|year=1916|location=New York|page=62}} Completed in 1962, the City-County Building was the first high-rise in the city to surpass the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in height.{{cite web|title=City-County Building, Indianapolis|publisher=Emporis.com|url=http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118692/city-county-building-indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513035046/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118692/city-county-building-indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 13, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2016}} A building boom, lasting from 1982 to 1990, saw the construction of six of the city's ten tallest buildings.{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=28–37|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings/city/101039/indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408010453/http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings/city/101039/indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 8, 2015|title=Tallest buildings in Indianapolis|access-date=June 11, 2016|publisher=Emporis.com}} The tallest is Salesforce Tower, completed in 1990 at {{convert|811|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/118700/salesforce-tower-indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806082116/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118700/salesforce-tower-indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 6, 2016|title=Salesforce Tower, Indianapolis|access-date=September 4, 2017|publisher=Emporis.com}}

Indiana limestone is the signature building material in Indianapolis, widely included in the city's many monuments, churches, academic, government, and civic buildings.

{{See also|List of parks in Indianapolis}}

File:"The Ruins" at Holliday Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.jpg

The city of Indianapolis maintains 212 public parks, totaling {{convert|11258|acre|ha}} or about 5.1% of the city's land area.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Parks and Greenspaces |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/parks-and-greenspaces/ |access-date=January 15, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |title=2017 City park facts |publisher=The Trust for Public Land |page=11 |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113034104/https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |url-status=dead }} Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis's largest and most visited park, ranks among the largest municipal parks in the U.S., covering {{convert|4766|acre|ha}}.{{cite news |last=Eason |first=Brian |date=June 18, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/06/18/indys-struggling-parks-we-have-work-do/85495128/ |title=Indy's struggling parks: 'We have work to do' |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=July 31, 2019}}

Garfield Park, the city's first municipal park, opened in 1876 as Southern Park.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=608 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=1008 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}} In the early 20th century, the city enlisted landscape architect George Kessler to conceive a framework for Indianapolis's modern parks system.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=867 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}} Kessler's 1909 Indianapolis Park and Boulevard Plan linked notable parks, such as Brookside, Ellenberger, Garfield, and Riverside, with a system of parkways following the city's waterways.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=868–869 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}} The system's {{convert|3474|acres}} were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System |url=http://focus.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/03000149 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=May 20, 2016}}

Marion County is also home to parks managed by the State of Indiana, including Fort Harrison State Park and White River State Park. Established in 1996, Fort Harrison State Park covers {{convert|1744|acre|ha}} that are overseen by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.{{cite web |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/ftharrison_trail.pdf |title=Fort Harrison State Park |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |date=December 2018 |access-date=January 16, 2022}} Since 1979, White River has been owned and operated by the White River State Park Development Commission, a quasi-governmental agency.{{cite web |title=White River State Park Development Commission |url=http://www.downtownindy.org/member-profile/white-river-state-park-development-commission/ |publisher=Downtown Indy Inc. |access-date=October 4, 2018}} White River's {{convert|250|acre|ha}} are home to several attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens. Two land trusts are active in the city managing several sites for nature conservation throughout the region.{{cite web |url=https://conservingindiana.org/preserves/ |title=Preserves |date=August 21, 2019 |publisher=Central Indiana Land Trust |access-date=January 17, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Haley |date=November 10, 2020 |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2020/11/10/preserving-property-mud-creek-conservancy-halfway-to-fundraising-goal-to-purchase-land-for-sargent-road-nature-park/ |title=Preserving property: Mud Creek Conservancy halfway to fundraising goal to purchase land for Sargent Road Nature Park |newspaper=Current |publisher=Current Publishing |access-date=January 17, 2022}}

File:Reminds me of the bridgestone commercial (2669256227).jpg in Indianapolis]]

Indianapolis is situated in the Southern Great Lakes forests ecoregion which in turn is located within the larger temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome, as defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature.{{cite web |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0414 |title=Southern Great Lakes forests |publisher=World Wide Fund for Nature |access-date=January 15, 2022}} Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's alternative classification system, the city is located in the Eastern Corn Belt Plains, an area of the country known for its fertile soil.{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.epa.gov/wed/ecoregions/in/OHINFront.pdf |title=Ecoregions of Indiana and Ohio |publisher=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=June 13, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

Much of the decidious forests that once covered 98% of the region were cleared for agriculture and urban development, contributing to considerable habitat loss.{{cite journal |vauthors=Holland, et al. |date=December 30, 2017 |title=Results of the 2016 Indianapolis Biodiversity Survey, Marion County, Indiana |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/article/view/23763/22907 |journal=Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science |volume=126 |issue=2 |pages=166{{hyphen}}167 |access-date=May 5, 2022}} Indianapolis's current urban tree canopy averages approximately 33%.{{cite news |last=Bonilla Muñiz |first=Leslie |date=September 30, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/thousands-of-new-city-trees-to-go-where-data-says-theyre-needed-most |title=Thousands of new city trees to go where data shows they're needed most |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=January 16, 2022}} A rare example of old-growth forest in the city can be found on {{convert|15|acres}} of Crown Hill Cemetery's North Woods in the Butler–Tarkington neighborhood.{{cite news |last=Bartner |first=Amy |date=May 5, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/05/05/va-crown-hill-reach-agreement-save-old-forest/101339254/ |title=VA, Crown Hill reach agreement to save old-growth forest |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}} The cemetery's {{convert|555|acres}} represents the largest green space in Center Township, home to an abundance of wildlife and some 130 species of trees.{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Will |date=October 25, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2017/10/25/crown-hill-stop-hunting-deer-our-cemetery/789979001/ |title=Crown Hill: Stop hunting deer in our cemetery |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}} Native trees most common to the area include varieties of ash, maple, and oak. Several invasive species are also common in Indianapolis, including tree of heaven, wintercreeper, Amur honeysuckle, and Callery pear.{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Ryan |date=September 8, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/09/08/indiana-invasive-plants-lurking-your-backyard/5413743001/ |title=What happens if you don't remove these invasive plants lurking in your Indiana yard |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Gibson|first=London |date=April 6, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/04/06/council-considers-banning-invasive-bradford-pear-tree-indiana/6988023002/ |title=Bradford pear trees are highly invasive. This is why they aren't banned in Indiana. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}

A 2016 bioblitz along three of the city's riparian corridors found 590 taxa. Urban wildlife common to the Indianapolis area include mammals such as the white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, eastern cottontail, and the eastern grey and American red squirrels. In recent years, local raccoon and groundhog populations have increased alongside sightings of American badgers, beavers, mink, coyotes, and red fox.{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 22, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2020/09/22/indianapolis-urban-wildlife-might-surprise-you/5580839002/ |title=Scrub Hub: Indianapolis has a ton of raccoons and we're not sure why |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Glusac |first=Elaine |date=May 2, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/02/travel/safari-city-guide-urban-wildlife-ecosystems-viewing.html |title=On Safari in the City: A Guide to Urban Wildlife Viewing |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 5, 2022}} Birds native to the area include the northern cardinal, wood thrush, eastern screech owl, mourning dove, pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers, and wild turkey. Located in the Mississippi Flyway, the city sees more than 400 migratory bird species throughout the year.{{cite web |year=2013 |url=https://www.amosbutleraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/trailguide_2013.pdf |title=Indy Birding Trail Guide |publisher=Amos Butler Audubon Society |access-date=May 5, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 24, 2019 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/09/24/bird-watching-indiana-new-visitors-stopping/2286775001/ |title=Surprising birds are stopping in Indiana. Here's why — and where you can see them. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=May 5, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Stacey |first=Madison |date=April 15, 2022 |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/life/animals/bird-migration-collisions-indianapolis/531-b3bf35ed-43d2-4955-933d-56f46b556259 |title=As hundreds of birds migrate through Indy, group draws attention to bird collisions throughout city |publisher=WTHR |access-date=May 5, 2022}} Some 57 species of fish can be found in the city's waterways, including bass and sunfish. Some federally-designated endangered and threatened species are native to the Indianapolis area, including several species of freshwater mussels, the rusty patched bumble bee, Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, and the running buffalo clover.{{cite web |date=March 9, 2020 |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/np_marion.pdf |title=Indiana County Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species List County: Marion |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |access-date=January 15, 2022}}

In recent years, the National Wildlife Federation has ranked Indianapolis among the ten most wildlife-friendly cities in the U.S.{{cite press release |last=Vecchio |first=Anna |date=March 12, 2019 |title=National Wildlife Federation Honors Indianapolis, Indiana as one of America's Top 10 Cities for Wildlife |url=https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/03-12-19-Indianapolis-Top-Ten |location=Merrifield, VA |publisher=National Wildlife Federation |access-date=May 5, 2022}}

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Indianapolis has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa) using the {{convert|-3|C|F|}} isotherm. It experiences four distinct seasons.{{Cite journal|last1=Kottek|first1=Marcus|last2=Greiser|first2=Jürgen|last3=Beck|first3=Christoph|last4=Rudolf|first4=Bruno|last5=Rubel|first5=Franz|display-authors=2|title=World Map of Köppen–Geiger Climate Classification|date=June 2006|journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift|volume=15|issue=3|page=261|doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130|publisher=E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung|bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K |url=https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/files/40083/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf}} The city lies at the transition between USDA plant hardiness zones 6a and 6b.{{cite web |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/hardiness-zones-for-indianapolis-indiana |website=plantmaps.com |title=Indianapolis, Indiana Hardiness Zone Map |access-date=March 23, 2024}}

Typically, summers are fairly hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The July daily average temperature is {{convert|75.4|°F|1}}. High temperatures reach or exceed {{convert|90|°F|0}} an average of 18 days each year, and occasionally exceed {{convert|95|°F}}. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, if at times unpredictable. Midday temperature drops exceeding {{convert|30|F-change|disp=or}} are common during March and April, and instances of very warm days ({{convert|80|°F|0|disp=or}}) followed within 36 hours by snowfall are not unusual during these months. Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of {{convert|28.1|°F|1}}. Temperatures dip to {{convert|0|°F|0}} or below an average of 3.7 nights per year.

The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest, with an average of {{convert|5.05|in|cm}} of rain. Most rain is derived from thunderstorm activity. There is no distinct dry season, although occasional droughts occur. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months. Indianapolis experiences an average of 20 thunderstorm days annually.{{cite web|url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-days-thunderstorms-cities-summer.php|title=Total Days With Thunderstorms at US Cities in Summer|publisher=Current Results|access-date=June 11, 2016}}

Indianapolis's average annual rainfall is {{convert|42.4|in|cm}}. Snowfall averages {{convert|25.9|in|cm}} per season. Official temperature extremes range from {{convert|106|°F|0}}, set on July 14, 1936,{{cite web| title=Indianapolis Climatological Information|publisher=National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/?n=localcli#day|access-date=December 9, 2013}} to {{convert|-27|°F|0}}, set on January 19, 1994.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|title=Average Weather for Indianapolis International Airport, IN — Temperature and Precipitation|access-date=June 28, 2010|publisher=The Weather Channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234525/http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|archive-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=dead}}

{{Indianapolis weatherbox}}

{{see also|History of the Irish in Indianapolis}}

{{US Census population

|1840= 2695

|1850= 8091

|1860= 18611

|1870= 48244

|1880= 75056

|1890= 105436

|1900= 169164

|1910= 233650

|1920= 314194

|1930= 364161

|1940= 386972

|1950= 427173

|1960= 476258

|1970= 744624

|1980= 700807

|1990= 731327

|2000= 781926

|2010= 820445

|2020= 887642

|estyear= 2023

|estimate= 879293

|estref= {{cite web |title=QuickFacts Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana/PST045223 |website=census.gov |access-date=21 November 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2016}}

}}

The U.S. Census Bureau considers Indianapolis as two entities: the consolidated city and the city's remainder, or balance. The consolidated city is coterminous with Marion County, except the independent municipalities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway.{{cite web |title=Indiana: 2010 – Population and Housing Unit Counts – 2010 Census of Population and Housing |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-16.pdf |date=September 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2019}} The city's balance excludes the populations of ten semi-autonomous municipalities that are included in totals for the consolidated city. These are Clermont, Crows Nest, Homecroft, Meridian Hills, North Crows Nest, Rocky Ripple, Spring Hill, Warren Park, Williams Creek, and Wynnedale.{{cite web |title=Unigov Handbook: A Citizen's Guide to Local Government |publisher=League of Women Voters of Indianapolis |url=http://civicliteracy.iupui.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unigov-Handbook-2016-LR-Single-Pages.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125701/http://civicliteracy.iupui.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unigov-Handbook-2016-LR-Single-Pages.pdf |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |url-status=dead}} An eleventh town, Cumberland, is partially included.{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=728}}{{cite web |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Historic-church-at-heart-of-Unigov-fight-5324667 |work=The Journal Gazette |title=Historic church at heart of Unigov fight |date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155436/http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Historic-church-at-heart-of-Unigov-fight-5324667 |url-status=dead}}

In 2015, Brookings characterized the Indianapolis metropolitan area as a minor-emerging immigrant gateway with a foreign-born population of 126,767, or 6.4% of the total population, a 131% increase from 2000.{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Audrey |title=Metropolitan immigrant gateways revisited, 2014 |date=December 1, 2015 |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Gateways-2014-update-1.pdf |access-date=December 12, 2020 |publisher=Brookings Institution}} Much of this growth can be attributed to thousands of Burmese-Chin refugees who have settled in Indianapolis, particularly Perry Township, since the late 1990s.{{cite news |first=Fatima |last=Hussein |title=From Burmese to American: Profiles in assimilation |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/03/18/burmese-american-profiles-assimilation/97107262/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |date=March 18, 2017 |access-date=December 12, 2020}} Indianapolis is home to one of the largest concentrations of Chin people outside of Myanmar (formerly Burma), with an estimated population ranging from 17,000 to 24,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.indychins.org/about-us/ |work=Chin Community of Indiana |title=About Us |date=2017 |access-date=December 14, 2020}}{{cite magazine |last1=Salaz |first1=Susan |last2=Raymer |first2=Steve |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Welcome To Chindianapolis |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/circle-city/welcome-to-chindianapolis |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Publishing, L.P. |access-date=December 12, 2020}}{{cite news |first=Natalie |last=Contreras |title=How Indiana's Burmese community is leading a movement for democracy |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2021/04/13/myanmar-coup-indiana-burmese-community-leads-efforts-help/4803320001/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=June 18, 2021}}

The Williams Institute reported that the Indianapolis metropolitan area had an estimated 4.6% LGBT adult population in 2020, totaling about 68,000.{{cite web |url=https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/MSA-LGBT-Ranking-Mar-2021.pdf |title=LGBT Adults in Large US Metropolitan Areas |date=March 2021 |work=Williams Institute |publisher=University of California, Los Angeles School of Law |first1=Kerith J. |last1=Conron |first2=Winston |last2=Luhur |first3=Shoshana K. |last3=Goldberg |access-date=October 22, 2023}}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 90%; text-align:center; float:left;"

|-

!scope="col"| Historical racial composition

!scope="col"| 2020{{cite web |url=https://data.indystar.com/census/race-ethnicity/total-population-change/indianapolis-city-balance-indiana/160-1836003/ |title=2020 Decennial Census}}

!scope="col"| 2010{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18/1836003.html |title=Indianapolis (city (balance)), Indiana |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807042256/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18/1836003.html |archive-date=August 7, 2012}}

!scope="col"| 1990{{cite web |title=Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012}}

!scope="col"| 1970

|-

!scope="row"| White (Non-Hispanic)

| 50.1% || 58.6% || 75.2% || 80.9%

|-

!scope="row"| Black or African American

| 27.6% || 27.2% || 22.6% || 18.0%

|-

!scope="row"| Hispanic or Latino

| 13.1% || 9.4% || 1.1% || 0.8%

|-

!scope="row"| Asian

| 4.2% || 2.1% || 0.9% || 0.1%

|-

!scope="row"| Mixed

| 4.2% || 2.2% || – || –

|}

File:Ethnic Origins in Indianapolis.png

File:Race and ethnicity 2010- Indianapolis (5560477952).png

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

|+Indianapolis, Indiana – Racial and ethnic composition
{{nobold|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.}}

!Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)

!Pop 2000{{Cite web|title=P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p004&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}

!Pop 2010{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}

!{{partial|Pop 2020}}{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}

!% 2000

!% 2010

!% {{partial|2020}}

|-

|White alone (NH)

|527,675

|480,960

|style='background: #ffffe6; |444,504

|67.49%

|58.62%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |50.08%

|-

|Black or African American alone (NH)

|198,252

|223,053

|style='background: #ffffe6; |245,279

|25.36%

|27.19%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |27.63%

|-

|Hispanic or Latino (any race)

|30,636

|77,352

|style='background: #ffffe6; |116,221

|3.92%

|9.43%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |13.09%

|-

|Asian alone (NH)

|11,046

|17,053

|style='background: #ffffe6; |37,588

|1.41%

|2.08%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.23%

|-

|Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)

|10,808

|17,870

|style='background: #ffffe6; |37,152

|1.38%

|2.18%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.19%

|-

|Other race alone (NH)

|1,537

|2,123

|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,940

|0.20%

|0.26%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.56%

|-

|Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)

|1,648

|1,760

|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,627

|0.21%

|0.21%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.18%

|-

|Pacific Islander alone (NH)

|268

|274

|style='background: #ffffe6; |331

|0.03%

|0.03%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.04%

|-

|Total

|781,870

|820,445

|style='background: #ffffe6; |887,642

|100.00%

|100.00%

|style='background: #ffffe6; |100.00%

|}

At the 2020 census, Indianapolis had a population of 887,642 and a population density of {{convert|2455|/sqmi||adj=pre|people}}. The estimated population was 880,621 in 2022.{{cite web |title=QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana/PST040222 |access-date=October 22, 2023}} By population, Indianapolis is the state's largest city and the country's 16th largest.{{cite web |first=Eva |last=Hallman |title=Fort Wayne now the 83rd largest American city |url=https://wowo.com/fort-wayne-now-the-83rd-largest-american-city/ |work=WOWO |date=May 18, 2023 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}

The Indianapolis metropolitan area, officially the Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood, IN metropolitan statistical area (MSA), consists of Marion County and the surrounding counties of Boone, Brown, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Morgan, Shelby, and Tipton.{{cite web |title=OMB Bulletin No. 23-01 |pages=59, 138 |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |date=July 21, 2023 |website=White House |access-date=October 22, 2023}} In 2020, the metropolitan area's population was 2,111,040, the most populous in Indiana and home to 31% of the state's residents. In 2022, the estimated population was 2,141,779.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN Metro Area |publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business |url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=b&county_changer2=Rmetro:26900 |access-date=October 22, 2023}} In 2020, the larger Indianapolis–Carmel–Muncie, IN combined statistical area (CSA) had a population of 2,492,514, home to nearly 37% of Indiana residents across 20 of Indiana's 92 counties. In 2022, the estimated population was 2,524,790.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, IN Combined Area |publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business |url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=b&county_changer2=Rcomb:294 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}

In the 2010 census, 97.2% of the Indianapolis population was reported as one race: 61.8% White, 27.5% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian (0.4% Burmese, 0.4% Indian, 0.3% Chinese, 0.3% Filipino, 0.1% Korean, 0.1% Vietnamese, 0.1% Japanese, 0.1% Thai, 0.1% other Asian); 0.3% American Indian, and 5.5% as other. The remaining 2.8% of the population was reported as multiracial (two or more races). Indianapolis's Hispanic or Latino community was 9.4% of the city's population in the 2010 U.S. Census: 6.9% Mexican, 0.4% Puerto Rican, 0.1% Cuban, and 2% as other.{{cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190521214830/https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2013}} Sometime between 2020 and 2023, Marion County became majority non-white.{{Cite news |newspaper=Mirror Indy |url=https://mirrorindy.org/marion-county-becomes-majority-nonwhite/ |title=Marion County becomes majority nonwhite |language=en-US |department=Government |author=Indianapolis Capital Chronicle |date=2024-07-21 |accessdate=2024-07-21}}

In 2010, the median age for Indianapolis was 33.7 years. Age distribution for the city's inhabitants was 25% under the age of 18; 4.4% were between 18 and 21; 16.3% were age 21 to 65; and 13.1% were age 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 93 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90 males.The U.S. Census for 2010 reports the female population for Indianapolis as 424,099 (323,845 were age 18 and over) and the male population as 396,346 (291,745 were age 18 and over). See {{cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190521214830/https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2013}}

The 2010 census reported 332,199 households in Indianapolis, with an average household size of 2.42 and an average family size of 3.08. Of the total households, 59.3% were family households, with 28.2% of these including the family's own children under the age of 18; 36.5% were husband-wife families; 17.2% had a female householder (with no husband present) and 5.6% had a male householder (with no wife present). The remaining 40.7% were non-family households. {{As of|2010}}, 32% of the non-family households included individuals living alone, 8.3% of these households included individuals age 65 years of age or older.

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007–2011 American Community Survey indicated the median household income for Indianapolis city was $42,704, and the median family income was $53,161.{{cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: 2007–2011 American Community Survey |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212211753/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2013}} Median income for males working full-time, year-round, was $42,101, compared to $34,788 for females. Per capita income for the city was $24,430. 14.7% of families and 18.9% of the city's total population lived below the poverty line. 28.3% of those in poverty were under the age of 18 and 9.2% were age 65 or older.

In 2023, a Point-In-Time Count conducted by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention identified 1,619 homeless individuals in Indianapolis. About 78% of the city's homeless population was sheltered, with 64% living in emergency shelters and 14% in transitional housing. The remaining 22% were unsheltered.{{cite web |url=https://www.chipindy.org/uploads/1/3/3/1/133118768/2023_indianapolis_point-in-time_count_report_final.pdf |work=Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention |title=2023 Indianapolis Annual Point-In-Time Count |page=6 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003231920/https://www.chipindy.org/uploads/1/3/3/1/133118768/2023_indianapolis_point-in-time_count_report_final.pdf |url-status=dead }}

{{Bar box|float=right|title=Religion in Metro Indianapolis (2016){{cite web |url=http://ava.publicreligion.org/#religious/2015/MetroAreas/religion/16 |work=Public Religion Research Institute |title=American Values Atlas |access-date=March 25, 2016}} |titlebar=#ddd|width=285px|left1=Religion|right1=Percent|bars={{bar percent|Protestantism|dodgerblue|31}}

{{bar percent|Evangelicalism|deepskyblue|23}}

{{bar percent|Catholicism|#d4213d|15}}

{{bar percent|Other Christian|indigo|4}}

{{bar percent|Muslim|orange|2}}

{{bar percent|No religion|grey|22}}}}

File:St John, Indianapolis, IN (14400587460).jpg, a parish of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the oldest Catholic congregation in the city.]]

Religion has played a central role in shaping the city's healthcare, political, and social service systems.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Health Care |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-healthcare/|access-date=February 13, 2025}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Politics |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=2022 |year=2024 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-politics/ |access-date=February 13, 2025}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Social Services |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2022 |last1=Wind |first1=James P. |last2=Badertscher |first2=Kattherine |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-social-services/ |access-date=February 13, 2025}} Christianity is the prevalent religion in the Indianapolis area. In 2016, the Public Religion Research Institute identified the largest groupings of Protestantism by faith tradition: 23% Evangelical Protestant, 20% Mainline Protestant, and 11% Black Protestant, respectively. At 15%, the Catholic Church was the largest single denomination. Other predominant denominations include Baptists (15%), Methodists (8%), Disciples of Christ (5%), Pentecostals (5%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (3%), and Lutherans (2%). About 3% of the population adheres to non-Christian religions. Some 22% of residents identified as religiously "unaffiliated", consistent with the national average of 22.7%.

Indianapolis is home to roughly 1,200 congregations representing numerous faiths, including some 100 Christian denominations.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion Atlas |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |last1=Bodenhamer |first1=David J. |last2=Farnsley II |first2=Arthur E. |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/atlas/religion-atlas/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Some of the city’s oldest congregations include Meridian Street United Methodist Church (1821),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Meridian Street United Methodist Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/meridian-street-united-methodist-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Central Christian Church (1833),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Williams |first1=D. Newell |last2=Seay |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christian-church-disciples-of-christ/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Bethel A.M.E. Church (1836),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bethel-african-methodist-episcopal-a-m-e-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Christ Church Cathedral (1837),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christ Church Cathedral |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Dalton |first1=William D. |last2=Little |first2=Lee |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christ-church-cathedral/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (1837),{{cite encyclopedia |title=St. John Catholic Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah B. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/st-john-catholic-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Second Presbyterian Church (1838),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Second Presbyterian Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2022 |last1=Isley Jr. |first1=William L. |last2=Farnsley II |first2=Arthur E. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/second-presbyterian-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} and the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (1856).{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Spiegel |first2=Pauline |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-hebrew-congregation/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} Newer establishments reflect the city’s growing religious diversity, including Masjid Al Mu'mineen (2001), the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (2006),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hindu Temple of Central Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/hindu-temple-of-central-indiana/|access-date=February 12, 2025}} and the Indianapolis Indiana Temple (2015), located in Carmel.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Mormon Temple |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Snideman |first1=Samuel S. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/mormon-temple/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}} The First Church of Cannabis was established in response to Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015.

Religious denominations headquartered in the Indianapolis area include the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Free Methodist Church{{cite encyclopedia |title=Free Methodist World Ministries Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Little |first=Lee |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/free-methodist-world-ministries-center/ |access-date=October 22, 2023}} the Lutheran Ministerium and Synod – USA, and the Wesleyan Church. Indianapolis is the seat of two dioceses.

{{Main|Economy of Indianapolis}}

File:MD-10 taxi at KIND - panoramio.jpg cargo plane at Indianapolis International Airport]]

File:Eli Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.jpg, the city's largest private employer]]

File:Indiana Convention Center at Capitol and Georgia.jpg in 2020]]

Indianapolis anchors the 28th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S., with a gross domestic product of US$199.2 billion in 2023. The city's major exports include pharmaceuticals, motor vehicle parts, medical equipment and supplies, engine and power equipment, and aircraft products and parts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest industries by employment in the Indianapolis metropolitan area are trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing, respectively. The area's unemployment rate was 3.7% in February 2024.

Three Fortune 500 companies are based in the city: insurance company Elevance Health;{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/anthem/fortune500/ |title=Anthem |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323220114/http://fortune.com/fortune500/anthem/ |url-status=dead }} pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly;{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/eli-lilly/fortune500/ |title=Eli Lilly |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022}} and agrochemical company Corteva.{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |title=Corteva names Indianapolis its new global headquarters |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/corteva-names-indy-its-new-global-headquarters |access-date=February 13, 2022 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=February 8, 2022}}{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/corteva/fortune500/ |title=Corteva |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022}} Other notable companies based in the city include AES Indiana, Allison Transmission, Barnes & Thornburg, Calumet, Inc., CountryMark, Emmis Corporation, Finish Line, Herff Jones, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Lids, Lucas Oil Products, OneAmerica Financial, Republic Airways Holdings, Simon Property Group, Steak 'n Shake, Sun King Brewing, Wheaton World Wide Moving, and Zipp.

Indianapolis's central location and extensive highway and rail infrastructure have positioned the city as an important logistics center. According to the Indy Chamber, the region was home to some 4,300 establishments employing nearly 110,000 in 2020.{{cite web |title=Logistics Indianapolis Region |url=https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logistics_Print.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212403/https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logistics_Print.pdf |url-status=dead }} Amazon has a major presence in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, employing 9,000.{{cite news |last=Orr |first=Susan |title=Amazon's impact, influence grows in central Indiana |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/64979-amazons-impact-influence-grows-in-central-indiana |date=August 10, 2017 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}} FedEx employs 7,000{{cite news |title=Largest Logistics Providers |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/16/largest-logistics-providers |date=January 14, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}} workers across 35 facilities in the city, including FedEx Express's National Hub, which employs 5,800 workers in sorting, distribution, and shipping at Indianapolis International Airport.{{cite news |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |title=FedEx plans to move LA maintenance operations to Indianapolis |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/fedex-plans-to-move-la-maintenance-operations-to-indianapolis |date=March 27, 2023 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 8, 2023}} Other logistics companies in the region with large workforces include Ingram Micro and Venture Logistics.

Indianapolis anchors one of the largest life sciences clusters in the U.S., notably in the subsectors of drugs and pharmaceuticals and agricultural feedstock and chemicals.{{cite web |title=The Bioscience Economy: Propelling Life-Saving Treatments, Supporting State & Local Communities |url=https://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/BIO2020-report.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=TEConomy Partners, LLC and Biotechnology Innovation Organization |access-date=September 18, 2021}}{{cite web |title=State Bioscience Jobs, Investments and Innovation |url=http://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/Battelle-BIO-2014-Industry.pdf |date=2014 |publisher=Battelle Memorial Institute and Biotechnology Innovation Organization |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014133933/http://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/Battelle-BIO-2014-Industry.pdf |url-status=dead }} Life sciences employ between 21,200 and 28,700{{cite web |title=Essential: The Impact of the Healthcare and Life Sciences Sector in Central Indiana |url=https://biocrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TEConomy-BioCrossroads-Essential-fullreport-Final-August-2021.pdf |date=August 2021 |publisher=TEConomy Partners, LLC |access-date=September 18, 2021}} among nearly 350 companies located in the region.{{cite web |title=Life Sciences Indianapolis Region |url=https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LifeSciences_Print.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919010443/https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LifeSciences_Print.pdf |url-status=dead }} Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is the city's largest private employer, with a workforce of 11,000 in research and development, manufacturing, and executive administration.{{cite web |title=Largest Manufacturers |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/72/largest-manufacturers |date=August 5, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}} Other major employers include Corteva, Fortrea,{{cite news |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/73768-drug-research-firm-covance-plans-175m-expansion-203-jobs |title=Drug research firm Covance plans $17.5M expansion, 203 jobs |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=May 14, 2019 }} and Roche's North American headquarters.{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=May 7, 2021 |title=In a lockdown, Roche pushes ahead with new, different diagnostic tests |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/in-a-lockdown-roche-pushes-ahead-with-new-different-diagnostic-tests |access-date=September 18, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last=Rudavsky |first=Shari |date=May 7, 2021 |title=How COVID led to a business boom and big changes for Indianapolis-based Roche Diagnostics |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/health/2021/05/07/covid-19-indiana-roche-diagnositics-indianapolis/4874138001/ |access-date=September 18, 2021 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=http://indychamber.com/files/9114/3990/6287/2015_Largest_Logistics_Companies.pdf |title=Largest Life Science Companies |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908150942/http://indychamber.com/files/9114/3990/6287/2015_Largest_Logistics_Companies.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2015}}

The city's hospitality industry has grown in importance in recent years due to an expanding convention business.{{cite web |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |title=Expand the Indiana Convention Center again? |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/54963-expand-the-indiana-convention-center-again |date=September 25, 2015 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 30, 2016}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Expositions and Conventions |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/expositions-and-conventions/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}} According to the city's destination marketing organization, Indianapolis receives 29.2 million visitors annually, generating US$5.6 billion, and supporting 82,900 jobs.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Visit Indy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Markisohn |first1=Deborah |last2=Snyder |first2=Morgan |last3=Blair |first3=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/visit-indy/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}} The city's major hospitality facilities are clustered in downtown Indianapolis, including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and some 8,500 hotel rooms. Major annual conventions include FDIC International, the National FFA Organization Convention, Gen Con, and the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show.{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |title=Rebounding visitor stats generate optimism in hospitality industry |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/definitely-on-an-upswing |date=February 17, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=March 3, 2024}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Convention Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Markisohn |first1=Deborah |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-convention-center/ |access-date=March 3, 2024}}

Indianapolis ranks among the fastest high-tech job growth areas in the U.S.{{cite news |last=Council |first=Jared |title=Report: Indy ranks fifth in tech-job growth |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/61140-report-indy-ranks-fifth-in-tech-job-growth |access-date=April 20, 2017 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=November 4, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Spivack |first=Miranda |title=How Indianapolis, Long Known as a Manufacturing Center, Is Luring Tech Talent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/17/business/indianapolis-real-estate-tech.html?ref=business&_r=4 |access-date=April 20, 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 17, 2017}} The metropolitan area is home to 28,500 information technology-related jobs at such companies as Angi, Formstack, Genesys, Hubstaff,{{cite news |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |title=Working From Home When Your Boss is Watching |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/news-and-opinion/business/working-from-home-when-your-boss-is-watching |access-date=June 19, 2020 |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |date=May 12, 2020}} Infosys,{{cite press release |author= |title=Infosys Picks Indiana for new U.S. Education Center, an additional 1,000 New Jobs |url=https://www.indianapolisairport.com/about/media/media-releases/infosys-picks-indiana-for-new-u-s-education-center-an-additional-1-000-new-jobs |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |publisher=Indianapolis Airport Authority |date=April 26, 2018 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405120128/https://www.indianapolisairport.com/about/media/media-releases/infosys-picks-indiana-for-new-u-s-education-center-an-additional-1-000-new-jobs |url-status=dead }} Ingram Micro, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud.{{cite web |url=http://www.indychamber.com/economic-development/digital-technology/ |title=Digital Technology |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919010446/http://indychamber.com/economic-development/digital-technology/ |archive-date=September 19, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.indychamber.com/files/3214/0862/3818/2012_Largest_IT_Companies.pdf |title=Largest IT Companies |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921161856/http://www.indychamber.com/files/3214/0862/3818/2012_Largest_IT_Companies.pdf |archive-date=September 21, 2015}} Salesforce has the largest workforce of local tech firms, employing about 2,100 in Indianapolis.{{cite news |last=Burris |first=Alexandria |title='9-to-5 workday is dead': Salesforce won't require majority of workers to return to office |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2021/02/10/salesforce-indianapolis-remote-covid-workers-wont-return-office/6701985002/ |access-date=April 12, 2021 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=February 10, 2021}}

Historically, manufacturing has been a critical component of Indianapolis's economy; however, deindustrialization since the mid-20th century has significantly impacted the city's workforce. Indianapolis is typically considered part of the Rust Belt, a region of the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. beleaguered by industrial and population decline.{{cite news |last=Groppe |first=Maureen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126265149/?terms=%22rust%20belt%22%20%22indianapolis%22&match=1 |title=Indy Unbuckles the Rust Belt |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=May 9, 2010 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |page=A1, A10 |url-access=subscription}} Between 1990 and 2012, approximately 26,900 manufacturing jobs were lost in the city as it continued diversification efforts and transitioned to a service economy.{{cite web |url=http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DMD/Planning/Documents/2014-IndyFastTrack.pdf |title=Indy FastTrack |date=2014 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414034141/http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DMD/Planning/Documents/2014-IndyFastTrack.pdf |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |url-status=dead}} RCA and Western Electric formerly employed thousands at their Indianapolis manufacturing plants.{{cite news |last=Schouten |first=Cory |title=Former RCA industrial site to get $20M rehab |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/13778-former-rca-industrial-site-to-get-20m-rehab |date=January 21, 2008 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=January 23, 2022}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Western Electric |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Johnson Taggart |first1=Charles |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/western-electric/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}

Once home to 60 automakers, Indianapolis rivaled Detroit as a center of automobile manufacturing and design in the early 20th century.{{cite news |title=Retro Indy: City came close to being "Motor City" |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/motor-city/3180615/ |access-date=April 27, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=April 24, 2016}} Indianapolis was home to several luxury car companies, including Duesenberg, Marmon, and Stutz Motor Company; however, the automakers did not survive the Great Depression of the 1930s.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Automobile Industry |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Furlong |first1=Patrick |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/automobile-industry/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}} Detroit's Big Three automakers maintained a presence in the city and continued to operate in various capacities until the 2000s: Ford Motor Company (1914–1942, 1956–2008),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ford Motor Company |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Johnson Taggart |first1=Charles |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ford-motor-company/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}} Chrysler (1925–2005), and General Motors (1930–2011).

Indianapolis is home to Allison Transmission's headquarters and manufacturing facilities, employing 2,500 in the design and production of automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Rolls-Royce North America dates its local presence to the establishment of the Allison Engine Company in 1915. Its Indianapolis Operations Center has a workforce of 4,000 in aircraft engine development and manufacturing.{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Kris |title=Rolls-Royce celebrates 100 years in Indy |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/10/07/rolls-royce-celebrates-100-years-indy/73527466/ |date=October 8, 2015 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=May 15, 2016}} Other major manufacturing employers include Allegion and RTX Corporation. In 2016, Carrier Corporation announced the closure of its Indianapolis plant, moving 1,400 manufacturing jobs to Mexico.{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Nelson |title=Carrier Workers See Costs, Not Benefits, of Global Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/business/economy/carrier-workers-see-costs-not-benefits-of-global-trade.html |access-date=March 30, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 19, 2016}} Carrier later negotiated with the incoming Trump administration to save some jobs. The company's local workforce numbers 800 in gas furnace production.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Carrier Corporation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Jyoti |first=Verderame |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/carrier-corporation/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}

File:IMA - All you need is rust! (2592098693).jpg's LOVE at the Indianapolis Museum of Art]]

With a permanent collection of 54,000 works, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is the city's primary art museum. It is among the largest and oldest art museums in the U.S., tracing its roots back to the Art Association of Indianapolis, which was founded in 1883.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Art Association of Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Duvall |first=Jeffery A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/art-association-of-indianapolis/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}} The museum's {{convert|152|acre|ha|adj=on}} Newfields' campus includes Oldfields (Lilly House), the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, eight gardens, and four performance spaces.

Established in 1902, the Herron School of Art and Design's first core faculty included Impressionist painters belonging to the Hoosier Group. Eskenazi Hall at IU Indianapolis has been home to the school since 2005, hosting five public galleries and numerous programs throughout the year.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Herron School of Art and Design |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Cooney |first=John J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/herron-school-of-art-and-design/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}

Located in Broad Ripple, the Indianapolis Art Center houses the Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, galleries, and a sculpture garden. The center hosts and manages art classes, exhibitions, art fairs, and outreach programs throughout the year.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Art Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Sommers |first1=Joyce A. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-art-center/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}} The Harrison Center in the Old Northside and the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square house several galleries and artist studios and participate in First Friday events.

Located in downtown Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum is home to a diverse collection of visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas and Western American Art. The museum hosts numerous lectures, artist residencies, special exhibitions, and events annually.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Corbin |first=Bryan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/eiteljorg-museum-of-american-indians-and-western-art/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}

In 2021, there were more than 3,000 recorded works of public art in Indianapolis. More than one-third of those are concentrated in the downtown Indianapolis area, including dozens belonging to the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Public Art Collection, the Indiana Statehouse Public Art Collection, or the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Murals are the most popular medium of public art found in the city.{{cite web |last=Bowman |first=Anna |title=Nation's largest art census in Indy |url=https://indytoday.6amcity.com/nations-largest-art-census-indianapolis-in |date=July 8, 2022 |work=INDYtoday |access-date=March 16, 2024}}

Since 2020, Ganggang has been a prominent supporter of Black artists in the city. Their annual art fair "BUTTER" is a multi-day art exhibition that takes place over Labor Day weekend.{{cite web |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |date=November 29, 2022 |title=2 Years After Racism Outcry, Indianapolis Embraces Black Artists |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/29/arts/design/ganggang-racism-indianapolis-artists-venable.html |access-date=March 16, 2024}}{{cite web |last=McGowan |first=Chloe |title=BUTTER artists talk art, equity and cultivating creativity |url=https://indianapolisrecorder.com/butter-artists-talk-art-equity-and-creativity/ |date=August 31, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Recorder |access-date=March 16, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Sarah Urist Green joins Butter team to help elevate Indianapolis artists |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/sarah-urist-green-joins-butter-team-to-help-elevate-indianapolis-artists |access-date=March 16, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Bongiovanni |first=Domenica |title=NBA All-Star Weekend will bring a special Butter art fair, food and music to downtown Indy |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2024/01/17/nba-all-star-game-2024-indianapolis-ganggang-butter-arts-and-culture/72194091007/ |date=January 17, 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=March 15, 2024}}

File:Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.jpg performing at Hilbert Circle Theatre]]

File:Madame Walker Theatre Center.jpg opened on Indiana Avenue in 1927 as a cultural center for the city's African American community.{{cite web |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NHLS/80000062_text |title=National Historic Landmark Nomination: Madam C.J. Walker Building |date=June 4, 1990 |author=Miller, Paige Putnam |publisher=National Park Service}}]]

Several of the city's most prominent performing arts venues and organizations are located in the downtown area, including the Hilbert Circle Theatre{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hilbert Circle Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-theatre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} (home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra){{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Snyder |first1=Suzanne G. |last2=Huber |first2=Jen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-symphony-orchestra-iso/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} and the Indiana Theatre (home to the Indiana Repertory Theatre).{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Repertory Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Jensen |first1=Joyce K. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-repertory-theatre-irt/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Other notable venues near the central business district include The Cabaret,{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Cabaret |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Erickson |first=Norma |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/the-cabaret/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Indianapolis Artsgarden,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Artsgarden |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-artsgarden/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Phoenix Theatre,{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Phoenix Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/phoenix-theatre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |last=Jensen |first=Joyce K. |orig-year=1994}} Slippery Noodle Inn,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Slippery Noodle Inn |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Carr Childs-Helton |first=Sally |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/slippery-noodle-inn/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}} and Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, the city's largest outdoor venue.{{cite news |first=Mickey |last=Shuey |date=April 13, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/tcu-to-sponsor-renovated-amphitheater-at-white-river-state-park |title=Parties keep amphitheater naming-rights deal details close to vest |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=November 1, 2021}}

The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District is home to Old National Centre, the oldest stagehouse in Indianapolis, having opened in 1910.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Old National Centre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Darbee |first=Leigh |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/old-national-centre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} The performing arts center features the 2,500-seat Murat Theatre, the 2,000-seat Egyptian Room, and the 600-seat Corinthian Hall. Mass Ave is also home to the Athenæum, Basile, District, and IF theaters, all of which host the annual Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival, or "IndyFringe".{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/new-indyfringe-leader-wants-to-add-to-the-energy-on-mass-ave |date=March 16, 2023 |title=New IndyFringe leader wants to add to energy on Mass Ave |publisher=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=April 8, 2023}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyFringe Theatre Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-theatre-fringe-festival/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Hedback Community Theatre in Herron–Morton is home to Footlite Musicals{{cite encyclopedia |title=Footlite Musicals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Cones |first=Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/footlite-musicals/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}} and Epilogue Players theater companies.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Epilogue Players |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Destefano |first=Rann |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/epilogue-players/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}}

The Madam Walker Legacy Center opened in the heart of the city's African-American neighborhood on Indiana Avenue in 1927. The building's theater hosted vaudeville shows and anchored the Indiana Avenue jazz scene from the 1920s through the 1960s.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Madam Walker Legacy Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Gibbs |first1= Wilma |last2=Bundles |first2=A'lelia |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/madam-walker-legacy-center/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} "The Avenue" produced greats such as David Baker, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, J. J. Johnson, James Spaulding, and the Montgomery Brothers (Buddy, Monk, and Wes).{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|pages=840–843}} Wes Montgomery is considered one of the most influential jazz guitarists of all time,{{cite AV media |people=Tom Moon (Music Reviewer) |date=May 25, 2015 |title=Review: 'In The Beginning,' Wes Montgomery |medium=Radio |language=en |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/05/25/409531225/review-in-the-beginning-wes-montgomery |access-date=October 15, 2017 |publisher=National Public Radio (NPR) All Things Considered |quote=He was one of the most influential guitarists of all time.}} and is credited with popularizing the "Naptown Sound".{{cite web|url=http://www.patternindy.com/2016/08/31/wes-montgomery-and-the-indy-jazz-fest/|title=Wes Montgomery and the Indy Jazz Fest|date=August 30, 2016|author=Terri Procopio|publisher=Pattern|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070743/http://www.patternindy.com/2016/08/31/wes-montgomery-and-the-indy-jazz-fest/|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}

Local performing arts organizations include the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra,{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyBaroque Music |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Gerber |first=Thomas |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indybaroque-music/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Elliott |first=Bill |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-chamber-orchestra/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} Indianapolis Men's Chorus,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Men's Chorus |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Hanlin |first=George |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-men-s-chorus/ |access-date=September 19, 2023}} Indianapolis Opera,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Opera |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Snyder |first1=Suzanne G. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-opera/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} and Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. Other notable venues include Butler University's Clowes Memorial Hall{{cite encyclopedia |title=Clowes Memorial Hall |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/clowes-memorial-hall/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}} and Melody Inn in Butler–Tarkington, and the Frank and Katrina Basile Opera Center and the Jazz Kitchen in Meridian–Kessler.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Jazz Kitchen |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=May 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/jazz-kitchen/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}} The city's Broad Ripple and Fountain Square neighborhoods are known for local live music, home to dozens of venues.{{cite news |last=Newberry |first=Laura |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/107931283 |url-access=subscription |title=Indy music store stands test of time |date=July 19, 2013 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=May 8, 2022 |page=A9 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=According to the association, 15 to 20 businesses have opened in the neighborhood in the past two years, some of which double as music venues. 'Now not only do we have White Rabbit and Radio Radio within a block of us that do music, there are little places popping up everywhere in people's basements,' said Amy England, Osborne's daughter and the store's service manager. 'There's live music every night.'}}{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |date=March 19, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/03/19/fountain-square-virginia-avenue-thurston-kimya-joyful-noise-indianapolis-kopecky-pug/81146706/ |title=Tracking live music's migration to Fountain Square |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=May 8, 2022}}

Indianapolis is home to a variety of national professional musical organizations, including the American Piano Awards,{{cite encyclopedia |title=American Piano Awards |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/american-pianists-association/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |last=Fuller |first=Milner |date=March 2021}} Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and the Percussive Arts Society.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Museums |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Cox |first1=Stephen L. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/museums/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}{{cite web |last=Kuzma |first=Gregory M. |url=http://halftimemag.com/articles/07-2008/07-2008-features/indianapolis.html |title=Indianapolis: The Center for the Music Arts? |date=July 14, 2008 |publisher=Muse Media, LLC |location=Cincinnati |website=halftimemag.com |access-date=May 7, 2022}} Annual music festivals and competitions held in the city include the Drum Corps International World Class Championships, Indianapolis Early Music Festival,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Early Music |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Vanderstel |first=David G. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-early-music/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}} and Indy Jazz Fest.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Jazz Foundation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-jazz-foundation/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}} The quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis is considered among the most prestigious of its kind in the world.{{cite encyclopedia |title=International Violin Competition of Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/international-violin-competition-of-indianapolis/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}

File:Mass Ave.jpg on Mass Avenue, completed by local artist Pamela Bliss in 2011]]

From about 1870 to 1920, Indianapolis was at the center of the Golden Age of Indiana Literature. Several notable poets and writers based in the city achieved national prominence and critical acclaim during this period, including James Whitcomb Riley, Booth Tarkington, and Meredith Nicholson.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Golden Age of Indiana Literature |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Calder |first=J. Kent |publisher=Libraries & Archives |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/golden-age-of-indiana-literature/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}} Perhaps the city's most acclaimed twentieth-century writer was Kurt Vonnegut, known for his darkly satirical and controversial bestselling novel Slaughterhouse-Five.{{cite news |author= |title=And so it goes: Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) |newspaper=Kitsap Sun |date=April 10, 2014 |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/04/11/kurt-vonnegut/7547825/ |access-date=September 12, 2020}} Vonnegut became known for including at least one character in his novels from Indianapolis.{{cite web |url=http://www.indianahistory.org/our-collections/reference/notable-hoosiers/kurt-vonnegut#.VwH5PqQrLIU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116153542/http://www.indianahistory.org/our-collections/reference/notable-hoosiers/kurt-vonnegut#.VwH5PqQrLIU |url-status=dead|archive-date=November 16, 2013 |title=Kurt Vonnegut |publisher=Indiana Historical Society |access-date=April 4, 2016}} Upon returning to the city in 1986, Vonnegut acknowledged the influence the city had on his writings:{{cquote|All my jokes are Indianapolis. All my attitudes are Indianapolis. My adenoids are Indianapolis. If I ever severed myself from Indianapolis, I would be out of business. What people like about me is Indianapolis.{{cite news|title=Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library Opens in Indianapolis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/us/20vonnegut.html?_r=0|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=April 4, 2016|first=Emma|last=Graves Fitzsimmons}}}}

A key figure of the Black Arts Movement, Indianapolis resident Mari Evans was among the most influential of the twentieth century's black poets.{{cite news|last=Chen|first=Wei-Huan|title=Indiana poet Mari Evans receives lifetime achievement award|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=October 8, 2015|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2015/10/08/indiana-poet-mari-evans-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/73545482/|access-date=September 12, 2020}} Indianapolis is home to bestselling young adult fiction writer John Green, known for his critically acclaimed 2012 novel The Fault in Our Stars, set in the city.{{cite news|title=Indianapolis shows local love to author John Green|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/07/16/green-paper-towns-dftba-wolff-delevingne-indianapolis-lost-found/30166091/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=April 4, 2016|first=David|last=Lindquist}} Notable sites in Indianapolis include the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, the Ray Bradbury Center at IU Indianapolis, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library.

{{See also|List of attractions and events in Indianapolis}}

File:Bucky the T. Rex 1.jpg", a juvenile Tyrannosaurus specimen at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]

File:COLISEUMedited.jpg during the 2015 Indiana State Fair]]

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest of its kind in the world, with {{convert|433000|sqft|m2|2}} of exhibit space and a collection of over 120,000 artifacts.{{cite web|url=http://www.childrensmuseums.org/childrens-museums/about-childrens-museums|title=About Children's Museums|publisher=Association of Children's Museums|access-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613131739/http://childrensmuseums.org/childrens-museums/about-childrens-museums|archive-date=June 13, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43728979|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924000807/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43728979|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2020|title=Delving into the world's largest children's museum|author=Eileen Ogintz|publisher=NBC News|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=September 6, 2011}} Due to its leadership and innovations, the museum is a world leader in its field.Sandler, p. 186 In 2023, it was one of the region's most popular attractions, drawing about 1.2 million visitors.{{cite web |title=Most Popular Attractions – Ranked by 2023 Indianapolis-area attendance |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/83/most-popular-attractions |date=August 29, 2024 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=January 14, 2024}}

The Indianapolis Zoo houses more than 1,400 animals of 235 species while the adjoining White River Gardens contains more than 50,000 plants of nearly 3,000 species, respectively.{{cite web |title=2020 Indianapolis Zoo Annual Report |publisher=Indianapolis Zoo |url=https://online.fliphtml5.com/npqq/zzqp/?1625771088656 |pages=18, 28 |access-date=May 29, 2022}} The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and research, recognized for its biennial Indianapolis Prize award.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Prize|encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Hillier-Geisler |first=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-prize/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} It is among the largest privately funded zoos in the U.S.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Zoo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hurst |first1=Richard M. |last2=Hillier-Geisler |first2=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-zoo/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} and one of the city's most visited attractions, with 1.1 million guests in 2023.

Located inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum exhibits an extensive collection of auto racing memorabilia showcasing various motorsports and automotive history.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Chenoweth |first1=Shelly |last2=Davidson |first2=Donald |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway-hall-of-fame-museum/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} Daily grounds and track tours originate from the museum. Located at the National Collegiate Athletic Association headquarters, the NCAA Hall of Champions contains exhibits on collegiate athletics in the U.S.{{cite encyclopedia |title=NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Opsahl |first1=Sam |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ncaa-headquarters-and-hall-of-champions/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site includes the archives and restored home of the 23rd president of the U.S., Benjamin Harrison.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Capps |first2=Jennifer |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/benjamin-harrison-presidential-site/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}} Harrison is buried about {{convert|3|mi|km}} north of the site at Crown Hill Cemetery. Other notable interments at the cemetery include three U.S. vice presidents (Fairbanks, Hendricks, and Marshall), notorious American gangster John Dillinger,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Crown Hill Cemetery |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Sanford |first1=Wayne L. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/crown-hill-cemetery/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} and First Lady Caroline Harrison.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last1=Badertscher |first1=Katherine |last2=Capps |first2=Jennifer |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/caroline-lavinia-scott-harrison/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}} State-specific historical institutions based in Indianapolis include the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Humanities, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society, Indiana Landmarks,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Landmarks |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Rollins Stanis |first=Suzanne T. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-landmarks/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} the Indiana Medical History Museum, and the Indiana State Museum.

Two museums and several memorials in the city commemorate armed forces or conflict, including the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and Indiana World War Memorial Military Museum at the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza. Outside of Washington, D.C., Indianapolis contains the largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the nation. Other notable sites are the Crown Hill National Cemetery, the Indiana 9/11 Memorial, the Medal of Honor Memorial, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and the USS Indianapolis National Memorial.

Many annual fairs, festivals, and parades take place in Indianapolis.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Festivals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/festivals/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}} The city's largest event, the Indiana State Fair, is held from mid-July to mid-August and regularly draws 800,000 attendees. Another major event in Indianapolis is the 500 Festival, a series of more than 30 programs and events preceding the Indianapolis 500 during the "Month of May". Other notable annual events include the Indy Pride Festival and the Marion County Fair in June,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Pride |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-pride/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Marion County Fair |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/marion-county-fair/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}} the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration in July,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Black Expo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadzekpo |first=Audrey S. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-black-expo-ibe/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}} the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival in October,{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=October 20, 2022 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/in-irvington-the-thrills-of-halloween-are-back |title=In Irvington, the thrills of Halloween are back |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=March 28, 2024}} and the Circle of Lights in November.{{cite web |last=Tufts |first=John |date=November 20, 2023 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2023/11/20/circle-of-lights-2023-is-back-in-indianapolis-how-to-go-or-watch/71657571007/ |title=Circle of Lights 2023 is happening earlier this year in Indianapolis: What to know. |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=March 28, 2024}}

File:Indianapolis City Market interior - 2021.jpg, founded in 1821]]

Indianapolis has an emerging food scene as well as established eateries.{{cite news |last=Haas |first=Matt |date=February 16, 2016 |url=http://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/pop-culture/article/brooklyn-is-everywhere |title=How Every City Became Brooklyn |work=Bon Appétite |access-date=September 22, 2016}} Founded in 1821 as the city's public market, the Indianapolis City Market has served the community from its current building since 1886. Before World War II, the City Market was home to meat and vegetable vendors. As consumer habits evolved and residents moved from the central city, City Market transitioned from a traditional marketplace to a food hall.{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=432}} The AMP and The Garage food halls opened in 2021.{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=December 30, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/2021-year-in-review-garage-amp-food-halls-lead-restaurant-resurgence |title=2021 Year in Review: Garage, AMP food halls lead restaurant resurgence |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 20, 2022}}

Situated in the Corn Belt, Indianapolis has maintained close ties to farming and food production. Urban agriculture in the city dates to the 1930s, when Flanner House began teaching Black arrivals how to farm on vacant lots during the Great Migration. Within a few years, more than 200 families were tending 600 garden plots on nearly {{convert|100|acre|ha}} of land on the city's near north side.{{cite web |last=Perry Abello |first=Oscar |date=August 4, 2020 |url=https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/generations-of-black-leaders-watching-over-this-indianapolis-neighborhood |title=Generations of Black Leaders Watching Over This Indianapolis Neighborhood |work=Next City |access-date=August 11, 2020}} Urban agriculture has made a comeback in recent years in an effort to alleviate food deserts.{{cite web |last=Hopkins |first=Emily |date=September 4, 2018 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2018/09/04/indianapolis-food-deserts-farm-table-restaurant-trend/1111620002/ |title=Indianapolis food deserts could be alleviated by farm-to-table trend |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=December 23, 2018}} According to the city's Office of Sustainability, there were 129 community farms and gardens in 2020. {{As of|2020}}, several farmers' markets have been established throughout Indianapolis.{{cite web |last=Simpson Holloway |first=Rebecca |title=Farmers' Market Locations in the Indy Area 2020 |url=https://indywithkids.com/farmers-markets-indianapolis/ |work=Indy with Kids |access-date=August 11, 2020}}

Distinctive local dishes include pork tenderloin sandwiches,{{cite web |last=Pang |first=Kevin |date=April 3, 2014 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/04/03/hoosier-tenderloin/ |title=Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwiches: An Indiana institution |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=March 10, 2018}} sugar cream pie, and beef Manhattan, invented in Indianapolis.Stuttgen, J.R. (2007). Cafe Indiana: A Guide to Indiana's Down-Home Cafes. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 178. {{ISBN|978-0-299-22493-6}}. Retrieved November 7, 2015. Wonder Bread and Choc-Ola also originate in the city. Longstanding local eateries include Long's Bakery, Mug-n-Bun, Shapiro's Deli,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Shapiro's Delicatessen |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Blackwell |first=Carolyn S. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/shapiro-s/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}} The Workingman's Friend, and St. Elmo Steak House.{{cite encyclopedia |title=St. Elmo Steak House |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah B. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/st-elmo-steak-house/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}} St. Elmo was recognized with the America's Classics award by the James Beard Foundation in 2012.{{cite news |last=Ketzenberger |first=Jolene |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126356758 |url-access=subscription |title=St. Elmo Steak House on Forbes' list of 10 classic restaurants |date=July 13, 2012 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 15, 2022 |page=D6 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=St. Elmo Steak House, established in 1902, was recently included in a Forbes.com gallery of 10 classic restaurants around the world. (...) St. Elmo was honored earlier this year with an America's Classic award from the James Beard Foundation.}} In 2008, the Indianapolis metropolitan area had the highest concentration of chain restaurants per capita in the U.S.{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Deborah |date=August 2008 |title=Chain Reaction |work=Indianapolis Monthly |pages=89–99}} Locally based chains include MCL Restaurant & Bakery, Noble Roman's, and Steak 'n Shake. The city's growing immigrant population has contributed to a rise in global cuisine, with some 800 ethnic restaurants opening in recent years.{{cite web |last=Edge |first=John |date=February 22, 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23united.html?_r=1 |title=In Indianapolis, the World Comes to Eat |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 22, 2016}}

In 2016, Condé Nast Traveler named Indianapolis the "most underrated food city in the U.S.", while ranking Milktooth as one of the best restaurants in the world.{{cite web |last=Biro |first=Liz |date=September 21, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2016/09/21/milktooth-best-restaurants-world-list/90773996/ |title=Milktooth is on a best restaurants in the world list |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Allison |date=May 23, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/05/23/indy-called-most-underrated-food-city-us-cond-nast-traveler/84810698/ |title=Indy called 'most underrated food city in the U.S.' by Condé Nast Traveler |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}} Food & Wine called Indianapolis the "rising star of the Midwest".{{cite web |last=Quigley |first=Annie |date=April 12, 2016 |url=http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/rising-star-midwest-indianapolis |title=Rising Star of the Midwest: Indianapolis |work=Food & Wine |access-date=September 22, 2016}}{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Allison |date=April 13, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/04/13/four-indy-restaurants-recognized-food-wine/82995494/ |title=4 Indy restaurants recognized by 'Food & Wine' |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}} Several Indianapolis chefs and restaurateurs have been semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation Awards in recent years.{{cite web |last=Biro |first=Liz |date=March 15, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2016/03/15/no-james-beard-awards-indy-chefs/81808522/ |title=No James Beard Awards for Indy chefs – but why? |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}{{cite web |date=February 27, 2019 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/72702-three-from-indianapolis-named-james-beard-semifinalists |title=Three from Indianapolis named James Beard semifinalists |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=February 28, 2019}} Microbreweries have become a staple in the city, increasing fivefold since 2009.{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=May 3, 2016 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/58391-more-filling-craft-brew-craze-adds-body-to-real-estate-market |title=More filling: Craft brew craze adds body to real estate market |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=September 22, 2016}} There are now about 50 craft brewers in Indianapolis, with Sun King Brewing being the largest.{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=January 16, 2013 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/39024-sun-king-brewery-lands-tax-breaks-for-expansion |title=Sun King brewery lands tax breaks for expansion |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=September 22, 2016}}

{{main category|Films set in Indianapolis}}

{{main category|Television shows set in Indianapolis}}

File:The Hilbert Circle Theatre, pictured at dusk, in Indianapolis, Indiana's capital city.jpg, the first purpose-built movie palace in Indianapolis{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hilbert Circle Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-theatre/ |access-date=July 21, 2022}}]]

Indianapolis natives have left a mark on the entertainment industry, most notably during the Classical Hollywood cinema era. James Baskett received an Academy Honorary Award in 1948 for his role in Walt Disney's Song of the South, becoming the first Black male Oscar recipient. Sid Grauman, one of the founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, received an Academy Honorary Award in 1949, recognized for raising the standard for film exhibition. Perhaps the most famous actor from the Indianapolis area is Academy Award-nominee, Steve McQueen, who was born in Beech Grove. Other Academy Award nominees from the city include costume designer Gloria Gresham, actress Marjorie Main, and actor Clifton Webb.{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Dawn |date=January 15, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2020/01/15/oscar-goes-hoosier/80844918/ |title=The Oscar goes to ... a Hoosier |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}}

The city's sports venues have served as backdrops for such films as Hoosiers (1986) and Eight Men Out (1988).{{cite news |last=Naughton |first=Keith |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/312910869 |url-access=subscription | title=Hoosierwood: Indiana a rising star to some in film industry |newspaper=The Indianapolis News |date=October 6, 1987 |access-date=October 31, 2021 |pages=C1, C8}} The city's largest contribution to popular culture, the Indianapolis 500, has influenced entertainment for decades, referenced in film, television, video games, and other media.{{cite news |last=Benbow |first=Dana |date=May 11, 2016 |url=https://www.courierpress.com/story/sports/2016/05/11/indy-500-has-impacted-pop-culture-for-decades/87181330/ |title=Indy 500 has impacted pop culture for decades |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}} Three motion pictures filmed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway include Speedway (1929), To Please a Lady (1950), and Winning (1969).{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Donald |url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/05/14/hollywood-movies-and-the-indy-500 |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Hollywood and the Indianapolis 500 |publisher=Indianapolis Motor Speedway |access-date=October 31, 2021}} Other motion pictures at least partially filmed in the city include Going All the Way (1997), Palindromes (2004), Saving Star Wars (2004), Amanda (2009), Walter (2015), The MisEducation of Bindu (2019),{{cite news |last=Bongiovanni |first=Domenica |date=September 29, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/09/29/miseducation-bindu-stream-fuse-and-has-many-indiana-ties/5849902001/ |title=You can soon stream 'MisEducation of Bindu,' filmed at former Broad Ripple High School |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}} Athlete A (2020), and Our Father (2022). Hoosiers and Ringling Brothers Parade Film (1902) were added to the National Film Registry in 2001 and 2021, respectively.{{cite news |last=Britton |first=Bonnie |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/107979539 |title='Hoosiers' gets spot on national list |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=December 23, 2001 |access-date=December 26, 2021 |page=14 |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |title=1902 movie made in Indianapolis added to National Film Registry |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/1902-movie-made-in-indianapolis-is-new-addition-to-the-national-film-registry |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media Corp. |date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=December 26, 2021}}

Television programs that have shot on location in the city include 100 Days to Indy, American Ninja Warrior,{{cite news |author= |title=IndyCar star Scott Dixon to try skills on 'American Ninja Warrior' |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/68476-indycar-star-scott-dixon-to-try-skills-on-american-ninja-warrior |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=April 20, 2018 |access-date=October 31, 2021}} Antiques Roadshow,{{cite news |author= |date=January 14, 2016 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56634-antiques-roadshow-to-pull-into-indy-this-summer |title='Antiques Roadshow' to pull into Indy this summer |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 1, 2022}} College GameDay,{{cite press release |last=Margolis Siegal |first=Rachel |date=November 29, 2016 |title=College GameDay at Site of Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2016/11/college-gameday-site-big-ten-championship-indianapolis/ |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 10, 2024}} Cops,{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Benjamin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/106424005 |url-access=subscription |title=Spotlight to shine again on IPD |date=June 20, 1999 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 1, 2022 |page=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=They're using COPS to do it. This spring, IPD media relations director Sgt. Paul Ciesielski sought out TV producer Murray Jordan, a veteran of Fox's hit show COPS. He reminded Jordan that COPS had successfully shot a 'reality-based' segment with Indianapolis police in 1994. (...) In September, IPD will share COPS season premiere with the Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Speedway Police Department.}} Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,{{cite news |author= |date=December 9, 2015 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56150-groups-seek-to-amp-up-indys-star-power-with-tv-film-initiative |title=Groups seek to amp up Indy's star power with TV, film initiative |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 31, 2021}} Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,{{cite news |last=Ketzenberger |first=John |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126715027/ |url-access=subscription |title=Developer's hope: Makeover home is transformative event |date=May 3, 2009 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=May 6, 2022 |publisher=Gannett |pages=D1{{hyphen}}D2 |via=Newspapers.com |quote='Extreme Makeover' has chosen Indianapolis to finish its season and Estridge to build the house.}} Gaycation,{{cite magazine |first1=Melany Joy |last1=Beck |first2=Janelle |last2=Beck |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Hit Series Gaycation Heads Home With United We Stand |url=https://www.curvemag.com/blog/tv-show/hit-series-gaycation-heads-home-with-united-we-stand/ |magazine=Curve |publisher=The Curve Foundation |access-date=November 1, 2021}} Ghost Hunters,{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |date=September 27, 2019 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2019/09/27/ghost-hunters-tv-series-will-feature-athenaeum-in-october-episode/3786319002/ |title='Ghost Hunters' TV series will feature Athenaeum in October episode |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=November 1, 2021}} Good Bones,{{cite magazine |last=Fernandez |first=Megan |date=March 30, 2016 |title=First Impressions of Good Bones on HGTV |url=http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-culture/first-impressions-good-bones-hgtv/ |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |access-date=November 15, 2016}} Hard Knocks,{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Joel A. |date=November 16, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2021/11/16/hbo-shows-hard-knocks-colts/8640356002/ |title=Colts excited to get their showcase when "Hard Knocks In Season" premieres Wednesday |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=June 30, 2022}} House Hunters,{{cite web |last=Li |first=Anne M. |date=July 25, 2015 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2015/07/24/indy-couple-hopes-dream-home-hgtvs-house-hunters/30629469/ |title=Indy couple hopes for dream home on HGTV's 'House Hunters' |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 24, 2023}} Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,{{cite news |last=Kightlinger |first=Cathy |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/126364890/ |url-access=subscription |title=A little something for Fallon from Indy |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=January 19, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |page=A4}} Man v. Food, Parks and Recreation,{{cite news |last=Hayden |first=Maureen |date=January 14, 2013 |url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/community/parks-and-rec-episode-shot-in-indianapolis-airs-thursday/article_54293db0-a63c-5d86-a511-80b6317a015b.html |title='Parks and Rec' episode shot in Indianapolis airs on Thursday |work=The Herald Bulletin |access-date=May 19, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/106834851 |url-access=subscription |title='Parks and Rec' is headed back to Indianapolis |date=September 28, 2013 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 1, 2022 |page=A2 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=According to NBC, cast and production crew of Parks and Recreation will be in Indianapolis next week to shoot scenes at Lucas Oil Stadium. (...) In 2010, the sitcom shot scenes at the Indiana Statehouse, but no cast members were present.}} Say I Do,{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Briana |date=July 15, 2020 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2020/07/15/five-cincinnati-couples-featured-netflix-show-say-i-do/5443072002/ |title=You can see a lot of Cincinnati in Netflix's new surprise wedding show 'Say I Do' |newspaper=Cincinnati Enquirer |access-date=November 1, 2021}} SportsCenter,{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=February 3, 2012 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/32445-espn-pleased-with-pan-am-plaza-broadcast-decision |title=ESPN pleased with Pan Am Plaza broadcast decision |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 1, 2022}} Today,{{cite news |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |date=May 23, 2019 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/73913-today-show-broadcast-at-ims-carries-on-despite-rain |title='Today Show' broadcast at IMS carries on despite rain |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=November 3, 2021}} and What Would You Do?{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/video/friends-reject-young-man-coming-bisexual-72889768 |title='What Would You Do?': Friends reject young man for coming out as bisexual |date=September 9, 2020 |website=ABC News |access-date=November 1, 2021}}

Annual film festivals held in Indianapolis include the Circle City Film Festival, Heartland International Film Festival,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Heartland International Film Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Van Allen |first=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/heartland-international-film-festival/ |access-date=July 1, 2022}} Indy Film Fest, the Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival, and the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival. Founded in 2018, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival is one of 34 film festivals in the world used to qualify for the Academy Awards.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Markus |date=July 19, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/indy-shorts-film-festival-continues-growth-as-standalone-event |title=Indy Shorts film festival continues growth as standalone event |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 31, 2021}}

Film Indy was established in 2016 to support local visual artists, filmmakers, and aspiring filmmakers; recruit film and television-related marketing opportunities to the region, and provide resources for producers interested in filming in the city. Since 2016, more than 350 film and media projects have been produced in the Indianapolis region with a collective economic impact of $24.1 million and the creation of 1,900 local jobs.{{cite web |title=About Film Indy |url=https://www.filmindy.com/about |publisher=Visit Indy |access-date=October 30, 2021}}

{{Main|Sports in Indianapolis}}

{{multiple image

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|direction = vertical

|image1 = Super Bowl-6 (6833620123).jpg

|caption1 = Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, during Super Bowl XLVI

|image2 = Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianápolis, Estados Unidos, 2012-10-22, DD 02.jpg

|caption2 = Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever

}}

The Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) have been based in the city since relocating from Baltimore in 1984. The Colts' tenure in Indianapolis has produced 11 division championships, two conference titles, and two Super Bowl appearances. Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning led the team to win Super Bowl XLI in 2007.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Colts |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Wilson |first2=Philip |last3=Opsahl |first3=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-colts/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}} Lucas Oil Stadium replaced the team's first home, the RCA Dome, in 2008.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Lucas Oil Stadium |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Blair |first=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/lucas-oil-stadium/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}

Founded in 1967, the Indiana Pacers began in the American Basketball Association (ABA), joining the National Basketball Association (NBA) when the leagues merged in 1976. Before joining the NBA, the Pacers won three ABA division titles and three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973) led by Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, and George McGinnis. Since the merger, the Pacers have made nine appearances in the NBA Eastern Conference finals. In 2000, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Larry Bird and Reggie Miller led the team to its lone NBA Finals appearance.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Pacers |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Lopez |first2=Danny |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-pacers/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}

Since their debut in 2000, the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) have won three conference titles, made three appearances in the WNBA Finals, and won one championship. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Lin Dunn and Tamika Catchings led the Fever to their first championship title in 2012.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Fever |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Lopez |first=Danny |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-fever/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}} The Fever and Pacers share Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which replaced Market Square Arena in 1999.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Gainbridge Fieldhouse |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Opsahl |first1=Sam |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bankers-life-fieldhouse/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}

Established in 1902, the Indianapolis Indians of the International League are the second-oldest minor league franchise in American professional baseball.{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=786}} The Indians have won 26 division titles, 14 league titles, and seven championships, most recently in 2000. The team plays at Victory Field, which replaced Bush Stadium in 1996.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Victory Field |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/victory-field/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}

Indy Eleven, a professional soccer team in the second-division USL Championship, play their home matches at Carroll Stadium.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Eleven |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-eleven/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}} The Fishers Event Center in the suburb of Fishers is home to the Indy Fuel (a minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL),{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Fuel |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-fuel/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}} Indy Ignite (a member of the Pro Volleyball Federation), and Fishers Freight (a member of the Indoor Football League). The Indiana Mad Ants of the NBA G League will begin playing at The Arena at Innovation Mile in 2025.{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Angelica |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/construction-new-noblesville-event-center-underway/531-6ff9efbb-f811-4976-a8ee-641839f3dffb |title=Construction for new Noblesville Events Center underway |work=WTHR |access-date=November 28, 2024}}

File:Austin Etherington reverse layup.jpg at Hinkle Fieldhouse]]

Indianapolis has been called the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World".{{cite encyclopedia |title=Slogans and Nicknames |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/slogans-and-nicknames/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}} The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the main governing body for U.S. collegiate sports, and the National Federation of State High School Associations are based in the city. Indianapolis is home to two NCAA athletic conferences: the Horizon League (D-I) and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (D-II). The city is also home to three national sport governing bodies, as recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee: USA Football; USA Gymnastics; and USA Track & Field.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Amateur Sports Governing Bodies |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/amateur-sports-governing-bodies/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}}

Two NCAA D-I athletic programs are based in Indianapolis: the Butler Bulldogs of the Big East Conference and the IU Indy Jaguars of the Horizon League. The University of Indianapolis is a D-II school; the Greyhounds compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Marian University athletics compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics's Crossroads League.

Traditionally, Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse was the hub for Hoosier hysteria, a general excitement for the game of basketball throughout the state, specifically the Indiana High School Boys Basketball Tournament.{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Bill |date=December 12, 2015 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/56069-bicentennial-architects-designers-engineers-builders-leave-imprint-on-region |title=BICENTENNIAL: Architects, designers, engineers, builders leave imprint on region |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=July 4, 2016}} Hinkle, a National Historic Landmark, opened in 1928 as the world's largest basketball arena, with seating for 15,000.{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=March 16, 2014 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/basketball/2014/03/14/how-indiana-fell-in-love-with-basketball/6415971/ |title=History of our Hysteria: How Indiana fell in love with basketball |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=July 4, 2016}} It is regarded as "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral".{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Kelly |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30929532/the-storied-indiana-venues-hosting-2021-ncaa-tournament |title=Indiana's hallowed hardwoods |work=ESPN |access-date=April 22, 2021}} The Indiana High School Athletic Association is based in Indianapolis.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana High School Athletic Association |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-high-school-athletic-association-ihsaa/ |access-date=March 24, 2024}}

File:Defense.gov photo essay 120527-A-MG757-086.jpg crossing the Yard of Bricks during practice for the 2012 Indianapolis 500]]

Indianapolis is a global center for auto racing, home to numerous motorsports facilities and events, two sanctioning bodies (INDYCAR and United States Auto Club), and more than 500 motorsports-related companies.{{cite web |url=http://indychamber.com/files/3914/3990/6100/2015_Indianapolis_Region_-_Motorsports_Industry.pdf |title=Motorsports Industry |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908084834/http://indychamber.com/files/3914/3990/6100/2015_Indianapolis_Region_-_Motorsports_Industry.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2015}} Indianapolis, or Indy, is a metonym for auto racing, particularly when referring to American open-wheel car racing.{{cite news |author= |date=August 28, 2013 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/08/28/indianapolis-motor-speedway/2723017/ |title=RetroIndy: Indianapolis Motor Speedway |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=November 12, 2022}}

Completed in 1909 as an automotive test track, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a National Historic Landmark and the world's largest sports venue by capacity, with 235,000 permanent seats.{{cite web |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/69197-largest-stadium-overall-capacity |title=Largest stadium (overall capacity) |website=guinnessworldrecords.com |publisher=Guinness World Records Limited |access-date=May 27, 2022}} Since 1911, the {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} rectangular oval has hosted the Indianapolis 500, an open-wheel automobile race. It is contested as part of the IndyCar Series and traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend. Steeped in tradition, the race is considered the world's largest single-day sporting event and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The track also hosts the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in May and NASCAR's Brickyard 400 and Pennzoil 250 in July.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Davidson |first=Donald |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (in nearby Brownsburg) contains a {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} road course, a {{convert|4400|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} dragstrip, and a {{convert|0.69|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} oval short track. Each Labor Day weekend, the facility hosts the NHRA U.S. Nationals, the largest and most prestigious drag racing event in the world.{{cite news |last=Hembree |first=Mike |date=September 3, 2015 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/motor/nhra/2015/09/03/chevrolet-performance-us-nationals-drag-racing-prestigious-event/71667052/ |title=Drag racing stars are made at NHRA U.S. Nationals |newspaper=USA Today |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=May 23, 2016}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Raceway Park |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Watson |first=Michael |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-raceway-park/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} The city's Indianapolis Speedrome is believed to be the oldest operating figure 8 racing venue in the U.S.{{cite news |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |date=March 2, 2017 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/62796-storied-racetrack-revved-for-a-restart-under-new-owner |title=Storied racetrack revved for a restart under new owner |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 27, 2023}}

Beyond its many auto races, Indianapolis hosts numerous other sporting events throughout the year, including the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in May,{{cite encyclopedia |title=500 Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/500-festival/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}} the Circle City Classic in September,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Circle City Classic |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-city-classic/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}} the Monumental Marathon in November, and the Big Ten Football Championship Game and Indy Classic in December. Indianapolis also regularly hosts the NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball Final Fours, most recently in 2021 and 2016, respectively.{{cite encyclopedia |title=NCAA Basketball Finals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ncaa-basketball-finals/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}

Notable past events hosted in the city include the U.S. Clay Court Championships (1969–1987), the National Sports Festival (1982), the NBA All-Star Game (1985 and 2024), the Pan American Games (1987), the Indianapolis Tennis Championships (1988–2009), the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships (1991), WrestleMania VIII (1992), the World Rowing Championships (1994), the United States Grand Prix (2000–2007), the World Police and Fire Games (2001), the FIBA Basketball World Cup (2002), Super Bowl XLVI (2012), and the College Football Playoff National Championship (2022).

{{Main|Government of Indianapolis}}

{{See also|List of mayors of Indianapolis}}

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Indianapolis—officially the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County—has a consolidated city-county form of government, a status it has held since 1970 under Indiana Code's Unigov provision. Many functions of the municipal and county governments are consolidated, though some remain separate. The city has a strong mayor–council system of government which oversees six administrative departments. Marion County also contains some 60 taxing units, nine separate civil township governments, and seven special-purpose municipal corporations.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Structure of Unigov |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/structure-of-unigov/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Unigov and Public Finance |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Kirk |first1=Robert |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-and-public-finance/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}

The executive branch is headed by an elected mayor who serves as the chief executive of both the city and county.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Office of the Mayor |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Whitham |first1=John |last2=White |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/office-of-the-mayor/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} Indianapolis City-County Council is the legislative body and consists of 25 members, all of whom represent geographic districts. The mayor and council members are elected to unlimited four-year terms.{{cite encyclopedia |title=City-County Council |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=White |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/city-county-council/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} Executive and legislative functions are based from the City-County Building. The judiciary consists of a circuit court and superior court with four divisions and 32 judges. Each of the county's nine civil townships elects its own township trustee, three-member board, assessor, and a constable and small claims court judge, all of whom serve four-year terms.

Since its move from Corydon in 1825, Indianapolis has served as the capital and seat of Indiana's state government. The Indiana Statehouse houses the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government, including the office of the Governor of Indiana, the Indiana General Assembly, and the Indiana Supreme Court. Most state departments and agencies are headquartered in the neighboring Indiana Government Center complex.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Government Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Zeigler |first=Connie |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-government-center/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} The Indiana Governor's Residence is on Meridian Street in the Butler–Tarkington neighborhood, about {{convert|5|mi|km}} north of downtown. In the Indiana House of Representatives, Indianapolis is split between 16 districts.{{cite web |url=https://media.graphassets.com/eaz7fJqiQye03ha1htsa |title=Indiana State House Districts – Marion County |author=IndyGIS, D. S. |date=March 2022 |website=indy.gov/activity/election-district-maps |publisher=City of Indianapolis |access-date=November 18, 2022}} In the Indiana Senate, the city is split between nine districts.{{cite web |url=https://media.graphassets.com/m6Cc1ghQzmwThKsfFNbJ |title=Indiana State Senate Districts – Marion County |author=IndyGIS, D. S. |date=March 2022 |website=indy.gov/activity/election-district-maps |publisher=City of Indianapolis |access-date=November 18, 2022}}

The Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse houses the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Most federal field offices are located in the Minton-Capehart Federal Building. From 1906 to 1991, the U.S. Army operated Fort Benjamin Harrison in neighboring Lawrence. About 5,000 federal employees work for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, headquartered near the former base.{{cite encyclopedia |title=M. B. Emmett J. Bean Finance Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Carnes |first1=William |last2=Hankins |first2=Melanie |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/m-b-emmett-j-bean-finance-center/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} Indianapolis is split between two of Indiana's nine congressional districts: Indiana's 7th congressional district, represented by André Carson, and Indiana's 6th congressional district, represented by Jefferson Shreve.

{{further information|Marion County, Indiana#Politics}}

File:Indianapolis Mayor 2023.svg by precinct:
Hogsett (D): {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}
Shreve (R): {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}}
Tie: {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}}
{{legend0|#808080|No votes}}]]

Until fairly recently, Indianapolis was considered one of the most conservative major cities in the U.S.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Unigov and Political Participation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-and-political-participation/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} According to 2014 research published in the American Political Science Review, the city's policy preferences are less conservative than the national mean when compared with other large U.S. cities.{{cite journal |last1=Tausanovitch |first1=Chris |last2=Warshaw |first2=Christopher |date=August 2014 |title=Representation in Municipal Government |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/representation-in-municipal-government/924BDD2C2ECD0CC9B42E5A19776BC9C3 |journal=American Political Science Review |volume=103 |issue=3 |pages=605–641 |doi=10.1017/S0003055414000318 |hdl=1721.1/96162 |s2cid=1838661 |access-date=January 15, 2022|hdl-access=free }} While Indianapolis as a whole leans Democratic, the southern third of the city, consisting of Decatur, Perry, and Franklin townships, trends Republican.{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Alice |last2=Smart |first2=Charlie |last3=Taylor |first3=Rumsey |last4= Watkins |first4=Miles |date=February 2, 2021 |title=An Extremely Detailed Map of the 2020 Election |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/upshot/2020-election-map.html |access-date=January 23, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}

Republicans held the mayor's office for 32 years (1967–1999), and controlled the City-County Council from its inception in 1970 to 2003. In the 2000 United States presidential election, Marion County voters narrowly selected George W. Bush over Al Gore by a margin of 1.3%, but voted in favor of John Kerry by a margin of 1.9% in the 2004 United States presidential election. Presidential election results have increasingly favored Democrats, with Marion County voters selecting Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election, 63.3–34.3%.{{cite web |url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |website=uselectionatlas.org}} Incumbent mayor Democrat Joe Hogsett faced Republican State Senator Jim Merritt and Libertarian Doug McNaughton in the 2019 Indianapolis mayoral election. Hogsett was elected to a second term, with 72% of the vote.{{cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/local/2019-11-05/18097/ |title=Marion County Election Results for November 5, 2019 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=November 5, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2020}} The 2019 City-County Council elections expanded Democratic control of the council, flipping six seats to hold a 20–5 supermajority over Republicans.{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Ryan |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2019/12/01/republican-jim-merritt-campaign-handed-indianapolis-election-joe-hogsett-democrats/4296200002/ |title='Worst day': Republicans say failed Merritt campaign handed election to Hogsett, Democrats |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=December 1, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2020}}

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The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) comprises seven battalions with 44 fire stations.{{cite web |title=IFD Battalions |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |url=https://www.indy.gov/activity/fire-department-battalions |access-date=August 19, 2020}} IFD provides mutual aid to the excluded municipalities of Lawrence and Speedway, as well as Decatur, Pike, and Wayne townships (all of which operate separate fire departments). IFD directs operations for Indiana Task Force 1 (IN-TF1), one of 28 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams in the U.S.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Fire Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-fire-department-ifd/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is the city's primary law enforcement agency. IMPD's jurisdiction covers Marion County, excluding the municipalities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway (all of which operate separate forces). In 2020, IMPD had 1,700 sworn police personnel and 250 civilian employees across six districts.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-metropolitan-police-department-impd/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}} In 2022, the Community Justice Campus opened, housing the Marion County Sheriff's Office, a new courthouse, jail, and mental health and substance abuse clinic.{{cite web |last=Dauphinais |first=Sydney |title=Community Justice Campus officially opens in Twin Aire neighborhood |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/community-justice-campus-opens-in-twin-aire-neighborhood |work=WFYI |date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}

The Indiana National Guard's major command units and joint headquarters staff are based at the former Stout Army Air Field on the city's southwest side.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana National Guard |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fischer |first1=Robert T. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-national-guard/ |access-date=March 17, 2024}}

Unlike other major Midwest cities like Detroit and Chicago, the homicide rate for Indianapolis remained below the national average throughout the 1990s.{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-01-24-9401240116-story.html | title=Teen Violence Jolts Indianapolis into Action | website=Chicago Tribune | date=January 24, 1994 }} Homicides hit a spike in 1998 when the city reached 162 murders. Murders drastically decreased in the following years but spiked again in 2006 with 153 murders.{{cite web | url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/homicide-rates-jump-in-2006/531-6c1b91d7-1b28-47ad-a215-befd33b257db | title=Homicide rates jump in 2006 | date=December 29, 2006 }} Until 2019, annual criminal homicide numbers had grown each year since 2011, reaching record highs from 2015 to 2018.{{cite news |last=Mack |first=Justin |date=January 10, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2020/01/08/homicides-indianapolis-down-but-there-no-time-celebrate/2793754001/ |title=Indianapolis homicides down for the first time in years. Here's why no one is celebrating. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 19, 2020}} With 144 criminal homicides, 2015 surpassed 1998 as the year with the most murder investigations in the city. With 159 criminal homicides, 2018 stands as the most violent year on record in the city. FBI data showed a 7% increase in violent crimes committed in Indianapolis, outpacing the rest of the state and country.{{cite news |last=Mack |first=Justin |date=December 31, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2017/12/31/woman-killed-new-years-eve-shooting/993210001/ |title=Woman killed in New Year's Eve shooting |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=February 2, 2018}} Law enforcement has blamed increased violence on a combination of root causes, including poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness.{{cite news |last1=Hays |first1=Holly |last2=Mack |first2=Justin |last3=Ryckaert |first3=Vic |date=December 22, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2016/12/22/latest-killing-makes-2016-deadliest-year-citys-history/94722218/ |title=Latest killing makes 2016 deadliest year in city's history |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=January 11, 2017}}

{{See also|List of schools in Indianapolis}}

File:Shortridge High School Indianapolis Aug 2016.jpg is Indiana's oldest free public high school.{{cite web |last=Herron |first=Arika |title=Shortridge named state's 'most beautiful' public high school |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2017/09/18/shortridge-named-states-most-beautiful-public-high-school/678804001/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=March 13, 2024}}]]

Nine K–12 public school districts serve residents of the consolidated city as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau (which includes the balance and included cities, and does not include the excluded cities):{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st18_in/schooldistrict_maps/c18097_marion/DC20SD_C18097.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Marion County, IN|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-06-13}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st18_in/schooldistrict_maps/c18097_marion/DC20SD_C18097_SD2MS.txt Text list].

• Franklin Township Community School Corporation
• Indianapolis Public Schools
• Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
• Metropolitan School District of Pike Township
• Metropolitan School District of Warren Township
• Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
• Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township
• Perry Township Schools

Beech Grove City Schools and Speedway School Town only include sections of excluded cities.

Indianapolis Public Schools is the largest district in the city, enrolling about 23,000 students across 60 schools.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Public Schools (5385) |url=https://inview.doe.in.gov/corporations/1053850000/school-list |publisher=Indiana Department of Education |access-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208155304/https://inview.doe.in.gov/corporations/1053850000/school-list |url-status=dead }} In 2015, the district began contracting with charter organizations and nonprofit managers to operate failing schools.{{cite news |first=Hayleigh |last=Colombo |title=IPS chooses struggling School 103 as Phalen 'innovation' school |url=https://in.chalkbeat.org/2015/3/4/21092789/ips-chooses-struggling-school-103-as-phalen-innovation-school |work=Chalkbeat Indiana |publisher=Chalkbeat |date=March 4, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2020}} About 63% of the district's students attend traditional neighborhood or magnet schools, while the remaining 37% are enrolled in independently managed schools.{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Weddle |title=More IPS Students Attend Innovation Schools As District Enrollment Dips During Pandemic |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/more-ips-students-attend-innovation-schools-as-district-enrollment-dips-during-pandemic |work=WFYI |publisher=Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media, Inc. |date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=December 12, 2020}}{{cite news |first1=Dylan |last1=Peers McCoy |first2=Stephanie |last2=Wang |title=How Lewis Ferebee forged peace with charter competitors to reshape Indianapolis schools |url=https://in.chalkbeat.org/2019/2/7/21106738/how-lewis-ferebee-forged-peace-with-charter-competitors-to-reshape-indianapolis-schools |work=Chalkbeat Indiana |publisher=Chalkbeat |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2020}} About 18,000 students are enrolled in tuition-free charter schools sponsored by the Indianapolis Mayor's Office of Education Innovation and Indianapolis Charter School Board.{{cite web |title=The Office of Education Innovation |url=https://www.indy.gov/agency/the-office-of-education-innovation |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |access-date=December 12, 2020}}

Indianapolis is home to two state-supported residential schools, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Indiana School for the Deaf. According to the Indiana Department of Education, about 75 private, parochial, and independent charter schools operate throughout Marion County. Roman Catholic and Christian parochial primary and secondary schools are most prevalent.{{cite web |title=Largest Private Primary Schools |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/56/largest-private-primary-schools |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 13, 2021 |date=May 27, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Largest Private Secondary Schools |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/55/largest-private-secondary-schools |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 13, 2021 |date=May 26, 2021}} Notable independent private schools include the International School of Indiana,{{cite encyclopedia |title=International School of Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Kaiser |first=Kristen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/international-school-of-indiana/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}} the Orchard School,{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Orchard School |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McClelland |first=Helen Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/orchard-school/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}} and Park Tudor School{{cite encyclopedia |title=Park Tudor School |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McClelland |first=Helen Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/park-tudor-school/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}} in Meridian Hills.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Meridian Hills |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Donnelly |first=Cathleen F. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/meridian-hills/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}}

File:Campus Center - IUPUI - DSC00526.JPG]]

The city is home to two four-year public university campuses: Indiana University Indianapolis and Purdue University in Indianapolis. The two institutions jointly operated Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) until its dissolution in 2024.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Towne |first=Stephen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-purdue-university-indianapolis-iupui/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}} IU Indianapolis is an R1{{cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Michelle |title=Indiana University Indianapolis receives Research 1 designation |url=https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/iu-indianapolis-receives-research-1-designation |work=Inside Indiana Business |access-date=February 14, 2025 |date=February 13, 2025}} urban research university that enrolls about 25,000 students in 330 different bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. It is home to 17 degree-granting schools, including the main campus of the IU School of Medicine, the largest medical school by enrollment in the U.S.{{cite web |title=Table B-1.2: Total Enrollment by U.S. MD-Granting Medical School and Sex, 2017-2018 through 2021-2022 |url=https://www.aamc.org/download/321526/data/factstableb1-2.pdf |publisher=Association of American Medical Colleges |access-date=August 14, 2022}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University School of Medicine |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Kirchhoff |first1=Stephen |last2=Schneider |first2=William |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-school-of-medicine/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}

Ivy Tech, Indiana's statewide community college system, enrolls some 21,000 full-time students at its Downtown Indianapolis campus.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ivy Tech Community College |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Titus |first1=Charles |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ivy-tech-community-college/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Other public institutions with satellite campuses in the city include Ball State University's Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning,{{cite web |url=https://www.bsu.edu/academics/centersandinstitutes/cap-indy/about |title=About CAP: INDY |website=www.bsu.edu |publisher=Ball State University |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Purdue Polytechnic Institute, and Vincennes University.{{cite web |url=https://www.vinu.edu/web/atc |title=Indianapolis Aviation Technology Center |website=www.vinu.edu |publisher=Vincennes University |access-date=December 29, 2021}}

Two secular private universities are based in Indianapolis. Founded in 1855, Butler University serves an enrollment of about 5,000 from its Butler–Tarkington campus.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Butler University |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Waller |first1=George |last2=McKee |first2=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/butler-university/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Largest Indiana Colleges And Universities |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/120/largest-indiana-colleges-and-universities |date=October 25, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media Corp. |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Martin University, Indiana's only Predominantly Black Institution, was founded in 1977 and is located in the Martindale–Brightwood neighborhood.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Martin University |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Schwartz |first1=Robert |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/martin-university/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Indiana Tech maintains a branch campus in the city.{{cite web |url=https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Itemid=&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1190 |title=Indiana Institute of Technology |website=www.hlcommission.org |publisher=Higher Learning Commission |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Two seminaries are located in the city: Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary and Christian Theological Seminary.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christian Theological Seminary |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Becker |first1=Edwin |last2=Seay |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christian-theological-seminary/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}} Three religiously affiliated universities based in the city are Indiana Bible College, the University of Indianapolis, and Marian University. The College of Biblical Studies and Indiana Wesleyan University operate satellite sites in Indianapolis.{{cite web |url=https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/locations/indianapolis-north/ |title=Indianapolis (North) Ed. Center |website=www.indwes.edu |publisher=Indiana Wesleyan University |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229194921/https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/locations/indianapolis-north/ |url-status=dead }}

File:American Legion Mall - panoramio.jpg, the main branch of the Indianapolis Public Library system]]

Founded in 1873, the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) consists of the Central Library and 24 branches throughout Marion County.{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Libraries & Archives |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/libraries-and-archives/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |orig-date=1994 |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |last1=Pumroy |first1=Eric L.}} Central Library's special collections include the Center for Black Literature & Culture, the Chris Gonzalez Collection, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Indianapolis Special Collections Room. The library collection contains nearly 1.7 million materials staffed by 410 full-time employees and has a circulation of 14.6 million, making it the ninth largest library by circulation in the U.S.{{Cite web |last=Library |first=A. L. A. |title=LibGuides: Library Statistics and Figures: The Nation's Largest Public Libraries |url=https://libguides.ala.org/librarystatistics/largest-public-libs |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=libguides.ala.org |language=en}}{{Cite journal |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Annual Report 2021 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.30875/b75dea7e-en |journal=Annual Report |doi=10.30875/b75dea7e-en |isbn=978-92-870-5131-8 |issn=2519-3082}}

Indianapolis is also home to the Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau, the state's largest public library.{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Indiana State Library |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-state-library/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |orig-date=1994 |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |last1=Logsdon |first1=Robert L.}} Notable academic libraries in the city include IU Indianapolis's University Library and Butler University's Irwin Library.

{{Main|Media in Indianapolis}}

Indianapolis's primary daily newspaper is the Indianapolis Star.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Star |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Murphy |first1=Beth |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-star/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Defunct major newspapers include the Indianapolis News, an evening publication which printed its last edition in 1999;{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis News |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Murphy |first=Beth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-news/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} and the Indianapolis Times, which ceased publication in 1965.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Times |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Sherman |first=John |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-times-1888-1965/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Additional publications include Indianapolis Monthly, a regional lifestyle publication;{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Monthly |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=McKay |first1=Christy |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-monthly/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Indianapolis Business Journal, a weekly business newspaper;{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Business Journal |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Harton |first1=Thomas A. |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-business-journal/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} and NUVO, an alternative weekly that became digital-only in 2019.{{cite encyclopedia |title=NUVO |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Burgess |first=Robert |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/nuvo/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}

Indianapolis's ethnic media include the Indianapolis Recorder, a weekly newspaper that primarily serves the city's African American community;{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Indianapolis Recorder |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=December 2021 |last=Perry |first=Brandon |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/the-indianapolis-recorder/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Indiana Minority Business Magazine, a quarterly publication;{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Minority Business Magazine |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Perry |first=Brandon |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-minority-business-magazine/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} and La Voz de Indiana, a biweekly newspaper printed in English and Spanish.{{cite encyclopedia |title=La Voz de Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Gonzalez Parodi |first=Jose |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/la-voz-de-indiana/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}

File:WYXB-WIBC-Offices.jpg and WIBC at Emmis Communications in 2006]]

The Indianapolis television market area is served by 11 full-power stations, including WTTV 4 (CBS),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTTV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Smith |first1=David L. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wttv-channel-4/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WRTV 6 (ABC),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WRTV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fletcher |first1=Stephen J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wrtv-channel-6/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WISH-TV 8 (The CW),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WISH-TV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Smith |first=David L. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wish-tv-channel-8/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WTHR 13 (NBC),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTHR |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fletcher |first1=Stephen J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wthr-channel-13/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WFYI-TV 20 (PBS),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFYI Public Television |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Schwartz |first1=Judy |last2=Reid |first2=Christos |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfyi-public-television/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WNDY-TV 23 (MyNetworkTV), WHMB-TV 40 (Univision), WCLJ-TV 42 (Bounce TV), WXIN 59 (Fox),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WIXN |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Fletcher |first=Stephen J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wxin-channel-59/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WIPX-TV 63 (Ion), and WDTI 69 (Daystar). Indianapolis natives Jane Pauley and David Letterman launched their Emmy Award-winning broadcasting careers in local television, Pauley with WISH-TV and Letterman with WTHR, respectively.{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=22}}{{cite magazine |last1=Allan |first1=Marc |last2=Comiskey |first2=Daniel |last3=Wren |first3=Adam |date=April 25, 2015 |title=Goodbye, David Letterman: An Oral History |url=http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-culture/goodbye-david-letterman/ |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |access-date=October 10, 2016}} Sports talk program The Pat McAfee Show broadcasts from the city, airing weekdays on ESPN.{{cite press release |last=McKay |first=Julie |date=August 17, 2023 |title=The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN Platforms Launches Sept. 7, Part of ESPN's Personality-Packed Programming Lineup |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/08/the-pat-mcafee-show-on-espn-platforms-launches-sept-7-part-of-espns-personality-packed-programming-lineup/amp/ |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 4, 2024}}

Dozens of commercial AM and FM radio stations serve the Indianapolis area, including WCBK (country), WEDJ (Regional Mexican), WFBQ (classic rock),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFBQ |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last=Zeigler |first=Connie J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfbq-94-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WFMS (country),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFMS |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfms-95-5-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WHHH (urban contemporary), WIBC (news/talk),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WIBC |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wibc/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WJJK (classic hits), WLHK (country), WNTS (classic Regional Mexican), WNDX (mainstream rock), WNTR (adult contemporary), WOLT (classic alternative), WSYW (Spanish adult contemporary), WTLC (urban adult contemporary),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTLC |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wtlc-106-7-fm-1310-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WYXB (adult contemporary), WZPL (contemporary hits), and WZRL (mainstream urban). Since 1983, WFBQ has been the flagship station for the popular nationally syndicated radio program The Bob & Tom Show.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bob & Tom Show |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Verderame |first1=Jyoti A. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bob-tom-show/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}

Sports radio stations include WFNI (ESPN Radio),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFNI |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfni-1070-am-107-5-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WNDE (Fox Sports Radio),{{cite encyclopedia |title=WNDE |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wnde-1260-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} and WXNT (Infinity Sports Network).{{cite encyclopedia |title=WXNT |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wxnt-1430-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WFNI (formerly WIBC, currently broadcasting on WIBC-HD3 and its FM translators) is the flagship of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Donald |first=Davidson |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway-radio-network/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Religious stations include WBRI,{{cite encyclopedia |title=WBRI |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wbri-1500-am-and-96-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} WGNR, WWDL, and WYHX. WICR is the campus radio station at the University of Indianapolis.{{cite encyclopedia |title=WICR |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wicr-88-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}} Classical Music Indy produces and syndicates classical music programming for WICR.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Classical Music Indy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Neuss |first1=Norbert |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/classical-music-indy/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}} Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media operates WFYI-FM, the region's NPR affiliate.{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFYI-FM |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Van Allen |first=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfyi-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}

{{Main|Transportation in Indianapolis}}

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| image1 = Interstates 65 and 70 Indianapolis.jpg

| caption1 = Interstates 65 and 70 run concurrently on the eastern perimeter of downtown Indianapolis.

| image2 = IndyGo 2021 Gillig BRTPlus HEV H2125.jpg

| caption2 = An IndyGo bus at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center

| image3 = Indianapolis International Airport Civic Plaza.jpg

| caption3 = Indianapolis International Airport Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal Civic Plaza

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Indianapolis's transportation infrastructure consists of a complex network that includes a local public bus system, several private intercity bus providers, Amtrak passenger rail service, four freight rail lines, four primary and two auxiliary Interstate Highways, two airports, a heliport, bikeshare system, {{convert|115|mi|km|0}} of bike lanes,{{cite web |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b4ead40c3c16a711ae78401/t/6080db514fbe6204af2d7c9e/1619057500716/FinalThriveAnnualUpdate2020.pdf |title=Thrive Indianapolis Annual Report 2020 |publisher=City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability |access-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422205527/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b4ead40c3c16a711ae78401/t/6080db514fbe6204af2d7c9e/1619057500716/FinalThriveAnnualUpdate2020.pdf |url-status=dead }} and {{convert|110|mi|km|0}} of trails and greenways.{{cite web |url=https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/56f6ad08f77141ae88fd3dc6ca182cbf.pdf |title=Indy Moves Transportation Integration Plan |publisher=Metropolitan Development Commission of Marion County, Indiana |access-date=November 26, 2019}} Private ridesharing companies Lyft and Uber as well as taxicabs operate in the city.{{cite news |last1=Haneline |first1=Amy |last2=Tuohy |first2=John |title=Uber, Lyft, Yellow Cab: We compare ride services |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2018/03/15/uber-lyft-yellow-cab-dryver-indygo-limo-compare-ridesharing-rates-pros-cons-reduce-drunk-driving/427587002/ |access-date=August 21, 2019 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=March 15, 2018}} Launched in 2018, electric scooter-sharing systems operating in Indianapolis include Bird, Lime, and Veo.{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Kayla |title=There's a new scooter company in town: Veo comes to Indianapolis |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/08/11/veo-electric-scooters-bikes-indianapolis-company-bird-lime-transportation/65400106007/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=August 11, 2022}}

Urban sprawl and the absence of a comprehensive regional public transit system have contributed to Indianapolis residents driving more vehicle miles per capita than any other U.S. city.{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |title=Scrub Hub: What's the future of bike lanes in Indianapolis? |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/05/04/indianapolis-bike-lanes-could-future-indy-cyclists-national-bike-month/7375041002/ |access-date=January 15, 2022 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=May 4, 2021}} According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 83.7% of working residents in the city commuted by driving alone, 8.4% carpooled, 1.5% used public transportation, and 1.8% walked. About 1.5% used all other forms of transportation, including taxicab, motorcycle, and bicycle. About 3.1% of working city residents worked at home.{{cite web |publisher=Census Reporter |access-date=July 22, 2018 |title=Means of Transportation to Work by Age |url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US1836003&primary_geo_id=16000US1836003}} In 2015, 10.5 percent of Indianapolis households lacked a car, which decreased to 8.7 percent in 2016, the same as the national average in that year. Indianapolis averaged 1.63 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.{{cite web |last=Maciag |first=Mike |title=Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map |url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html |access-date=January 15, 2022 |newspaper=Governing |date=December 9, 2014}}

Four primary Interstate Highways intersect the city: Interstate 65, Interstate 69, Interstate 70, and Interstate 74. The metropolitan area also has two auxiliary Interstate Highways: a beltway (Interstate 465) and connector (Interstate 865). The Indiana Department of Transportation manages all Interstates, U.S. Highways, and state roads within the city. The city's Department of Public Works maintains more than {{convert|3400|mi|km}} of local streets in addition to alleys, sidewalks, curbs, and 510 bridges.{{cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Kayla |title=Indianapolis should spend 5 times what it currently does on infrastructure, study says |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/03/16/indianapolis-infrastructure-billion-dollar-gap-roads-bridges-sidewalks/7006898001/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=March 16, 2022}}

Sidewalks are absent from nearly {{convert|2000|mi|km}} of the city's roadways, contributing to Indianapolis's low walkability among peer U.S. cities.{{cite web |url=https://www.walkscore.com/IN/Indianapolis |title=Living in Indianapolis |publisher=Walk Score |access-date=February 7, 2016}} However, city officials have increased investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in recent years. About {{convert|110|mi}} of trails and greenways form the core of the city's active transportation network, connecting into {{convert|115|mi}} of on-street bike lanes.{{cite news |last1=Tuohy |first1=John |title=Indy inhospitable to bikers, survey says |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/04/15/indy-inhospitable-bikers-survey-says/25841087/ |access-date=April 1, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=April 15, 2015}} Popular routes include the Fall Creek Greenway, Monon Trail, and Pleasant Run Greenway. The privately managed Indianapolis Cultural Trail operates Indiana Pacers Bikeshare, the city's bicycle-sharing system, which consists of 525 bicycles and 50 stations.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Cultural Trail |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-cultural-trail/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}

IndyGo operates and manages the city's public bus system, including bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services. The Julia M. Carson Transit Center serves as the downtown hub for 27 of its 31 fixed routes.{{cite news |last=Tuohy |first=John |title=IndyGo transit center passes rush-hour test |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/06/27/transit-center-passes-rush-hour-test/86243528/ |access-date=July 1, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=June 27, 2016}} In 2020, IndyGo's fleet of 212 buses provided about 4.8 million passenger trips (compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic ridership of 9.2 million in 2019).{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyGo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Sheff |first=Jeff |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indygo/ |access-date=July 7, 2023}} The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority is a quasi-governmental agency that organizes regional car and vanpools and operates three public shuttle buses connecting Indianapolis to employment centers in suburban Plainfield and Whitestown.{{cite web |last=Christian |first=Kurt |title=Whitestown approves community funding for workforce shuttle |url=https://www.ibj.com/blogs/north-of-96th/north-of-96th-whitestown-approves-community-funding-for-workforce-shuttle |date=December 19, 2019 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=July 7, 2023}}

Indianapolis International Airport's Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal contains two concourses and 40 gates.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis International Airport |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Marlette |first1=Jerry |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-international-airport/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}} In 2023, the airport served 9.7 million passengers with connections to about 50 nonstop domestic and international destinations.{{cite web |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |title=Indianapolis airport saw record-setting traffic in 2023 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/ind-airport-saw-record-setting-traffic-in-2023 |date=February 8, 2024 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=February 9, 2024}} As home to the second largest FedEx Express hub in the world, IND ranks among the ten busiest U.S. airports in terms of air cargo throughput.{{cite encyclopedia |title=FedEx Express National Hub |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/fedex-express-national-hub/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}} The Indianapolis Airport Authority oversees operations at five additional aviation facilities in the region, two of which are located in the city: Eagle Creek Airpark and the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Airport Authority |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-airport-authority-iaa/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}

Indianapolis Union Station is the state's primary intercity bus transfer hub, served by seven carriers operating 12 routes.{{cite report |author=RLS & Associates, Inc. |date=March 2022 |title=Indiana Intercity Bus Needs Assessment and Service Evaluation 2021 |url=https://www.in.gov/indot/files/2021-INDOT-Intercity-Bus-Needs-Assessment-and-Service-Evaluation-Final.pdf |publisher=Indiana Department of Transportation, Office of Transit |pages=11, 58 |access-date=July 7, 2023}} Amtrak's Cardinal passenger rail service operates three weekly roundtrips between New York City and Chicago. Located in the enclave of Beech Grove, the Beech Grove Shops serve as Amtrak's primary heavy maintenance and overhaul facility.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Beech Grove Railroad Shop |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Bogle |first=Victor M. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/beech-grove-railroad-shop/ |access-date=August 30, 2024}} About {{convert|282|mi|km|0}} of freight rail lines traverse the city, including one Class I railroad (CSX Transportation), one Class II railroad (Indiana Rail Road), and two shortline railroads (Indiana Southern Railroad and Louisville and Indiana Railroad).

File:Aerial view of Geist Reservoir and surrounding housing developments in Indianapolis suburb of Fishers, Indiana.jpg in northeast Indianapolis is one of the region's four reservoirs.]]

AES Indiana supplies electricity to more than 500,000 Indianapolis customers{{cite encyclopedia |title=Applied Energy Service Corporation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Woods |first1=Marcus Eugene |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/applied-energy-service-corporation-aes/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}} and maintains 90,000 street lights.{{cite web |url=https://ppidb.iu.edu/Uploads/PublicationFiles/Street%20Light%20Placement%20Analysis_%20Full%20report.pdf |title=Street Light Placement Analysis in Marion County, IN |page=4 |date=August 2017 |work=Public Policy Institute |publisher=Indiana University |first1=Joti |last1=Kaur |first2=Drew |last2=Klacik |access-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023050017/https://ppidb.iu.edu/Uploads/PublicationFiles/Street%20Light%20Placement%20Analysis_%20Full%20report.pdf |url-status=dead }} Natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities are provided by Citizens Energy Group.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Citizens Energy Group |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/citizens-energy-group/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}} The company's thermal division operates the Perry K. Generating Station which produces and distributes steam for heating and cooling to about 160 customers in downtown Indianapolis.{{cite web |author= |date=April 22, 2016 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/58240-citizens-seeks-rate-reduction-for-downtown-steam-customers |title=Citizens seeks rate reduction for downtown steam customers |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=August 13, 2022}} The city's water supply is sourced from the White River and its tributaries as well as aquifers via four surface water treatment plants, four reservoirs, and five groundwater pumping stations throughout the region.{{cite web |url=https://info.citizensenergygroup.com/water/supply-and-sources |title=Supply and Sources |website=citizensenergygroup.com |publisher=Citizens Energy Group |access-date=October 17, 2023}}

Area codes 317 and 463 are telephone area codes in the North American Numbering Plan assigned to Indianapolis and seven surrounding counties in Central Indiana. Established in 1947, 317 is the original area code for the Indianapolis area, while 463 is an overlay code for the same area that was added in 2016, making ten-digit dialing mandatory for all calls in the region.{{cite web |last=Russell |first=John |date=April 8, 2015 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/04/08/new-area-code-mandatory-digit-dialing-come-central-indiana/25472009/ |title=New 463 area code coming to Central Indiana |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 17, 2023}} Telecommunications, including cable television, internet, telephone, and wireless services, are provided by AT&T Communications, Metronet, Spectrum, Verizon Communications, and Xfinity.{{cite web |last=Rafford |first=Claire |date=July 19, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2021/07/19/indianapolis-internet-providers-area-wi-fi-speed-xfinity-att-spectrum/7908225002/ |title=What to know about Indianapolis' main home internet providers |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 17, 2023}}

Waste collection services in Indianapolis are provided by the city's Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division, Republic Services, and WM.{{cite web |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/pandemics-messy-side |title=Sheltering at home has produced loads more residential trash |date=May 22, 2020 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=May 28, 2020}} Solid waste disposal in the city is processed by landfill and incineration. Reworld operates a waste-to-energy plant in the city. About 11% of residents subscribe to private curbside recycling services;{{cite web |last=Russell |first=John |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/managing-waste |title=Pilot project to boost Marion County's low recycling rate getting mixed reviews |date=March 31, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 7, 2023}} however, free public recycling drop-off sites are available throughout the city.{{cite web |url=https://www.indy.gov/activity/find-a-recycling-drop-off-location |title=Find a Recycling Drop-Off Location |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |access-date=September 15, 2020}} Of U.S. cities, Indianapolis is the largest without a universal curbside recycling program, resulting in one of the lowest landfill diversion rates.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Recycling |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/recycling/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}

{{see also|List of hospitals in Indianapolis}}

File:Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital Indianapolis July 2022.jpg, the city's flagship safety net hospital]]

Healthcare in Indianapolis is provided by about 20 hospitals, most belonging to the private, non-profit hospital networks of Ascension St. Vincent Health, Community Health Network,{{cite encyclopedia |title=Community Health Network |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Dehoff |first1=Beth A. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/community-health-network/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}} and IU Health.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Rowe |first=Alan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-health-methodist-hospital/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}} Several are teaching hospitals affiliated with the IU School of Medicine or Marian University's Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. Four hospitals are Level I trauma centers.{{cite web |title=Trauma Centers in Indiana |url=https://www.in.gov/dhs/files/IDOH-Verified-In-Process-Trauma-Centers-09172021.pdf |work=Indiana Department of Health, Division of Trauma & Injury Prevention |publisher=State of Indiana |date=September 17, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2024}}

Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County oversees the city's public health facilities and programs, including the Marion County Public Health Department, Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, and Eskenazi Health.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/health-and-hospital-corporation-of-marion-county-hhc/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}} Eskenazi Health operates ten primary care sites across the city, including the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Mandusic McDonell |first1=Katherine |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/sidney-lois-eskenazi-hospital/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}} Other public hospitals include the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (managed by the Veterans Health Administration){{cite encyclopedia |title=Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Damon |first1=Bradley Kent |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/richard-l-roudebush-veterans-administration-medical-center/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}} and the NeuroDiagnostic Institute (managed by the State of Indiana).{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Jill |title=NeuroDiagnostic Institute Opens, First New Psychiatric Hospital In Decades |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/neurodiagnostic-institute-opens-first-new-psychiatric-hospital-in-decades |work=WFYI |publisher=Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media |date=March 15, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2021}}

IU Health Methodist, University, and Riley Hospital for Children are affiliated with the IU School of Medicine. Riley is among the nation's foremost children's hospitals, recognized in all ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report.{{cite web |url=https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/in/riley-hospital-for-children-at-iu-health-PA6420020 |title=Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=June 13, 2021}} IU Health is consolidating and replacing Methodist and University hospitals with a new $4.3 billion academic medical center which is slated to open in 2027.{{cite web |first=John |last=Russell |date=June 12, 2023 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/iu-health-readies-for-large-bond-sale-on-major-hospital-projects |title=IU Health readies for large bond sale on major hospital projects |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=February 17, 2024}} Other major hospitals include Ascension St. Vincent Hospital - Indianapolis, Community Hospital East, Community Hospital North, and Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

Indianapolis has ten sister cities.{{cite web|url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/queretaro-mexico-to-become-indys-10th-sister-city-cultural-artistic-social/531-86291cc1-5717-4259-9b00-71a855921e3c |title=Queretaro, Mexico to become Indy's 10th sister city |date=January 20, 2023 |publisher=WTHR |accessdate=October 16, 2023}}{{efn|Indianapolis has one former sister city, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. The relationship was formally established in 1996 but dissolved following the 1998 amalgamation of Toronto.{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalindy.org/digital/collection/isci/id/700/rec/1 |title=Scarborough, Canada Formal Documents — 2. Friendship Agreement (Memorandum Of Understanding) |author=Indianapolis-Scarborough Sister City Committee |date=1996 |website=digitalindy.org |publisher=Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library |access-date=March 24, 2022}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis/Scarborough Peace Games |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Wright |first=Delores J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-scarborough-peace-games/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}}} Listed alphabetically, they are:

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• {{flagicon|BRA}} Campinas, Brazil
• {{flagicon|GER}} Cologne, Germany
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Hangzhou, China
• {{flagicon|IND}} Hyderabad, India
• {{flagicon|ITA}} Monza, Italy
• {{flagicon|GBR}} Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
• {{flagicon|NGA}} Onitsha, Nigeria
• {{flagicon|SLO}} Piran, Slovenia
• {{flagicon|MEX}} Querétaro, Mexico
• {{flagicon|TWN}} Taipei, Taiwan

{{div col end}}

• Eleven Park
• Indianapolis Catacombs
• List of people from Indianapolis
• List of U.S. cities with large Black populations
• Nicknames of Indianapolis
• USS Indianapolis, 4 ships

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin|35em}}

• {{cite book |url=http://ulib.iupuidigital.org/cdm/ref/collection/EOI/id/4848 |last1=Bodenhamer |first1=David |last2=Barrows |first2=Robert |last3=Vanderstel |first3=David |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington, Indiana |date=November 1, 1994 |isbn=978-0253312228| access-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529112903/http://ulib.iupuidigital.org/cdm/ref/collection/EOI/id/4848 |url-status=dead}}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/08/indianapolis-school-districts/496145/ |title=Racial Bias and the Crumbling of a City |last=Cavazos |first=Shaina |date=August 17, 2016 |magazine=The Atlantic |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Group}}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/07/the-end-of-busing-in-indianapolis/489962 |title=The End of Busing in Indianapolis |last=Cavazos |first=Shaina |date=July 5, 2016 |magazine=The Atlantic |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Group}}
• {{cite book |last=Eisenberg Sasso |first=Sandy |title=Urban Tapestry: Indianapolis Stories |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington, Indiana |date=September 13, 2002 |isbn=978-0253215444}}
• {{cite book |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |title=Indianapolis Architecture: Transformations Since 1975 |publisher=Indiana Architectural Foundation |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |date=1993 |isbn=978-0963630018}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Levathes |first=Louise |date=August 1987 |title=Indianapolis: City on the Rebound |magazine=National Geographic |volume=172 |issue=2 |pages=230–259 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=National Geographic Society}}
• {{cite book |last1=Owen |first1=Carroll |last2=Willbern |first2=York |title=Governing Metropolitan Indianapolis: The Politics of Unigov |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley, California |date=1985 |isbn=9780520051478}}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://beltmag.com/undemocratic-indianapolis-unigov-poletika/ |title=The Undemocratic Making of Indianapolis |last=Poletika |first=Nicole| date=March 29, 2019 |magazine=Belt |location=Cleveland, Ohio |publisher=Belt Publishing}}

{{refend}}

{{Sister project links|voy=Indianapolis|d=Q6346|species=no|v=no|b=no|s=no|n=no|mw=no|m=no}}

• {{official website|http://www.indy.gov/}}
• [http://www.indychamber.com/ Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce]
• [http://www.digitalindy.org/ Digital Indy] from the Indianapolis Public Library Digital Collections
• [http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/collections/sanbornjp2 Indianapolis Sanborn Map and Baist Atlas Collection] from the University Library at IUPUI

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