Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana has witnessed an impressive population boom in 2024, with a total of 44,144 new residents added to the state, bringing its population to 6.92 million. This marks Indiana’s most significant annual increase since 2008, according to recent analysis from the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. While the overall growth mirrors that of 2008, the driving forces behind this population surge are notably different, reflecting a broader trend in how states are evolving.
In 2024, immigration was the largest contributor to Indiana’s population growth, with a net international migration of 30,852 residents accounting for 70% of the state’s overall population increase. This is a significant shift from 2008, when natural increase—the difference between births and deaths—accounted for 77% of the state’s growth. Matt Kinghorn, senior demographer at the IBRC, emphasized the stark contrast between the two periods, saying, “While the size of Indiana’s growth in 2024 was similar to 2008, the drivers of change in these years were drastically different.”
Net international migration includes the movement of individuals across U.S. borders, such as foreign-born residents, U.S. citizens returning from abroad, and even military personnel. This influx of residents has contributed significantly to Indiana’s development, enriching its cultural and demographic landscape.
The state also saw a significant, albeit smaller, natural increase in population, with nearly 9,160 more births than deaths in 2024. While this marked the highest level of natural increase since 2020, it remains well below the pre-pandemic norm. Kinghorn noted, “Indiana had an average natural increase of roughly 21,140 residents per year from 2010 to 2019,” further emphasizing the continuing impact of the pandemic on population trends. In addition, Indiana experienced a modest net inflow of 4,268 domestic migrants last year, contributing to the overall growth.
With a growth rate of 0.64% in 2024, Indiana’s performance was solid but slightly behind neighboring Kentucky, which posted a growth rate of 0.83%. However, Indiana’s growth outpaced that of Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio, with the latter three seeing growth rates of 0.57%, 0.54%, and 0.5%, respectively. At the national level, Indiana ranked 31st in growth, reflecting a stable yet significant rise in its population.
Growth Across the State: Urban and Rural Shifts
A deeper look at population growth across the state reveals that urban areas, especially around Indianapolis, have continued to experience the most robust growth. Boone and Hancock counties, located in the Indianapolis metro area, were the state’s fastest-growing communities in 2024. Boone County led the way with a 3.4% growth rate, followed closely by Hancock County, which saw a 3.1% increase. The Indianapolis metro area itself, comprising 11 counties, accounted for a large share of Indiana’s population increase, adding 26,661 new residents—60% of the state’s overall growth.
The fast-growing suburban counties of Hamilton (1.9%) and Hendricks (1.9%) also saw notable increases, along with Clark County in the Louisville metro area (1.4%). Johnson, Jackson, and Floyd counties rounded out the state’s top 10 fastest-growing regions. These growth rates reflect the continued popularity of suburban living, as more people seek out the amenities and advantages offered by the Indianapolis metro area.
Hamilton County, which remains one of the state’s largest population centers, led Indiana in numeric gains, adding 7,116 new residents in 2024. Marion County, home to Indianapolis, had the second-largest numeric increase, growing by 5,974 people. This marked the largest annual increase for Marion County since 2018, a sign of the continued growth of Indiana’s most populous county, which now boasts 981,628 residents—making it the 54th-largest county in the United States.
Despite the urban surge, Indiana has seen notable growth in rural and mid-sized counties as well, signaling a broader geographic spread of population growth. For the second consecutive year, rural counties in Indiana—those not designated as metropolitan or micropolitan—experienced a positive population increase. A total of 17 out of 23 rural counties grew, collectively adding 804 residents. This is a stark contrast to the 2010s, when rural areas saw an average annual decline of 1,067 people.
Kinghorn attributed this rural rebound to an influx of nearly 1,550 residents from out of state, though natural decrease continued to weigh down overall growth. Rural counties still face challenges with population decline due to aging populations and a lack of employment opportunities in certain areas. Nevertheless, the trend of positive in-migration into rural Indiana reflects a desire for space and a more affordable cost of living.
Similarly, Indiana’s micropolitan areas, which include mid-sized counties, also saw growth. These areas, which previously suffered from population losses, experienced an increase of 2,673 residents in 2024, marking their largest growth in four years. Much of this growth was driven by net in-migration, though these counties, like their rural counterparts, continued to experience natural population decrease.
A Closer Look at Indiana’s Metropolitan Areas
When breaking down population growth by metro areas, the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood metro area emerged as the clear leader. This region added 26,661 new residents in 2024, making up 60% of the state’s population increase. The Indianapolis metro area now has more than 2.17 million residents, which constitutes 31% of Indiana’s entire population and ranks as the 33rd-largest metro area in the United States.
The Indianapolis metro area’s growth rate of 1.24% surpassed those of other large metro areas in neighboring states, including Louisville (1.20%) and Cincinnati (0.88%). However, it trailed behind Columbus, Ohio, which posted a 1.38% growth rate. This solid growth places Indianapolis in a competitive position when compared to other mid-sized metro areas across the Midwest.
Other metro areas in Indiana also experienced positive growth, though at a slower pace. Fort Wayne, for example, grew by 1.0%, while Lafayette-West Lafayette and Columbus saw more modest increases of 0.6%. These areas are increasingly attractive to individuals seeking a smaller, more affordable alternative to large cities, drawing people from both within Indiana and across state lines.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Michigan City-LaPorte and Bloomington metro areas saw slight declines in population, with decreases of 0.2%. These regions, while home to vibrant communities, continue to face challenges related to economic development and population retention.
Looking Ahead: The Continued Role of Immigration
As Indiana continues to grow, immigration is expected to remain a significant driver of population change. The state’s immigrant population brings diversity, labor, and cultural richness to communities across the state. With a significant portion of the state’s growth coming from international migration, it is clear that Indiana is becoming an increasingly globalized state. Kinghorn’s observations reflect this trend: “The key factor driving Indiana’s growth in 2024 was immigration, and it shows no signs of slowing down.”
In conclusion, Indiana’s population growth in 2024 represents a major turning point for the state. The combination of domestic migration, natural increase, and international immigration has allowed Indiana to grow at a healthy pace, outpacing many of its neighboring states. As Indiana continues to evolve, the demographic shifts in both rural and urban areas will play an essential role in shaping the state’s future. With the continued influx of immigrants, combined with the expansion of suburban and metropolitan areas, Indiana is on track for continued prosperity and development in the years to come.
