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Carmel, IN

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Carmel, IN

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 42
Population100,501
Foreign Born5.1%
Population Density2,047people per mi²
Median Age40.5 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
GrowingSince 2010, this city's population has grown with relatively minor shifts in racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

148/100

48% above national average

B-

The Real Cost of Living in Carmel, Indiana

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $26k$48k
Comfortable $88k$130k
Luxury $243k+$377k+
Elite (Top 5%) $300k+$465k+
Affordability Ratio

103%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A+
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean91%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
40
Poor
3
Negative
7

Groceries

10 within 10 miles

0.6mi

Gas

20 within 10 miles

0.6mi

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

2.5mi

Airport

Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport

5mi

Post Office

USPS — Carmel, IN

1.3mi

Critical Amenities

Golf8Nearest 3.1 mi
Camping20Nearest 3.4 mi
Marina4Nearest 6.2 mi
Winery0 
Ice Rink0Nearest 22.3 mi
Gun Range7Nearest 1.4 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
B
Good

An upper-middle-class area. Household wealth, education levels, and homeownership run ahead of national benchmarks.

Median HHI
$135k+1.3%
79% above US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$675k
3% above US avg
College Educated
74.5%
113% above US avg
WFH
25.0%
75% above US avg
Homeownership
74.6%
14% above US avg
Median Home
$456k
62% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
A+
Very Safe

Lower crime rates than 91% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
7.3
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+3.5%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+2.9%
Homicide
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Robbery
0.06 / 1k Residents75% below state avg
Aggravated Assault
0.36 / 1k Residents79% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr+4.2%
Burglary
0.19 / 1k Residents84% below state avg
Larceny-Theft
5.67 / 1k Residents18% below state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
0.91 / 1k Residents29% below state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+8Leans Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Carmel, Indiana
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
B-
Fair9.3% of income
Property Rights
B
GoodIJ Grade B
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Importer (35% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
F
ProhibitedIllegal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
F
ProhibitedIllegal

Homesteading

Growing Season188 days258 frost-free
Annual Rainfall45.5"
Elevation856 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D+
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
F
Poor15 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,047/sq mi
Fallout Danger
C+
Fair11 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 284 mi · coast 563 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$129.0M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityIndianapolis867k people are 15 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital15 miIndianapolis, IN
Nearest Prison15 mi6 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-14T21:55:05.000Z

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