2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Indiana
Methodology Brief
This definitive ranking employs a weighted algorithm to evaluate 9 Indiana municipalities based on three critical, non-negotiable metrics. Safety (40% weighting) is quantified by the Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 residents; Affordability (30% weighting) is measured by the Median Rent for a one-bedroom apartment; and Economic Output (30% weighting) is determined by Median Household Income. By normalizing these disparate datasets into a composite Ocity Score, we eliminate subjective bias and provide a statistically significant, data-driven hierarchy of livability.
Top 3 Winners Deep Dive
Rank #1: Carmel (Ocity Score: 96.7)
Carmel is not merely a top contender; it is a statistical outlier that optimizes all three weighted variables. Its selection as the premier location is driven by an unparalleled combination of safety and prosperity. The city boasts a violent crime rate of only 89 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safest environments in the dataset. This safety is paired with the highest economic output, evidenced by a median income of $143,676. While the rent of $1,145 is the highest in the top tier, the income-to-rent ratio remains exceptionally favorable, providing a high-yield living standard that is statistically unmatched by any other city in Indiana.
Rank #2: Fishers (Ocity Score: 92.4)
Fishers presents a compelling value proposition, delivering Carmel-level safety at a significantly lower cost. It matches Carmel’s elite safety profile with a violent crime rate of 89/100k, establishing a safety-optimized environment. The city’s median income of $121,382 remains robust, placing it firmly in the state’s economic upper echelon. The decisive factor in its ranking is affordability; with a median rent of $898, Fishers offers a cost-adjusted economic advantage. This creates a high-yield ratio where residents retain greater disposable income relative to housing costs, a key metric for financial efficiency.
Rank #3: Noblesville (Ocity Score: 85.1)
Noblesville secures its position in the top three through strong economic performance and cost efficiency, despite a moderately higher crime rate. The city’s median income of $107,177 is competitive, supporting a high standard of living. Its affordability is a key strength, with a median rent of $898—identical to Fishers—making it a cost-efficient choice for households. The primary variable affecting its rank is safety; while its violent crime rate of 382/100k is elevated relative to the top two cities, it remains significantly lower than the dataset's median and is effectively balanced by its strong income and low housing costs.
The 'Hidden Gem'
Fishers: The Optimal Value Proposition
For residents prioritizing the highest return on economic investment, Fishers emerges as the definitive "Hidden Gem." While Carmel leads in raw income, Fishers provides a nearly equivalent safety and economic profile at a 21.6% lower rental cost. The combination of a $121,382 median income with an $898 rent yields an exceptional cost-adjusted economic output. This data indicates that Fishers offers the most efficient balance of high earning potential and low living expenses, maximizing financial utility for its residents.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Ocity Score | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) | Median Rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | 96.7 | 102,091 | $143,676 | 89 | $1,145 |
| 2 | Fishers | 92.4 | 101,789 | $121,382 | 89 | $898 |
| 3 | Noblesville | 85.1 | 76,124 | $107,177 | 382 | $898 |
| 4 | Fort Wayne | 73.5 | 271,629 | $57,138 | 382 | $895 |
| 5 | Hammond | 68.2 | 76,181 | $51,773 | 382 | $974 |
| 6 | Evansville | 65.8 | 113,291 | $52,318 | 456 | $850 |
| 7 | Bloomington | 62.1 | 74,028 | $41,799 | 382 | $979 |
| 8 | South Bend | 54.9 | 100,715 | $55,767 | 567 | $862 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 41.3 | 874,182 | $66,629 | 1,165 | $1,145 |