Evansville, IN: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Evansville: The Data Profile (2026)

Evansville presents a specific economic proposition: a low-cost environment tethered to a below-average income ceiling. With a population of 113,291, it sits firmly in the "smaller city" category, offering a distinct alternative to the hyper-competitive major metros. The economic baseline is critical: the median income is $52,318, which is -29.8% lower than the US median of $74,580.

However, the cost of living indices do not merely offset this gap; they undercut it aggressively. The housing index sits at 78.0, meaning housing costs are -22.0% below the national average. This creates a specific mathematical environment where the ratio of income to expense is favorable, even if the raw income is lower.

The demographic targeting for Evansville is clear. The college-educated rate is 24.0%, significantly below the US average of 33.1%. Therefore, the statistical target is not the remote tech worker maximizing salary, but rather the trade worker, healthcare professional, or logistics manager seeking to maximize purchasing power. It is a city for those prioritizing asset accumulation (via low housing costs) over high-velocity career networking.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the aggregate indices (Housing at 78.0, Groceries at 90.0) suggest significant savings, the granular budget analysis reveals the true "disposable income" advantage. The primary economic friction point for Evansville residents is not the cost of goods, but the income cap.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single person earning the median income of $52,318 (approx. $3,350 monthly take-home) faces a surplus of roughly $1,020 per month after the $2,330 expenses. This is a healthier surplus than the national average, where the median earner often breaks even. However, the -29.8% income deficit means that while monthly cash flow is manageable, long-term wealth generation via high-yield investments is statistically harder than in high-income metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is Evansville's strongest asset. The divergence between the 78.0 housing index and the national average creates a massive opportunity for renters and buyers. Specifically, the ability to secure a 2-bedroom rental for $1,113 (Fair Market Rent) while the national average hovers near $1,600+ represents a -30% savings on the single largest household expense.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The math heavily favors buying. With a median home price of $165,000, the price-to-rent ratio is low. A monthly mortgage payment on a $165,000 home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% rate) is approximately $1,100, which is roughly equivalent to the cost of a 3-bedroom rental. Given the low housing index and stable property crime rates relative to the US average, purchasing real estate is the primary vehicle for financial stability in Evansville.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote work landscape of 2026 has impacted Evansville differently than major metros. While "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates spiked commute times in cities like Chicago or New York, Evansville maintains a low-stress commute profile. Average commute times remain under 22 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 28 minutes.

However, the local industry is less diversified than national hubs. The economy is anchored by healthcare (Deaconess Health System), logistics (barge and rail), and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, slightly better than the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market. However, the -29.8% income gap suggests that while jobs are available, wage growth is historically stagnant compared to inflation-adjusted growth in coastal cities.

Quality of Life Audit

The "Quality of Life" score in Evansville is a study in contrasts. The air quality is exceptional, but health risk factors are statistically higher than the national average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environmental Analysis:

• Safety: Evansville faces a safety dichotomy. Violent crime stands at 456/100k (US avg: 380), which is categorized as AVERAGE. However, Property Crime is notably high at 2,567/100k (US avg: 2,000), categorized as HIGH. Residents must invest in home security systems and vigilance regarding property.
• Air Quality: This is a major selling point. With an AQI of 46 and PM2.5 levels of 7.0 µg/m³, Evansville offers significantly cleaner air than the national average, which is a key factor for those with respiratory issues.
• Schools & Weather: The weather is currently 45.0°F with rain showers, typical for the region. The educational attainment gap (24.0% college educated vs 33.1% US) suggests that while K-12 options are standard, the city lacks the intellectual infrastructure of larger university towns.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: The median home price of $165,000 is -59.3% below the US average. This is the primary financial driver.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 46 is in the "Good" range, offering a cleaner environment than most cities.
• Unemployment: A rate of 3.7% indicates a stable, albeit lower-wage, job market.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: A median income of $52,318 restricts upward mobility and purchasing power for luxury goods or travel.
• Health Indicators: High rates of obesity (40.0%) and diabetes (13.8%) suggest a community culture with health challenges.
• Property Crime: A rate of 2,567/100k requires high vigilance and insurance costs.

Final Recommendation:
Evansville is recommended for "Equity Builders." It is ideal for remote workers earning a national-average salary who wish to exploit the local cost-of-living arbitrage, or for local professionals looking to buy a home on a single income. It is not recommended for career-focused individuals seeking rapid salary growth or a highly educated peer group.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Evansville?
For a single person, a salary of $50,000 provides a comfortable surplus after the estimated $2,330 monthly expenses. For a family, $85,000 is the threshold for maintaining a middle-class lifestyle with savings.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities?
Evansville offers -22.0% lower housing costs than the US average, outperforming cities like Indianapolis or Louisville in raw affordability, though it offers fewer cultural amenities.

3. Are the safety statistics a major concern?
Violent crime is average, but property crime is HIGH at 2,567/100k. You must budget for security systems and be selective about neighborhoods; it is not a "leave the doors unlocked" city.

4. Is the current real estate market a good time to buy?
With a median price of $165,000 and a housing index of 78.0, the entry price is low. Even if interest rates remain elevated, the low principal amount makes buying significantly cheaper than renting long-term.