Indianapolis and Fresno offer unique experiences when it comes to living or visiting. Both cities are rich in history, cultural diversity, and provide vast opportunities for work and leisure. Overall, Indianapolis tends to be more affordable with a more robust sports culture, while Fresno offers a warmer climate and proximity to famous sites in California.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Fresno, CA : 1,825.6 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 62%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Fresno has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) during that time.
When it comes to crime and safety, both cities face similar challenges associated with urban living. Where Indianapolis has a higher rate of violent crime compared to the national average, Fresno experiences higher than average property crime. Both cities are investing in policing and community safety initiatives to improve these statistics.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,171 registered sex offenders living in Indianapolis and 1,525 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Fresno is 342 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Indianapolis is near to than in Fresno.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Indianapolis is typically more affordable than Fresno. Housing, groceries, and health expenses are generally lower in Indianapolis. However, Fresno residents tend to have higher incomes, which could offset the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, with an additional county tax that brings the total to approximately 3.3% in Indianapolis. California, on the other hand, has a progressive state tax that goes up to 13.3%, depending on income.
Property Tax
On average, homeowners in Indianapolis pay less in property taxes compared to homeowners in Fresno. However, the exact amounts can vary by county and home value.
Sales Tax
Indy's combined sales tax rate is 7%, the same as the statewide rate. Fresno, on the other hand, has a combined sales tax rate of 7.975%, slightly higher than the California state rate.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$61,250
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$28,499
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
96.3
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $54,903 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is characterized by flat topography and is proximate to several water bodies, including White River. Fresno resides in the San Joaquin Valley, with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the backdrop.
As for education, both cities have access to multiple public and private institutions, and various vocational training programs. Indianapolis is home to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, while Fresno houses California State University, Fresno. Both cities' school districts offer various programs and opportunities for students.
Indianapolis' economy is largely driven by industries such as health care, education, and finance, with a growing tech sector. Fresno's economy is rooted in agriculture, with other significant sectors including healthcare and education.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, Indiana University Health is the largest employer, followed by St. Vincent Health and Eli Lilly. Fresno's largest employers include Community Medical Centers, Saint Agnes Medical Center, and the City of Fresno.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
2020
63.7%
53.0%
34.5%
45.2%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
58.2%
49.2%
35.6%
43.2%
6.2%
7.5%
2012
60.1%
49.8%
37.9%
48.0%
2.0%
2.2%
2008
63.8%
50.2%
35.4%
48.1%
0.8%
1.8%
2004
50.6%
42.0%
48.7%
57.8%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
43.2%
49.3%
53.3%
2.8%
3.5%
1996
44.6%
45.3%
47.8%
47.4%
7.7%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
31.0%
4.6%
6.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.6%
5.7%
8.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.6%
3.4%
2.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
1.5%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.5%
1.6%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.6%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.1%
0.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
0.6%
Weather
The weather in Indianapolis is characterized by four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. On the other hand, Fresno has a Mediterranean climate, with minimal rainfall and year-round warmth, making it more attractive to those who prefer a warmer climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
63°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
60.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
67%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
11.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
32.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
82.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
96%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
44%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Fresno, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
Indianapolis
Fresno
2018
94
128
0.58
0.35
13.2
9.7
23.1
31.7
N/A
N/A
18.2
39.7
10.4
14.8
0.3
0.6
2017
87
132
0.82
0.35
12.4
9.2
23.0
33.2
N/A
N/A
17.6
38.3
10.1
14.3
0.4
0.6
2016
91
128
0.62
0.35
13.0
8.4
22.5
31.4
N/A
N/A
18.0
34.7
9.9
13.5
0.4
0.5
2015
89
134
0.73
0.32
14.9
8.7
22.9
31.1
N/A
N/A
19.7
34.2
9.9
13.9
1.1
0.5
2014
100
139
0.62
0.33
16.1
10.1
25.1
32.4
N/A
0.004
20.6
39.3
12.1
16.4
3.2
0.5
2013
94
136
0.69
0.37
11.5
11.1
26.3
31.0
N/A
0.005
19.9
43.3
12.8
19.1
2.6
0.6
2012
103
140
0.65
0.36
10.4
9.7
25.7
31.9
N/A
0.004
20.8
36.1
12.9
14.2
2.9
0.6
2011
105
139
0.68
0.34
11.3
8.7
22.9
33.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.2
16.3
21.1
2.4
0.8
2010
101
121
0.54
0.27
12.7
6.9
21.6
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
N/A
3.3
0.7
2009
97
107
0.73
0.31
11.4
7.3
23.2
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
N/A
1.9
1.6
2008
91
130
0.62
0.33
11.5
9.3
N/A
31.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
22.2
3.0
1.0
2007
103
146
0.69
0.34
13.1
10.0
N/A
28.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
26.0
3.6
0.7
2006
95
104
0.59
0.36
14.5
11.3
N/A
29.7
0.009
0.006
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
N/A
2005
121
101
0.65
0.33
15.2
10.7
N/A
28.1
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
N/A
2004
104
103
0.62
0.34
15.8
11.5
N/A
30.8
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
N/A
2003
113
115
0.67
0.44
16.6
15.0
N/A
31.2
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
1.2
2002
125
139
0.76
0.43
17.4
15.2
N/A
44.8
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
143
0.81
0.42
16.6
15.1
N/A
47.3
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
136
0.87
0.51
17.3
15.4
N/A
41.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
9.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
8,613%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
12%
Transportation
Indianapolis offers several public transportation options, including bus lines and bike share programs. Fresno also offers public buses, and both cities are fairly car-dependent.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
739
408
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
36
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Bicycle
0.5%
0.8%
Bus
1.2%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
10.7%
Car alone
87.3%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Average
28.1 min
23.7 min
Other means
22.5 min
21.5 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Indianapolis offers a wide range of housing options, with homes generally being more affordable than in Fresno. However, Fresno's real estate market is more dynamic due to its proximity to larger cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Neighborhoods
Fresno and Indianapolis boast diverse neighborhoods offering different lifestyles. Indianapolis is known for areas like Broad Ripple Village with its vibrant nightlife, while Fresno’s Tower District is famous for vintage shops and artistic events.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Houses
399,820
188,756
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.1
Median year apartment built
1977
1977
Median year house/condo built
1971
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
181,841 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
91,233 (50.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
90,608 (49.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$958.34
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,209
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$285,919
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$321,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$375,492
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$184,112
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$196,355
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$287,684
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$100,122
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$260,277
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$358,028
Median house age
48
42
Renting percentage
44.2%
50.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,808.6
House value disparities
36.1%
29.4%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$97,354
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$73,445
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,037 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
2,880 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
59,354 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
68 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
4,120 (6.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Fresno
One, detached
59.0%
59.0%
One, attached
9.2%
3.2%
Two
2.5%
3.0%
3 or 4
6.2%
7.8%
5 to 9
7.7%
9.6%
10 to 19
6.3%
3.6%
20 to 49
3.1%
3.4%
50 or more
5.0%
7.5%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
14,428
State government workers
15,502
9,836
Unpaid family workers
1,601
890
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Indianapolis are healthcare and social services, educational services, and retail trade. In contrast, Fresno's economy is heavily influenced by agriculture, besides health care and educational services as populous sectors.
Both Indianapolis and Fresno have considerable hospital systems providing numerous healthcare options. Indianapolis has renowned institutes like The Indiana University Health Medical Center, while Fresno is known for the Community Regional Medical Center.
Indianapolis boasts impressive infrastructure, including an international airport, bus transit system, and an interstate highway. Fresno offers similar infrastructure, with an airport, numerous highways, and a bus system. Downtown revitalization has been a focus in both cities.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Fresno
Hospitals
76
32
TV stations
19
4
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
98
Bank institutions located here
27
25
Main business address for public companies
28
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Fresno
1999
3,358
717
2000
3,562
484
2001
2,649
462
2002
1,915
569
2003
2,519
1,510
2004
3,702
2,462
2005
6,057
3,394
2006
5,811
3,441
2007
3,456
2,138
2008
1,247
760
2009
565
354
Culture and Food
Both cities have their distinct cultural offerings. Indianapolis is known for its sporting culture, with NFL and NBA teams, and the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s also known for Midwest comfort food. Fresno's culture is influenced by its diverse population with a mix of Mexican, Asian, and Armenian cuisines playing a significant part in the local food scene.
Sports Teams
The sports culture in Indy is undoubtedly vibrant, being home to two influential sports franchises, the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers. Fresno does not have any major league sports teams, but is home to the minor league Fresno Grizzlies baseball team.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Fresno, CA : 1,825.6 miles
