Both Indianapolis, IN and Lubbock, TX are midsize cities, each with their own unique cultures and attractions. Indianapolis is known for its vibrant sports culture, robust healthcare sector, and a diverse economy, while Lubbock is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, strong agricultural and educational sectors. There are significant differences in their climates, cost of living, and educational opportunities, making each city appealing to different individuals' preferences. This comparison delves into the specifics that make each city distinctive.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Lubbock, TX : 970.1 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 238%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Lubbock has grown by 61,429 people (30.8%) during that time.
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate than the national average, however, much like any city, crime rates can greatly vary by neighborhood. Efforts are ongoing to enhance the city's safety through community policing and civic initiatives. Lubbock, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate than Indianapolis, although it’s slightly higher than the national average. Both cities have dedicated police departments that actively work to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
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 599 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Lubbock is 422 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Indianapolis is near to than in Lubbock.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Indianapolis is less than the national average, with housing being the biggest contributing factor to this affordability. Similarly, Lubbock also boasts a lower cost of living compared to the national average, although the difference between the two cities is not significant.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, and Marion County (Indianapolis) requires an additional 1.62% for a total of 4.85%. However, Texas (including Lubbock) does not charge state or city income tax.
Property Tax
Both cities have relatively low property tax rates. For Indianapolis, Indiana, the mean effective property tax rate is about 0.86%, while Lubbock, Texas, has a rate of approximately 1.93%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Indianapolis is 7%, with no city-specific sales tax. Lubbock has a more complex tax structure with 6.25% state sales tax and a 2% city sales tax, making its total sales tax 8.25%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$54,747
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$30,618
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
83.8
If you make $50,000 in Lubbock, you will have to make $52,327 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is located in the Midwest and features a flat landscape with fertile soil, suitable for urban development and farming. On the other hand, Lubbock, located in northwestern Texas, enjoys a more diversified landscape with plains, canyons, and semi-desert terrain.
Indianapolis is home to several high-ranking schools and universities including the likes of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Lubbock is the home of Texas Tech University, a large research university known for programs in areas such as business and engineering. Both cities value education, providing a wealth of public, private and charter school options.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with major sectors including healthcare and social services, manufacturing, and retail trade. In contrast, Lubbock's economy is strongly tied to agriculture, educational services, and healthcare. Both cities exhibit steady economic growth, creating opportunities for professionals and workers across various fields.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Indianapolis include Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Health, and the City of Indianapolis. In Lubbock, Texas Tech University, University Medical Center, and Covenant Health System hold significant rolls for employment.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 2,454 building permits issued in Lubbock in 2012 (1825 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Lubbock (Lubbock County), 28.8% voted for Democrats and 69.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
Lubbock
2020
63.7%
33.2%
34.5%
65.4%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
58.2%
28.3%
35.6%
66.4%
6.2%
5.3%
2012
60.1%
28.8%
37.9%
69.6%
2.0%
1.5%
2008
63.8%
31.3%
35.4%
68.1%
0.8%
0.7%
2004
50.6%
24.2%
48.7%
75.4%
0.7%
0.4%
2000
48.0%
24.4%
49.3%
73.9%
2.8%
1.7%
1996
44.6%
30.6%
47.8%
63.5%
7.7%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
Lubbock
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
13.0%
4.6%
5.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
16.1%
5.7%
31.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.0%
3.4%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.5%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.1%
0.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.8%
1.1%
0.6%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters, while Lubbock sees a semi-arid climate. This means hot, relatively dry summers and mild winters. Lubbock, situated in Tornado Alley, does have a higher likelihood of severe weather events such as tornadoes.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
64.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
42.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
79.7%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
37.4%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
16.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
78.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
16.7%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
80%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
63.3%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
12.8 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Lubbock, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
2018
94
62
0.58
N/A
13.2
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
6.6
0.3
N/A
2017
87
56
0.82
N/A
12.4
N/A
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
6.3
0.4
N/A
2016
91
N/A
0.62
N/A
13.0
N/A
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.4
N/A
2015
89
N/A
0.73
N/A
14.9
N/A
22.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
N/A
1.1
N/A
2014
100
61
0.62
N/A
16.1
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
7.6
3.2
N/A
2013
94
68
0.69
N/A
11.5
N/A
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
7.5
2.6
N/A
2012
103
76
0.65
N/A
10.4
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
9.0
2.9
N/A
2011
105
81
0.68
N/A
11.3
N/A
22.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.1
2.4
N/A
2010
101
57
0.54
N/A
12.7
N/A
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
6.7
3.3
N/A
2009
97
59
0.73
N/A
11.4
N/A
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
7.0
1.9
N/A
2008
91
N/A
0.62
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
3.0
N/A
2007
103
N/A
0.69
N/A
13.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
3.6
N/A
2006
95
N/A
0.59
N/A
14.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
N/A
2005
121
N/A
0.65
N/A
15.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
N/A
2004
104
N/A
0.62
N/A
15.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
N/A
2003
113
N/A
0.67
N/A
16.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
N/A
2002
125
N/A
0.76
N/A
17.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
N/A
0.81
N/A
16.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
N/A
0.87
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
166%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
535.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
14%
Transportation
Indianapolis has a more extensive public transit system than Lubbock. IndyGo, the city's public transportation provider, services the whole city with buses. In contrast, Lubbock's public transit system is more limited. Both cities have airports for easier long-distance commuting.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
739
293
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Bicycle
0.5%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
0.8%
Carpooled
8.5%
9.6%
Car alone
87.3%
86.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Average
28.1 min
18.2 min
Other means
22.5 min
18 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
31.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
89.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
1.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities is reasonably affordable. However, the median home price in Indianapolis is slightly higher than in Lubbock. Both cities offer diverse housing options, from downtown apartments to larger family homes in suburban neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis' neighborhoods are diverse, from the bustling downtown area to the quiet suburban communities. The city's cultural districts offer numerous dining and entertainment options. Lubbock's neighborhoods offer a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle, with different areas offering their own unique charm and conveniences.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Houses
399,820
113,800
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1985
Median year house/condo built
1971
1985
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
104,426 (91.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
53,722 (51.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
50,704 (48.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$760.15
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,010
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$431,965
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$171,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$217,964
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$266,863
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$270,056
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$186,477
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$60,138
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$159,383
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$215,105
Median house age
48
37
Renting percentage
44.2%
45.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
991.2
House value disparities
36.1%
37.4%
Household income disparities
44.4%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$96,150
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$60,175
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
244 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
577 (1.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
29,683 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
705 (2.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
1.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Lubbock
One, detached
59.0%
64.8%
One, attached
9.2%
2.7%
Two
2.5%
3.6%
3 or 4
6.2%
5.0%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.5%
10 to 19
6.3%
5.4%
20 to 49
3.1%
2.8%
50 or more
5.0%
6.9%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.2%
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
8,411
State government workers
15,502
10,797
Unpaid family workers
1,601
523
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Indianapolis include manufacturing, healthcare, social services, and retail, with sizable opportunities in professional and business services. Conversely, Lubbock's economy relies more heavily on the educational services, agriculture, and healthcare industries.
Both cities offer strong healthcare systems. Indianapolis hosts internationally renowned facilities like the Indiana University Health Medical Center. Lubbock serves as a healthcare hub for the South Plains region, with hospitals including the University Medical Center and the Covenant Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis boasts a robust infrastructure with a well-maintained network of highways, rails, and an international airport. Public parks and recreational facilities are plentiful. Lubbock’s infrastructure is also well-developed, although its public transit system isn't as extensive as that of Indianapolis.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Lubbock
Hospitals
76
36
TV stations
19
13
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
259
97
Bank institutions located here
27
22
Main business address for public companies
28
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Lubbock
1999
3,358
1,025
2000
3,562
673
2001
2,649
472
2002
1,915
402
2003
2,519
0
2004
3,702
542
2005
6,057
566
2006
5,811
565
2007
3,456
343
2008
1,247
161
2009
565
115
Culture and Food
Indianapolis hosts various arts and cultural events, including the Indianapolis 500, a world-renowned car race. The food scene is diverse, featuring everything from food trucks to fine dining. In contrast, Lubbock, often called "Hub City," holds a rich blend of southern and cowboy culture, and the dining scene offers a variety of Texas-style barbecue, Tex-Mex, and other regional favorites.
Sports Teams
Sports are a big part of Indianapolis culture, home to teams including the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and the Indiana Pacers (NBA). Lubbock doesn't have professional teams but enjoys avid support for its college sports teams, particularly the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Lubbock, TX : 970.1 miles
