Both Indianapolis, IN, and Oklahoma City, OK, present unique living experiences with different potential benefits and challenges. From climate and culture to the financial aspects of living and working, each city features distinct elements that may appeal to different people.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Oklahoma City, OK : 689.8 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 28%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Oklahoma City has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) during that time.
Indianapolis has seen an increase in crime rates in recent years with property crime and violent crime rates higher than the national average. On the contrary, Oklahoma City has a roughly similar crime rate to the US average, but it's important to note that safety can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another in both cities. People considering relocation should research specific neighborhoods in both cities.
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 1,379 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Oklahoma City is 463 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Indianapolis is near to than in Oklahoma City.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is lower than in Indianapolis. This includes expenses such as housing, groceries, and healthcare. The difference is mainly due to lower housing costs in Oklahoma City.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, and Indianapolis requires an additional county tax. Oklahoma's income tax is based on income level, with a maximum of 5%.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are similar in both cities, with homeowners in Indianapolis paying slightly more on average compared to those in Oklahoma City.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Oklahoma City is higher compared to Indianapolis. Oklahoma City has a total sales tax rate of roughly 8.625%, whereas Indianapolis stands at about 7%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$59,214
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$31,630
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
85.4
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $51,347 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is flat, with a mix of urban and suburban settings. Oklahoma City is also relatively flat but has more diverse geographic features, including lakes, hills, and the nearby Great Plains.
There are excellent education opportunities in both cities. Indianapolis is noteworthy for its many charter schools and its 'Innovation Network Schools'. Oklahoma City boasts a number of respected universities, including the University of Oklahoma.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with strengths in healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing. Oklahoma City's economy, on the other hand, is linked firmly with the energy industry, although aerospace and bioscience sectors are growth areas too.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Indianapolis are healthcare providers along with the public school system. In Oklahoma City, the largest employers are within the public sector, with the state government and federal government having significant presence.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
2020
63.7%
48.1%
34.5%
49.2%
1.9%
2.7%
2016
58.2%
41.2%
35.6%
51.7%
6.2%
7.1%
2012
60.1%
41.7%
37.9%
58.3%
2.0%
0.0%
2008
63.8%
41.6%
35.4%
58.4%
0.8%
0.0%
2004
50.6%
35.8%
48.7%
64.2%
0.7%
0.0%
2000
48.0%
36.6%
49.3%
62.3%
2.8%
1.1%
1996
44.6%
36.5%
47.8%
54.7%
7.7%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
8.5%
4.6%
3.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
20.7%
5.7%
20.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.3%
3.4%
0.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.5%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.1%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
0.6%
Weather
The weather in Indianapolis is characterized by the all four Seasons distinctly while Oklahoma City experiences a more temperate climate, with milder winters and hotter summers. If you prefer snow, Indianapolis would serve you better, but for those who can handle heat and prefer milder winters, Oklahoma City may be more appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
60.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
73.1%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
35.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
17.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
23.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
72.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
58%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
12.3 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
2018
94
85
0.58
0.29
13.2
6.6
23.1
31.9
N/A
0.002
18.2
21.3
10.4
9.6
0.3
0.0
2017
87
82
0.82
0.32
12.4
6.7
23.0
33.0
N/A
0.002
17.6
20.7
10.1
8.9
0.4
0.0
2016
91
72
0.62
0.29
13.0
6.6
22.5
31.9
N/A
0.002
18.0
19.4
9.9
8.5
0.4
0.2
2015
89
76
0.73
0.24
14.9
7.0
22.9
31.5
N/A
0.002
19.7
19.1
9.9
7.8
1.1
0.5
2014
100
84
0.62
0.15
16.1
7.1
25.1
32.4
N/A
0.002
20.6
N/A
12.1
8.7
3.2
0.1
2013
94
84
0.69
0.14
11.5
8.6
26.3
32.8
N/A
0.002
19.9
N/A
12.8
9.3
2.6
0.2
2012
103
97
0.65
0.13
10.4
9.4
25.7
34.0
N/A
0.007
20.8
N/A
12.9
7.9
2.9
0.3
2011
105
107
0.68
0.24
11.3
9.9
22.9
36.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.9
2.4
0.8
2010
101
81
0.54
0.30
12.7
8.8
21.6
31.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.9
9.8
3.3
0.7
2009
97
82
0.73
0.52
11.4
8.1
23.2
31.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
13.8
10.2
1.9
0.7
2008
91
78
0.62
0.51
11.5
9.8
N/A
31.0
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
3.0
1.4
2007
103
81
0.69
0.44
13.1
10.2
N/A
29.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
3.6
2.0
2006
95
95
0.59
0.43
14.5
10.1
N/A
33.7
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
1.2
2005
121
88
0.65
0.38
15.2
11.6
N/A
31.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
1.3
2004
104
75
0.62
0.46
15.8
10.5
N/A
28.6
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
0.6
2003
113
87
0.67
0.42
16.6
10.9
N/A
30.8
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
N/A
2002
125
91
0.76
0.35
17.4
14.3
N/A
29.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
2.0
2001
105
87
0.81
0.69
16.6
13.1
N/A
31.0
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
1.8
2000
98
89
0.87
0.66
17.3
13.4
N/A
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
3.0
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
353.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
938.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
43%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transportation options, but it's more extensive in Indianapolis. Both cities are car-dependent but offer opportunities for biking and walking in certain neighborhoods.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
739
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
0.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.6%
Car alone
87.3%
87.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Average
28.1 min
25.6 min
Other means
22.5 min
21 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
33.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
7.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities is robust. Housing prices in both cities are below the national average, but Oklahoma City is generally more affordable than Indianapolis.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis has diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant downtown area to quieter, suburban districts. Oklahoma City neighborhoods have a mix of urban and suburban, with unique districts like Paseo Arts District or the Plaza District featuring local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Houses
399,820
302,241
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1978
Median year house/condo built
1971
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
275,285 (91.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
164,470 (59.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
110,815 (40.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,241
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$983
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$278,299
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$190,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$254,772
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$318,820
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$128,784
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$170,231
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$112,256
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$245,885
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$249,488
Median house age
48
40
Renting percentage
44.2%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
497.9
House value disparities
36.1%
34.7%
Household income disparities
44.4%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$87,907
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$61,761
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,238 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
4,838 (4.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
100,798 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
123 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
5,921 (5.8%)
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%
3.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
1.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
One, detached
59.0%
67.8%
One, attached
9.2%
3.4%
Two
2.5%
2.0%
3 or 4
6.2%
5.1%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.0%
10 to 19
6.3%
5.6%
20 to 49
3.1%
2.4%
50 or more
5.0%
4.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
3.1%
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
20,964
State government workers
15,502
17,132
Unpaid family workers
1,601
555
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, health care and social assistance are the largest sectors, along with retail trade and manufacturing. In Oklahoma City, the public administration and health care sectors are significant, with many people also working in the retail trade.
Both cities offer reputable health care facilities. Indianapolis's largest employer is the health care sector, while Oklahoma City has renowned specialties in heart surgery and cancer treatment.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis boasts well-maintained infrastructure, including the IndyGo bus system. Oklahoma City's infrastructure includes significant recent investment, but public transportation is less extensive here than in Indianapolis.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Hospitals
76
61
TV stations
19
20
Arenas or stadiums
3
4
Bank branches located here
259
183
Bank institutions located here
27
44
Main business address for public companies
28
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
1999
3,358
2,925
2000
3,562
2,396
2001
2,649
1,824
2002
1,915
1,507
2003
2,519
2,014
2004
3,702
2,323
2005
6,057
3,134
2006
5,811
3,132
2007
3,456
2,036
2008
1,247
1,143
2009
565
593
Culture and Food
Indianapolis is known for its sports culture, performing arts, and a burgeoning food scene. Oklahoma City offers a mix of Western heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and a varied food culture with influences from Southern, Mexican, and Native American cuisines.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is home to the NFL's Colts and the NBA's Pacers. Oklahoma City is home to the NBA team, the Thunder.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Oklahoma City, OK : 689.8 miles
