Indianapolis, Indiana and Omaha, Nebraska are two Midwestern cities with a lot to offer residents and tourists alike. Each city has its unique characteristics in terms of safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, and other aspects, providing a varied experience for those considering relocating or just visiting. This comparison aims to highlight the distinctive traits of each city to help you make a more informed decision.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Omaha, NE : 527.6 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 81%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Omaha has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) during that time.
Both Indianapolis and Omaha have higher crime rates than the national average, though Indianapolis' rate is notably more significant. Omaha's crime rate is fairly comparable to the national average, but crime is notably concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Both cities have neighborhood watch programs and active police departments working to improve safety.
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 1,388 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Omaha is 322 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Indianapolis is near to than in Omaha.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is lower than in Omaha. This difference is mainly due to housing costs, which are significantly lower in Indianapolis. Both cities, however, are more affordable than the national average in terms of general living expenses.
Income Tax
Indiana has a lower state income tax at 3.23% compared to Nebraska's which ranges from 2.46% to 6.84% based on income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes are higher in Omaha compared to Indianapolis.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Omaha is higher than in Indianapolis. Omaha has a sales tax rate of 7.0%, while Indianapolis has a rate of 7%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$62,948
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$38,062
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
89.4
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $50,969 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is relatively flat and has a mix of urban and rural landscapes, while Omaha has a diverse geography with its riverfront, rolling hills, and suburban areas.
Indianapolis is home to a number of reputable universities and colleges, including Butler University and the University of Indianapolis. Omaha likewise has strong educational institutions, such as Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Omaha. Interestingly, Indianapolis also offers a variety of school choice options.
Both Indianapolis and Omaha have robust economies, with industries such as healthcare, finance, and education providing many jobs. However, Indianapolis has a larger and more diverse economy, featuring a strong manufacturing sector and an emerging tech industry.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the largest employers are Community Health Network, Anthem Inc., and Cummins, while in Omaha, the biggest employers are CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, and Union Pacific Railroad.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,620 building permits issued in Omaha in 2012 (460 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Omaha (Douglas County), 47.5% voted for Democrats and 50.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
2020
63.7%
54.4%
34.5%
43.1%
1.9%
2.5%
2016
58.2%
47.3%
35.6%
45.0%
6.2%
7.7%
2012
60.1%
47.5%
37.9%
50.6%
2.0%
1.9%
2008
63.8%
51.7%
35.4%
47.0%
0.8%
1.3%
2004
50.6%
40.4%
48.7%
58.6%
0.7%
1.0%
2000
48.0%
40.1%
49.3%
55.2%
2.8%
4.7%
1996
44.6%
39.3%
47.8%
51.4%
7.7%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
24.0%
4.6%
11.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.5%
5.7%
5.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.5%
3.4%
2.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
2.5%
1.5%
4.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
4.1%
1.6%
6.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.6%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.1%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
1.1%
0.7%
SALVATION ARMY
0.3%
0.4%
0.3%
0.9%
Weather
Omaha experiences a more extreme version of the usual Midwestern weather, with very cold winters and hot summers. In contrast, Indianapolis has a more temperate climate, with milder summers and less severe winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
30 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
57.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
66.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.8 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
Indianapolis
Omaha
2018
94
75
0.58
0.18
13.2
N/A
23.1
26.7
N/A
N/A
18.2
19.3
10.4
8.4
0.3
0.5
2017
87
76
0.82
0.19
12.4
N/A
23.0
26.3
N/A
N/A
17.6
21.6
10.1
9.6
0.4
0.9
2016
91
80
0.62
0.18
13.0
N/A
22.5
26.3
N/A
N/A
18.0
19.3
9.9
8.1
0.4
0.7
2015
89
79
0.73
0.20
14.9
N/A
22.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
19.7
20.3
9.9
9.3
1.1
0.9
2014
100
80
0.62
0.23
16.1
N/A
25.1
27.9
N/A
N/A
20.6
23.5
12.1
8.8
3.2
1.2
2013
94
79
0.69
0.20
11.5
N/A
26.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
19.9
26.9
12.8
9.3
2.6
1.4
2012
103
100
0.65
0.21
10.4
N/A
25.7
27.1
N/A
N/A
20.8
39.0
12.9
8.4
2.9
1.6
2011
105
96
0.68
0.21
11.3
N/A
22.9
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
16.3
9.2
2.4
1.6
2010
101
102
0.54
N/A
12.7
N/A
21.6
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.2
15.9
10.5
3.3
2.1
2009
97
73
0.73
N/A
11.4
N/A
23.2
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
13.8
N/A
1.9
1.8
2008
91
104
0.62
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
26.9
0.010
N/A
N/A
45.0
13.2
18.9
3.0
1.1
2007
103
109
0.69
0.51
13.1
N/A
N/A
29.0
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
16.5
3.6
1.7
2006
95
86
0.59
0.50
14.5
N/A
N/A
30.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
13.0
3.6
1.3
2005
121
78
0.65
0.47
15.2
N/A
N/A
32.8
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
12.9
4.3
2.8
2004
104
51
0.62
0.44
15.8
N/A
N/A
30.9
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
1.5
2003
113
50
0.67
0.43
16.6
N/A
N/A
26.6
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
0.7
2002
125
48
0.76
0.38
17.4
N/A
N/A
27.6
0.009
0.030
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
1.1
2001
105
39
0.81
0.35
16.6
N/A
N/A
25.0
0.031
0.038
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
0.4
2000
98
44
0.87
0.50
17.3
N/A
N/A
26.1
N/A
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
191.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
415.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
The public transit systems in both cities are adequate, with Indianapolis having a slightly more extensive public transit network. Commuting in both cities is relatively easier than in larger metro areas.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
405
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
24
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
0.7%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.2%
Car alone
87.3%
87.8%
Walked
1.6%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Average
28.1 min
22.5 min
Other means
22.5 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.2%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is cheaper in Indianapolis as compared to Omaha. However, both cities offer a balanced mix of urban and suburban living options, with a variety of architectural styles on offer.
Neighborhoods
Both Indianapolis and Omaha offer diverse neighborhoods to choose from, ranging from urban areas with bustling nightlife to quieter suburban communities.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Houses
399,820
212,802
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1976
Median year house/condo built
1971
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
201,469 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
117,404 (58.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
84,065 (41.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$892.09
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,119
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$261,376
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$211,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
7.1
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$249,098
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$191,723
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$100,661
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$319,464
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$35,876
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$186,544
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$246,177
Median house age
48
49
Renting percentage
44.2%
41.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,839.2
House value disparities
36.1%
33.1%
Household income disparities
44.4%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$98,149
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$71,454
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
2,417 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
7,375 (8.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
80,503 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
335 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
9,200 (11.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Omaha
One, detached
59.0%
63.2%
One, attached
9.2%
3.9%
Two
2.5%
1.5%
3 or 4
6.2%
2.2%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.8%
10 to 19
6.3%
8.3%
20 to 49
3.1%
5.3%
50 or more
5.0%
8.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
11,886
State government workers
15,502
7,835
Unpaid family workers
1,601
205
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Indianapolis include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tech, while in Omaha, they are finance, education, healthcare, and transportation.
Both cities have ample healthcare facilities. Indianapolis has the renowned Indiana University Health system, while Omaha is home to the top-notch Nebraska Medicine.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis features a more developed infrastructure than Omaha, including an expansive interstate highway system and an international airport. Omaha's infrastructure, though smaller, is consistently well-maintained.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Omaha
Hospitals
76
23
TV stations
19
19
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
183
Bank institutions located here
27
31
Main business address for public companies
28
30
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Omaha
1999
3,358
1,177
2000
3,562
545
2001
2,649
390
2002
1,915
441
2003
2,519
747
2004
3,702
1,022
2005
6,057
1,055
2006
5,811
1,083
2007
3,456
646
2008
1,247
318
2009
565
220
Culture and Food
Both cities boast of vibrant cultures with a mix of traditional Midwestern customs and modern influences. Indianapolis is famous for its motorsports, while Omaha is known for its steakhouses and jazz music scene.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is home to the NFL's Colts and the NBA's Pacers, while Omaha does not have any major league sports teams but hosts the annual College World Series.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Omaha, NE : 527.6 miles
