Indianapolis, Indiana, and Worcester, Massachusetts, are both vibrant American cities with their own unique character. Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana and the state's most populous city, offers a fast-paced lifestyle with strong industries, while Worcester, considered part of the Boston metropolitan area, offers a more colonial charm with old-world architecture and a rich history. Both cities have their pros and cons regarding crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more. The following comparison can provide a better understanding of these two cities for those who are considering relocation or merely planning a visit.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Worcester, MA : 765.9 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 328%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Worcester has grown by 33,270 people (19.3%) during that time.
The crime rate in Indianapolis is higher than the national average, particularly, violent and property crimes. However, the police are responsive and community initiatives are in place to improve city's safety. In Worcester, the crime rate is lower than in Indianapolis, but still slightly above the national average. Both tourists and residents are typically advised to take standard precautions, such as avoiding certain neighborhoods after dark and keeping valuables out of sight.
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 242 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Worcester is 762 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Indianapolis than in Worcester.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for relocation. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs are all generally low. Worcester, on the other hand, has a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, largely due to its proximity to Boston.
Income Tax
Indianapolis residents pay a combined state and county income tax rate of around 3.23%. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%, which applies to all residents, including those in Worcester.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in Indianapolis is slightly lower compared to Worcester. It's worth noting that Worcester residents face higher property taxes due to generally higher property valuations.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate in Indianapolis is 7%, which applies to most goods and services. Worcester has a lower combined sales tax rate at 6.25%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$63,194
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$32,772
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
128.3
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $73,147 in Worcester to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is located in the Great Plains region, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. It's known as the "Crossroads of America" due to its central location and extensive infrastructure. Worcester, known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth”, is characterized by its hilly terrain and is near both mountains and the sea.
Indianapolis is home to several high-ranking schools and colleges, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Worcester is also rich in educational opportunities, boasting over a dozen colleges and universities including the highly-ranked Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The job growth rate in Indianapolis is slightly higher than the national average. Worcester, located within the Boston metropolitan area, serves as an economic hub with a strong healthcare sector and emerging tech industry.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the top employers include Indiana University Health, the federal and state government, and retail giants like Walmart. In Worcester, the biggest employers include UMass Memorial Health Care, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Saint Vincent Hospital.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 66 building permits issued in Worcester in 2012 (2 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Worcester (Worcester County), 53.7% voted for Democrats and 44.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
2020
63.7%
57.6%
34.5%
39.7%
1.9%
2.7%
2016
58.2%
51.0%
35.6%
40.5%
6.2%
8.5%
2012
60.1%
53.7%
37.9%
44.3%
2.0%
2.0%
2008
63.8%
55.8%
35.4%
42.0%
0.8%
2.2%
2004
50.6%
56.6%
48.7%
42.5%
0.7%
0.9%
2000
48.0%
56.2%
49.3%
36.9%
2.8%
6.9%
1996
44.6%
58.3%
47.8%
29.8%
7.7%
11.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
38.4%
4.6%
20.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.2%
5.7%
3.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.7%
3.4%
4.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
1.5%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.8%
1.6%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.8%
1.6%
4.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
1.1%
4.8%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters. Snowfall is common in winter, but severe storms are quite rare. Worcester has similar seasonal changes, but winters can be harsher with more snowfall due to its New England location. Its summers are often cooler than those in Indianapolis.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
47.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
71.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
49.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
48.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
133.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
15.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
63%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
66.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
47.8%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Worcester, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Worcester
Indianapolis
Worcester
2018
94
71
0.58
0.28
13.2
11.2
23.1
31.5
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
6.8
0.3
0.6
2017
87
69
0.82
0.28
12.4
11.5
23.0
32.3
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
5.5
0.4
0.8
2016
91
73
0.62
0.25
13.0
12.2
22.5
33.6
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
6.2
0.4
0.7
2015
89
68
0.73
0.26
14.9
13.4
22.9
32.6
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
7.0
1.1
0.5
2014
100
71
0.62
0.32
16.1
13.1
25.1
33.2
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
7.7
3.2
1.5
2013
94
82
0.69
0.39
11.5
11.8
26.3
34.5
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
8.3
2.6
2.7
2012
103
84
0.65
0.51
10.4
12.8
25.7
37.5
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
7.7
2.9
3.2
2011
105
82
0.68
0.46
11.3
17.4
22.9
34.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.8
2.4
2.7
2010
101
88
0.54
0.50
12.7
13.9
21.6
37.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
9.9
3.3
2.1
2009
97
85
0.73
0.53
11.4
14.4
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
8.3
1.9
1.1
2008
91
94
0.62
0.54
11.5
14.9
N/A
38.5
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
8.0
3.0
2.6
2007
103
115
0.69
0.52
13.1
15.7
N/A
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
9.0
3.6
3.4
2006
95
98
0.59
0.53
14.5
15.2
N/A
38.7
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
8.8
3.6
2.8
2005
121
101
0.65
0.55
15.2
14.9
N/A
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
10.0
4.3
4.6
2004
104
92
0.62
0.41
15.8
15.8
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
11.6
4.6
2.6
2003
113
82
0.67
0.51
16.6
15.6
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
N/A
2002
125
87
0.76
0.52
17.4
17.4
N/A
39.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
98
0.81
0.57
16.6
20.0
N/A
32.6
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
76
0.87
0.52
17.3
18.6
N/A
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
79.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
28.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
27%
Transportation
Transportation in Indianapolis revolves around car travel, with a low use of public transportation. On the other hand, Worcester has a more extensive public transit system, including a commuter rail to Boston, and a higher percentage of the population using the transit system.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
739
21
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Bicycle
0.5%
0.4%
Bus
1.2%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
9.8%
Car alone
87.3%
81.3%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
4.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Average
28.1 min
26.5 min
Other means
22.5 min
23.3 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
34 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
11.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Indianapolis is reasonably priced, with a median home cost that is significantly lower than the national average. In Worcester, real estate prices are higher, driven by its proximity to Boston and the presence of several colleges and universities.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis has neighborhoods reflecting both urban and suburban environments. Downtown Indianapolis is known for its vibrant nightlife, while the northern suburbs offer peaceful family-friendly spaces. Worcester is known for its unique, historical neighborhoods, such as Shrewsbury Street and Canal District, brimming with cultural attractions and unique dining experiences.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Houses
399,820
82,375
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1960
Median year house/condo built
1971
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
15.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
76,065 (92.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
32,714 (43%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
43,351 (57%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,034
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,314
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$425,443
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$317,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$338,239
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$252,487
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$352,758
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$213,457
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$290,622
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$317,463
Median house age
48
67
Renting percentage
44.2%
55.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
2,193.1
House value disparities
36.1%
25.3%
Household income disparities
44.4%
46.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$102,992
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$78,632
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
687 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
2,013 (8.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
22,130 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
289 (1.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,828 (12.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Worcester
One, detached
59.0%
32.1%
One, attached
9.2%
6.4%
Two
2.5%
7.9%
3 or 4
6.2%
25.1%
5 to 9
7.7%
8.6%
10 to 19
6.3%
5.4%
20 to 49
3.1%
4.4%
50 or more
5.0%
10.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
5,036
State government workers
15,502
5,706
Unpaid family workers
1,601
42
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis is known for its auto racing industry, healthcare sector, and vibrant tech scene. The city is also a major hub for logistics and distribution. In Worcester, the healthcare industry leads, followed by education due to the presence of multiple colleges and universities. Technology and manufacturing also contribute to Worcester's economy.
Indianapolis offers top-rated health care facilities including Indiana University Health, a nationally ranked institution. Worcester's healthcare system is anchored by premier institutions such as UMass Memorial Medical Center, and Saint Vincent Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis benefits from progressive urban planning and boasts a well-planned infrastructure, with an efficient highway system. Worcester's infrastructure includes an impressive array of old and new architecture, but the city faces challenges related to traffic congestion and aging infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Worcester
Hospitals
76
14
TV stations
19
24
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
47
Bank institutions located here
27
12
Main business address for public companies
28
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Worcester
1999
3,358
262
2000
3,562
328
2001
2,649
237
2002
1,915
312
2003
2,519
469
2004
3,702
822
2005
6,057
1,210
2006
5,811
1,134
2007
3,456
721
2008
1,247
375
2009
565
274
Culture and Food
Indianapolis offers diverse cultural opportunities, with a vibrant music scene, numerous art galleries, and year-round events. The food scene embraces everything from traditional BBQ to global cuisine. Worcester, thanks to its cultural diversity, offers a wide array of culinary choices, from traditional New England fare to eclectic ethnic cuisines.
Sports Teams
Sports are a big deal in Indianapolis, home to the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indiana Pacers (NBA), and the world-renowned Indianapolis 500 auto race. Worcester doesn’t have major league teams but is home to many minor league and collegiate sports teams and is within reach of the major professional sports teams in Boston.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Worcester, MA : 765.9 miles
