Wondering about some of the largest cities in Indiana? Whether you want to admit it or not, Indianapolis, Colts, corn, cars, and tractors pretty much sum up what people think when you mention Indiana. Whether you live in Indiana or not – how much do you really know about the state? How much do you know about some of the biggest cities in IN? And no, I’m not just talking about the most populated cities. I’m talking about a combination of the two. Here are the top ten:

1. Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Most people are not going to find it too surprising that Indianapolis is number one on this list. It's a city you either love or hate. Regardless of what you feel for the state, Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the biggest city in IN. Did you know it's home to 880,000 people? Maybe this is why I can go to the local grocery store at least once a week and never see the same people twice… I’m actually a little shocked I’m able to just randomly run into people I know considering how many people live here.

Did you know that Indianapolis has a consolidated city county form of government? Did you know there are only 27 cities in the United States that have that? Indianapolis is arguably best known for the Indianapolis 500 which has been in business since 1911. Being someone who has lived close to the track since I was a baby, I’m not really a fan of the Indianapolis 500. I was actually born on the day of the Indianapolis 500. My mother had to have a police escort to the hospital because of all the roads they blocked off. Crazy, right? So if you are wondering what the largest city in IN is, look no further than Indianapolis. Learn more about what makes Indianapolis unique.
2. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
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One of the biggest cities in IN, Fort Wayne is located less than 20 miles away from Ohio. It has a population of 265,000 people. Unfortunately, this city is known for losing more than 30,000 jobs between the International Harvester closing in 1982 and the reduction in General Electric jobs. Looking for something interesting to do around here? Check out the Fort Wayne painted murals trail.
3. Evansville
Evansville, IN, USA
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Evansville is recognized as the third-largest city in Indiana. It's considered the medical, cultural, and commercial hub of the state. It has a population of about 117,000 people. The city is commonly referred to as the River City. The Historic Bosse Field is one of the big attractions that draws people to Evansville. If you find yourself in the area, consider visiting the Wesselman Woods forest preserve.
4. South Bend
South Bend, IN, USA
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The University of Notre Dame is what South Bend is best known for. This university is home to about 8,000 undergraduates and 4,700 employees. This also makes it the largest employer in St. Joseph County. The university is famous for its football team. Going to football games is a pretty big deal in the city regardless of attendance at the school. Unfortunately, the population of the city took a pretty steep decline back in the 1960s. This is because a lot of people had to move away to find other heavy industry work when Studebaker closed down. However, it remains to be one of the biggest cities in IN. There is also a beautiful river lights display in South Bend.
5. Carmel
Carmel, IN, USA
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Carmel has been known as the fastest-growing city in Indiana since as long as anyone can remember. To date, there are more than 100,000 people living in the city. Many people wonder when the growing is going to cap off. Being known as one of the richest cities in the state, it tends to be a very desirable place to move if you have money. Carmel is also one of the friendliest towns in Indiana.

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6. Bloomington
Bloomington, IN, USA
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Another one of the largest cities in IN, much like South Bend, Bloomington is also known for the school it's home to. Indiana University is one of many popular choices for individuals who want to go to school in Indiana. The school houses more than 42,000 students every single year. Between this university and Ivy Tech, it really isn’t surprising to hear that the city is considered a college city. If you don’t like the college life, you probably aren’t going to enjoy living in Bloomington as just about everyone here goes to school. Something else that the city is known for? Bloomington is a haunted city in Indiana.
7. Hammond
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Hammond, IN, USA
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Hammond has a population of about 79,000 people. There's a lot of water in/near this city as Grand Calumet River, Lake George, Lake Michigan, Little Calumet River, Oxbow Lake, and Wolf Lake are all either completely or partially a part of the city. Hammond is also a great walkable city in Indiana.
8. Gary
Gary, IN, USA
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Gary is known for a lot of things and being a super populated or big hopping place to go isn't one of them; however, it is one of the biggest cities in IN. Gary is a city people visit when they're looking to explore abandoned and partially burned buildings. After so many places closed or were abandoned due to the arson outbreak, a lot of people left the city because there was nowhere for them to work. Check out this list of reasons why Gary, Indiana is worth a visit.
9. Lafayette
Lafayette, IN, USA
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Lafayette is home to roughly 70,000 people. It's home to Purdue University which is considered to be the largest employer in the city. Purdue University offers more than 200 different majors for its undergraduate students to enjoy. Other major employers in the city include Wabash National, Caterpillar, and Subaru of Indiana. Lafayette is a great place to go if you are looking for a job opportunity as they have a lot to offer their residents in terms of employment. See what Lafayette has to offer in outdoor recreation at Prophetstown State Park.
10. Columbus
Columbus, IN, USA
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Columbus is a pretty small city with just 45,000 people. But, it's number 10 on the top 10 biggest cities in IN. If you're looking for it, you will find it just 40 miles south of the city of Indianapolis. Back in 1991, the city was ranked as the sixth city in America for architecture enthusiasts to enjoy. Columbus is home to tons of national historic landmarks including First Baptist Church, Irwin Union Bank, and Miller House and Garden. Learn more about historic landmarks in Columbus.

There! Now, you know a little more about the 10 largest cities in IN and what they have to offer. Are you surprised to see any of the cities on this list? Let us know in the comments!

Want to get to know the Hoosier State even better? Check out these facts about Indiana.

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More to Explore

Exploring Indiana

Rachel Raimondi | January 02, 2023

What are the best restaurants in Indiana?

Hungry in the Hoosier State? Check out some of the best restaurants in Indiana:

Octave Grill: Located in Chesterton, you’ll find this hamburger restaurant. Choose from an assortment of signature burgers like the Figgy Piggy or Hot Pants. Plus, many of the toppings and ingredients used here are from local farms and other businesses.

Blue Gate Restaurant: This restaurant in Shipshewana serves traditional Amish fare. Check out the Amish beef and noodles or the Amish door casserole. They even offer family-style dining and have a small bakery on the premises.

Kelsey’s Steakhouse: You’ll find this steakhouse in Valparaiso. Grab a delicious cut of meat like their famous prime rib or a seafood dish like wild-caught walleye.

What are the best small towns in Indiana?

We learned what the largest cities in Indiana are, but how about the best small towns in Indiana? Check out some of these gems:

Goshen: This Elkhart County town is near to the Michigan border in north Indiana. Explore the Amish community and some history through the Old Bag Factory. And if you find yourself there during July, check out the Elkhart County Fair, one of the largest in the U.S.

Shipshewana: This LaGrange County town is known for holding its annual seasonal flea market, the largest in all of the Midwest. It is also a great stop on the Heritage Trail with the opportunity to visit Menno-Hof and The Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park.

Metamora: Located in Franklin County, this tiny town makes up for its small population in its offerings to tourists. Explore history at the grist mill, mine for gems, or just browse the unique shops.

What is Indiana known for?

Wondering what Indiana is known for? Well, a lot. Check out some of the most interesting below:

Indianapolis 500: The Indy 500 is one of the most important and popular races to take place every year. It was first held all the way back in 1911. The race takes place Memorial Day weekend in Speedway.

Automobiles: Many cities in IN are home to car manufacturing plants. A few examples include Subaru, General Motors, and Honda.

Electricity city wide: In late October of 1884, the city of Wabash was the very first in the whole world to be fully lit with electricity.

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