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Boone County
Brown County
Hamilton County
Hancock County
Hendricks County
Johnson County
Marion County
Montgomery County
Morgan County
Shelby County
Glossary
HUD Properties
Cities & Neighborhoods
Central Indiana REALTORS®—members of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS®—understand that a home is much more than a house. The community you select is just as important as the property you purchase.We've developed this series of county snapshots to help you compare and contrast communities throughout central Indiana and provide information to help you make the decision that is best for you and your family.
Use the links on the right to select a county.
BOONE COUNTY
Boone County is located approximately 25 miles northwest of Indianapolis, conveniently close to both I-65 and I-74, as well as U.S. Highways 52 and 421.The county is known as a rapidly growing area of central Indiana. It offers a diverse landscape, ranging from traditional Hoosier farmland to the quaint village-like atmosphere, shops, and the historic brick Main Street of Zionsville.
Wonderful chocolate is another distinctive feature of Boone County. Local, state, national and international visitors have enjoyed the fine confections of Boone County's three local chocolatiers. Donaldson's Finer Chocolates and David Alan Chocolatier, both in Lebanon, and Ganache Chocolatier in Zionsville offer tours and pure enjoyment for the chocolate lover.
Communities in Boone County include Lebanon, Zionsville, Advance, Jamestown, Thorntown, Ulen and Whitestown.
Boone County has three public school districts:
- Lebanon Community Schools
- Western Boone Community Schools
- Zionsville Community Schools
The Zionsville Community School Corporation is recognized as one of the best school systems in the state, and all of the schools in that corporation have been named four-star schools. Lebanon also has a year-round elementary school that has been named a four-star school, and for the past two years Lebanon Community Schools has been named the most improved school system in the state.
Key attractions include the Cragan House Museum, Brookshire Arboretum, the Munce Art Center, and the Patrick Henry Sullivan Museum.
The largest employers in Boone County include Prairie Industries, Kauffman Engineering, American Air Filters, ConAgra, and Pearson Education.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 49,370
- Education—High school graduate: 88.3%
- Education—Bachelor's or higher: 27.6%
- Per Capita personal income: $24,182
- Median household income: $49,632
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 494
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 767
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $208,953
Sources include MIBOR, BAGI, U.S. Census Bureau, Indiana Business Research Center, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Boone County Chamber of Commerce.
BROWN COUNTY
Nashville, the county seat of Brown County, is located approximately 50 miles south of Indianapolis at the intersection of state Routes 135 and 46.Tourism is Brown County's major industry, bringing 3 million visitors annually to visit sites such as Brown County State Park. Each year, more than 35 million dollars in retail sales is generated through tourism. Brown County offers beautiful landscapes and farmland, as well as two public golf courses. In addition, the county holds a wide variety of arts, crafts, cottage industries, and wineries for all to enjoy.
Brown County has over 250 shops that include art galleries, antique stores and restaurants.
Brown County has one school district:
- Brown County Schools
Brown County Schools offers students an education in attractive modern facilities that are being renovated in an ongoing process to accommodate current educational changes and programs.
Brown County also provides the Lifelong Learning Center where various educational classes are offered to the community.
Key attractions include over 250 shops, Brown County State Park, Little Nashville Opry, The Brown County Playhouse, and Lake Monroe.
Largest employers in Brown County include the school corporation, For Bare Feet, and the tourism industry.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 15,313
- Education - high school graduate: 83.6%
- Education - Bachelors or higher: 18.5%
- Per Capita personal income: $20,548
- Median household income: $43,708
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 144
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 224
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $158,992
Sources include MIBOR, BAGI, U.S. Census Bureau, Indiana Business Research Center, and Brown County Chamber of Commerce.
HAMILTON COUNTY
Hamilton County is located on the north side of Indianapolis, close to both I-69 and I-465. In Hamilton County, you can watch theater productions, visit museums and tour historic sites.Hamilton County is one of the most rapidly growing and prosperous counties in Indiana. Located near the geographic center of Indiana, its 400 square miles boast some of the state's finest residential areas, available property for small business development, and numerous recreational facilities.
American City Business Journals, Inc., recently rated Hamilton County eighth among 3,141 counties and cities studied throughout the state, and ranked Hamilton the best county to live in.
Communities in Hamilton County include Arcadia, Atlanta, Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Noblesville, Sheridan and Westfield.
Hamilton County has six public school districts:
- Carmel Clay Schools
- Hamilton Heights
- Hamilton Southeastern
- Marion Adams
- Noblesville
- Westfield Washington
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Carmel High School a "Best Buy" for Hoosier high schools offering the highest educational achievement levels for the lowest amount of tax dollars.
Four Noblesville elementary schools were named Four Star Schools by the Indiana Department of Education. Noblesville's Four Star Schools are Forest Hill, Hazel Dell, Hinkle Creek, and Stony Creek.
Key attractions include Barley Island, Bundy Decoy's showroom and factory, Carley Elk Farm, Ferrin's Fruit Winery, Bastine Pottery, Stonycreek Farm, Stuckey Farm Market, Verizon Wireless Music Center, and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.
The largest employers in Hamilton County are Adaptive Systems, Inc.; Burco Molding; Firestone; Flexware Integration, Inc.; Industrial Dielectrics; King Systems; Metro Plastics; Perfecto; and Riverview Hospital.
Other Facts and Figures:
- Population: 216,826
- Education – High school graduate: 94.2%
- Education – Bachelor's degree or higher: 48.9%
- Per Capita personal income: $33,109
- Median household income: $71,026
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 4,588
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 5,115
- Average residential resale housing sales price: 226,875
Sources include MIBOR, BAGI, U.S. Census Bureau, Indiana Business Research Center, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Hamilton County Web site.
HANCOCK COUNTY
Hancock County can be found just east of Indianapolis, with I-70 and U.S. Highway 40 conveniently running through it.The county seat of Greenfield has become well known for its antique stores and impressive Victorian homes. Hancock County provides access to convenient health care, shopping, excellent schools, low cost-of-living, affordable housing, a wide range of county services, safe environment, and an abundance of recreational opportunities.
As a key metropolitan Indianapolis-area locale, Hancock County provides the best of both worlds: a small-town environment with all the advantages of a metropolitan area close by.
Communities include Greenfield, Fortville, Cumberland, New Palestine, McCordsville, Shirley, Wilkinson and Spring Lake.
Hancock County has four schools systems, all of which boast students with above average SAT scores:
- Eastern Hancock Schools
- Greenfield-Central Community Schools
- Mt Vernon Community Schools
- Southern Hancock County Schools
Key attractions include the Riley Festival, the historic downtown district, and entertainment on the Plaza.
The largest employers in Hancock County include Indiana Precision Technology, Hancock Memorial Hospital and Health Services, and Eli Lilly and Company's Greenfield Laboratories.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 59,446
- Education – High school graduate: 87.8%
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 22.2%
- Per capita personal income: $33,741
- Median household income: $56,416
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 997
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 806
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $148,383
Sources include Hancock Economic Development Council Web site, U.S. Census Bureau, Indiana Business Research Center, and SouthernIN.com.
HENDRICKS COUNTY
Hendricks County is located southwest of Indianapolis in central Indiana. It is the second-fastest growing county in the state, with 14.2% population growth between 2000 and 2003.Interstate highways I-70, I-65, and I-74, as well as U.S. highways US-35, US-40 and US-136 all intersect Hendricks County, too, providing a great logistical location for commuting, business and travel.
As an integral part of the greater Indianapolis Metropolitan area, Hendricks County has become a desirable—and affordable—location for businesses and families. Housing, utilities, transportation, health care costs and taxes are consistently below the national average.
Communities in Hendricks County (in descending order of size) include Plainfield, Brownsburg, Danville, Avon, Pittsboro, Clayton, North Salem, Coatesville, Amo, Lizton, Stilesville, Jamestown.
Hendricks County's school systems include a variety of four-star schools—the top-rated two percent in the state—including:
- Avon Community School Corp.
- Brownsburg Community School Corp.
- Danville Community School Corp.
- Mill Creek Community School Corp.
- North West Hendricks Schools
- Plainfield Community School Corp.
Key attractions include Indianapolis Raceway Park and Chateau Thomas Winery.
The largest employers in Hendricks County include Hendricks Community Hospital, Cinergy/PSI Energy, Galyans Trading Company, Indiana Youth Center, Brightpoint North America, Wal-Mart, Indianapolis Raceway Park and Home Goods.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 114,694
- Education—High school graduate: 88.5%
- Education—Bachelor's or higher: 23.1%
- Per Capita personal income: $31,856
- Median household income: $55,208
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 2,044
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 2,043
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $154,557
Sources include U.S. Census Bureau; Indiana Business Research Center; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and HendricksCounty.com.
JOHNSON COUNTY
Franklin, the county seat of Johnson County, is located 20 miles south of Indianapolis just off I-65 and U.S. Highway 31. Its location has allowed it to keep a small-town identity while still benefiting from metropolitan Indianapolis.Greenwood, Johnson County's largest city, ranks as one of central Indiana's premier cities. Located only 12 miles from Indianapolis, recreational opportunities abound at neighborhood parks, and retail shopping is plentiful, varied and convenient for all.
Communities in Johnson County include Greenwood, Franklin, New Whiteland, Whiteland, Edinburgh, Bargersville and Trafalgar.
Johnson county school systems include:
- Center Grove Community School Corporation
- Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation
- Edinburgh Community School Corporation
- Franklin Community School Corporation
- Greenwood Community School Corporation
- Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United School Corporation
The Greenwood, Center Grove and Clark-Pleasant school corporations offer one of the most comprehensive K-12 public school programs available in Indiana.
Key attractions in Johnson County include Franklin College and Franklin Fall Festival, as well as shopping and entertainment venues.
Johnson County's largest employers include Advantage Engineering, Inc.; Aldi, Inc.; Alpine Electronics; American Industrial and Endress + Hauser; and Nachi Technology.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 123, 256
- Education – High school graduate: 85.7 %
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 23.1%
- Per Capita personal income: $29,936
- Median household income: $52,693
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 1,335
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 1,843
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $146, 350
Sources include Indiana Business Research Center, Franklin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce, SoutherIN.com and MIBOR.
MARION COUNTY
Marion County is located in the heart of Indiana. Known as the Crossroads of America, Interstates 465, 65, 70, 69, and 74 all run throughout the county. Other metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville are only within a few hours drive.Indianapolis, the county seat as well as the state capitol, has many things to offer. The "Circle City"—named due to the wagon wheel layout of the city—has professional sporting events, shopping venues and cultural opportunities, such as museums, art galleries and musical performances.
With the largest population in Indiana, Marion County has many opportunities for business, recreation, entertainment and comfortable and affordable living.
Communities in Marion County (in decreasing order of size) include Indianapolis, Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Cumberland, Southport, Meridian Hills, Warren Park, Clermont, Homecroft, Rocky Ripple, Williams Creek, Wynnedale, Crows Nest, Spring Hill and North Crows Nest.
There are 11 school districts in Marion County.
- Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), the state's largest school system, serves students within the old city boundaries.
- The remaining districts of Beech Grove, Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Speedway, Warren, Washington and Wayne serve the rest of the county. IPS has over 200 schools and a variety of special programming and alternative schools, such as MAGNET learning programs.
Key attractions include White River State Park; NCAA Hall of Champions; sporting events such as the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Indians; Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; and Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Largest employers in Marion County include Eli Lilly & Co., Rolls-Royce and Allison Transmission.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 863,251
- Education – High school graduate: 81.6%
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 25.4%
- Per capita personal income: $32,129
- Median household income: $40,421
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 4,978
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 13,237
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $118,179
Sources include MIBOR, Indygov.com, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Business Research Center.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The Montgomery County seat, Crawfordsville, is located 47 miles northwest of Indianapolis. It is conveniently spaced between Lafayette and Indianapolis, near I-74 and I-65. Crawfordsville ranks 43rd on the roster in The Best 100 Small Towns in America, according to author Norman Crampton.Montgomery County is known to be one of the most diverse communities in America. Citizens pride themselves in their progressive culture. The community conveniences include restaurants, lodging, museums, theaters and other cultural attractions. Montgomery County has been referred to as the "Athens of Indiana," due to the amount of nationally known writers that have lived in the county.
Communities include Darlington, Linden, New Richmond, Wingate, Waynetown, Alamo, New Market, New Ross, Ladoga, Browns Valley, Waveland and Crawfordsville.
The School districts in Montgomery County include:
- Crawfordsville Community School Corporation
- North Montgomery School Corporation
- South Montgomery School Corporation.
Key attractions include the Ben-Hur Museum, Lane Place, Old Jail Museum, Clements Canoes and Wabash College.
The largest employers in Montgomery County are Alcoa CSI, Nucor Steel Corporation, Pace Dairy Foods of Indiana, R.R. Donnelly and Sons, Raybestos Products, and Acuity Lighting.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 37,911
- Education – High school graduate: 85.7%
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 14.7%
- Per Capita personal income: $24,725
- Median household income: $41,297
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 177
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 495
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $94,007
Sources include Crawfordsville and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Business Research Center, Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Montgomery County Economic Development, and MIBOR.
MORGAN COUNTY
Located just south of Indianapolis, Martinsville — the county seat of Morgan County — is sometimes called the "Artesian City," a reference to when it was known for its mineral springs and sanitariums.While Morgan County is mostly a rural county, the population grew nearly 20 percent between 1990 and 2000. Household incomes are well over the national average, and homes are available in great numbers and in various price ranges.
Morgan County has a healthy and diverse economy consisting of both large and small manufacturing ventures spread throughout the county. With foreign investments moving into the community, the Mooresville International Culture Council helps promote cultures of various nationalities. In addition, the Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides many recreational opportunities.
Communities include Martinsville, Mooresville and Brooklyn.
Morgan County has three school districts, including:
- Martinsville Schools
- Monroe-Gregg School District
- The Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation
Key attractions include Zydeco's Cajun Restaurant; Morgan-Monroe State Forest; the world's largest goldfish hatchery, Cikana State Fish Hatchery; and the Fall Foliage Festival.
Largest employers include Harman-Becker Automotive Systems; Nice-Pak Products, Inc.; and TOA (USA), LCC.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 68,656
- Education – High school graduate: 80.7%
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 12.6%
- Per capita personal income: $27,294
- Median household income: $47,739
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 346
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 804
- Average residential resale housing sales price: $133,973
Sources include Morgan County Economic Development Council, Indiana Business Research Center, CyberIndiana.com, Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, and SouthernIN.com.
SHELBY COUNTY
Shelby County is conveniently located 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis near both I-74 and I-65. Shelby County also has state Routes 9, 44 and 244, and U.S. Highway 52 that provide easy access to all parts of the area.Shelby County boasts strengths in all facets of the community, including many job opportunities, cultural and recreational outlets, and unique and affordable residential areas. The county seat, Shelbyville, provides a diverse culture full of opportunities for growth and learning.
Communities include Shelbyville, Fairland and Morristown.
Shelby County has five school systems that include:
- Shelbyville Central Schools
- St. Joseph Catholic School
- Shelby Eastern Schools
- Southwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County
- Northwestern Consolidated Schools.
Key attractions you can enjoy include Historic Mainstreet in Shelbyville, Indiana Downs, and Louis H. and Lena Firn Grover Museum.
Largest employers include Knauf Fiberglass GmbH, PK USA Inc., and Pilkington.
Other facts and figures:
- Population: 43,717
- Education – High school graduate: 79.8%
- Education – Bachelor's or higher: 12.7%
- Per Capita personal income: $27,093
- Median household income: $43,649
- New construction building permits issued in 2003: 162
- Residential housing units sold in 2003: 538
- Average residential resale housing sales price: 108,655
Sources include Indiana Business Research Center, MIBOR, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and Shelby County Economic Development Council.
