Indianapolis, Ind.

Mayor: Greg Ballard (to Dec. 2011)

2010 census population (rank): 820,445 (12); Male: 396,346 (48.3%); Female: 424,099 (51.7%); White: 507,005 (61.8%); Black: 225,355 (27.5%); American Indian and Alaska Native: 2,611 (0.3%); Asian: 17,236 (2.1%); Other race: 44,789 (4.9%); Two or more races: 23,065 (2.8%); Hispanic/Latino: 77,352 (9.4%). 2010 population 18 and over: 615,590; 65 and over: 86,036 (10.5%); Median age: 34.

2005 population estimate (rank): 784,118 (12)

See additional census data

Land area: 366 sq mi. (948 sq km);

Alt.: Highest, 840 ft.; lowest, 700 ft.

Avg. daily temp.: Jan., 25.5° F; July, 75.4° F

Churches¹: 1,191;

City-owned parks: 172 (10,174 ac.);

Radio stations²: AM, 8; FM, 17;

Television stations¹: 7

Civilian Labor Force (MSA) 2008: 905,000;²

Unemployed: 5.1;²;

Per capita personal income (MSA) 2010: $24,443²

Chamber of Commerce: Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, 111 Monument Circle, Ste. 1950, Indianapolis, IN 46204

1. Marion County.

2. Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.

2. Metropolitan area.

Indianapolis, the largest city in Indiana and seat of Marion County, is located in the central part of the state on the West Fork of the White River. Its name derives from combining “Indiana” with “polis,” the Greek word for city.

Indianapolis was settled in 1820, and five years later it was chosen as the state capital. It was incorporated as a city in 1832 and reincorporated in 1838. The city's growth began when the railroad reached it in 1847. Toward the end of the 19th century, the discovery of nearby natural gas and the start of the automobile industry hastened its industrial expansion. In 1970, Indianapolis merged with surrounding Marion County.

Indianapolis is at the center of a rich agricultural region and is a major grain and livestock market. It is also a focal point of commerce, transportation, and manufacturing for the region. Some leading industries are electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The financial sector and service and insurance industries are growing rapidly.

Indianapolis is the site of the world-famous 500-mile automobile race and the Indiana State Fair.

See also Encyclopedia: Indianapolis.