Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the United States with a population of over 860,000. Metropolitan Indianapolis includes a nine-county area with a combined population of over 1.6 million, experiencing an increase of 16.4% since 1990. Indianapolis is one of the few midwestern metropolitan areas to achieve this level of growth. The most centrally located city of the top 100 markets in the country, Indianapolis is served by more segments of interstate highway than any other metropolitan area, marking it as a premier distribution center. More than 65% of the U.S. population lives within 700 miles of Indianapolis.

Diversity and steady growth have long been the hallmarks of the Indianapolis economy. Indy boasts diverse strengths in manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service sectors and is progressing toward becoming the Midwest's premier high-tech center for research and development.

Indianapolis has long been a major center for sporting events, earning the nickname "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" and boasting world-class sports facilities and national sports organizations. Indy also boasts some of professional sport's premier events: the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, the RCA Tennis Championships, the NHRA Nationals, and the Brickyard 400. Indy is home to the NFL Colts, the NBA Pacers, the WNBA Fever, and the AAA Indians. Indy is also known for its arts and entertainment attractions, including the world's largest children's museum, historic landmarks, and White River State Park, which encompasses the 78-acre Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the new White River Gardens.

Sources: Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, U.S. Census Bureau

• Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
• Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association
• Indianapolis Downtown
• City of Indianapolis