Recent headlines and moving site anecdotes often suggest that people are “fleeing” Indiana, but the latest data paints a far more nuanced—and even optimistic—picture.
While some residents continue to move out, Indiana has experienced notable population growth in recent years, fueled largely by migration, especially international arrivals. This article examines the most recent statistics and analyses to clarify Indiana’s true population trends in 2024 and 2025.
Indiana’s Population: Growth, Not Decline
Contrary to the narrative of mass exodus, Indiana’s population is steadily increasing. The state’s estimated population for 2025 stands at 6,892,120, reflecting ongoing growth over the past decade. In 2024 alone, Indiana added 44,144 residents, marking its largest annual increase since 2008.
Migration Patterns: Who Is Moving In and Out?
According to Consumer Affairs, 150,649 people moved to Indiana in 2023, while 120,876 moved out, resulting in a net gain of 29,773 residents. This net positive migration challenges the notion that more people are leaving than arriving.
The key driver behind this growth is international migration. In 2024, more than 70% of Indiana’s population growth came from international arrivals, including foreign-born individuals, U.S. citizens returning from abroad, and those moving between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Domestic migration also contributed, with a net inflow of 4,268 residents from other U.S. states in 2024.
Regional and Demographic Shifts
Urban Centers: Marion County (home to Indianapolis) saw the largest influx, with a net gain of over 10,000 immigrants in 2024…