What is the Capital of Indiana?

Jan 9, 2026, 02:43 EDT

The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis, which is the largest city of the Hoosier State with a population of 891,484 citizens. Read about the capital of Indiana, what it is known for, Indianapolis population and famous landmarks.

In the Midwest region of the United States, lies Indiana also known as the Hoosier State. It is surrounded by Michigan Lake, Wabash River & Ohio River and the 38th state of America by area. 

But do you know the Capital of Indiana? The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis. It is a vital city for state governance, sports culture, Hoosier hospitality and transportation. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 data, Indianapolis boasts a population of over 891,484, making it Indiana's largest city and a key economic driver.

Read about the capital of Indiana, what it is known for, Indianapolis population and famous landmarks.

What is the Capital of Indiana?

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and was formed in 1825 as a central administrative location for the state.

Situated on the White River, in Marion County, it was designated as the state capital following the attainment of Indiana Statehood in 1816. 

The city's street grid system, based on Washington, D.C., has streets radiating from Monument Circle. Its positioning reflects the city's nickname 'Crossroads of America,' as several national roads meet there. 

Why is Indianapolis so Famous?

Indianapolis is famous for being the “Racing Capital of the World”. It has a significant contribution to manufacturing, culture and being a planned capital which became a destination city.

Its racing heritage is best as it is the home of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held every year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1911.

It is also known as the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World," as it hosts the NBA's Indiana Pacers and NFL's Indianapolis Colts.

In terms of historical background, this city is where the Super Bowl of 1972 took place. It is known for its Midwestern charm and urban excitement, attracting visitors all year.

What is the Population of Indiana?

As of recent U.S. Census estimates, Indiana's population stands at about 6.8 million, with Indianapolis anchoring over 13% of residents.

The Indianapolis Population is 891,484 citizens according to the recent U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates.

The metropolitan area of the capital has more than 2 million and economic vitality is nurtured through a variety of industries. 

Indiana is the 17th most populous U.S. state, with steady urban migration. These figures give evidence that Indianapolis is a population and opportunity center.

Famous Indianapolis Museums and Landmarks

Indianapolis has museums and attractions that showcase art, science, history, and sports that make it a cultural capital. 

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest and has dinosaur displays and planetarium presentations for interactive education.

Landmark

Key Feature

Visitor Draw

Indiana Statehouse

Historic capitol with murals and architecture

Government tours, free entry

Indianapolis Museum of Art

54,000 artworks across 152 acres

Gardens, trails, global collections

White River State Park

Canal walks, zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions

Outdoor events, 4 million annual visitors

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

284-foot tower with observation deck

Downtown focal point, Civil War memorial

(Source: statesymbolsusa)

Check Out: Who is the Governor of Indiana?

Conclusion

The “Crossroads of America,” the name that Indianapolis has long reserved for itself, remains the unchallenged capital of Indiana. The city, famous for sports and a diverse array of cultural attractions, has been serving these purposes for over two centuries. The takeaway: When planning the next road trip, make sure to hit the landmarks of Indy.

Alisha Louis
Alisha Louis

Content Writer

    Alisha Louis is a US Content Specialist with a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) graduate degree. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she specializes in covering trending news and educational developments across the United States. Her work combines journalistic precision with engaging narratives, making complex topics accessible and relevant for a diverse audience. Dedicated to delivering timely and trustworthy content, Alisha brings a fresh, insightful perspective to every piece she writes.

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