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Anderson, Indiana

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

67
Overall Score

Anderson, Indiana, is a mid-sized city in Madison County, serving as its county seat. With a population of approximately 56,404 in 2026, the city is experiencing a steady growth rate. Anderson is known for its blend of established housing, practical access to jobs, and a variety of local amenities and events. It's also home to Anderson University and the headquarters of the Church of God (Anderson).

About Indiana

Indiana, known as the "Hoosier State," offers a practical and community-oriented lifestyle with a cost of living generally below the national average. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing (automotive, steel, pharmaceuticals, medical devices), agriculture (corn, soybeans, hogs), life sciences, and logistics. The state experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters, with spring and fall offering more moderate temperatures. Residents often value a relaxed pace of life, strong community ties, and access to outdoor activities and major metropolitan areas.

56,404
Population
$50K
Avg Salary
84
Cost Index
67.0
Quality Score
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 63.8 25% 15.9
Economy & jobs Median household income: $46,909 Income needed to live here: $34,800 Unemployment rate: 3.7% 73.6 20% 14.7
Growth Population growth rate: 0.45% Job growth rate: 2.45% 52.6 15% 7.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 67.0

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=92 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 10 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Anderson

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Anderson is notably lower than both the national and state averages, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly below the national average, which is a major draw for residents. While housing is more budget-friendly, other expenses like food and transportation are also generally more affordable than the national average.

Average Rent
$957/mo
Groceries
$401/mo
Transport
$381/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$276/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$401.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Anderson offers a diverse job market with opportunities in various sectors. The average annual salary in Anderson is around $50,050 as of September 2026. Manufacturing and production roles, healthcare, and education are among the industries offering solid earnings. The city's location along the I-69 corridor provides convenient access to regional employment centers, including Indianapolis, which is about 38 miles away.

The average salary in Anderson is $50,050 per year. You would need approximately $34,800 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.50% Manufacturing +2.50% Education +2.10% Healthcare +1.80% Accommodation and Food Services +1.20%

Climate

🌡️
53°F
Avg Temp
☀️
83°F
Summer High
❄️
20°F
Winter Low
🌧️
36.20"
Annual Rain
💧
73.00%
Humidity
🌤️
241
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Anderson primarily involves driving, with most people driving alone to work. The city is well-connected by the I-69 corridor and State Roads 32, 67, and 9, facilitating both local and regional commuting. The average commute time for workers is around 24.7 minutes. The City of Anderson Transit System provides fixed-route and demand-responsive public transit services.

25 min
Avg Commute
40.00/10
Transit Score
47.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
The overall cost of living in Anderson is 16% lower than the national average.
The city offers practical access to jobs and regional commuting convenience due to its location on the I-69 corridor.
Healthcare costs are more affordable than the US average, with two local hospitals providing comprehensive services.
Anderson has a diverse range of local amenities, parks, and cultural attractions, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The median household income in Anderson is lower than the national and state averages.
The poverty rate in Anderson is higher than the state average.
While public transit exists, the city is largely car-dependent, with most residents driving to work.
Rent prices have seen a recent increase, with a 6.4% rise year over year as of October 2026.
The average salary in Anderson is lower than the national average.

Questions about Anderson

What people ask about living in and moving to Anderson, Indiana.

How are the public schools in Anderson rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Anderson offer a range of programs, from elementary to high school. Performance ratings vary by district; you can find detailed reports on the school district’s official website, which includes test scores, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings.

What public transportation options are available? Getting Around 1 answer

The city offers a local transit authority with bus routes that cover major residential and commercial zones. Buses run on a regular schedule, and you can find route maps and schedules on the transit website or through the city’s transportation department.

How does living in Anderson compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

The cost of living index in Anderson is 84, meaning expenses are about 16% below the national average. Housing, groceries, and utilities are cheaper, but some services may be slightly higher. Overall, you can expect to stretch your budget more compared to a city with a 100 index.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Anderson is $957 per month. Prices can vary by neighborhood and building amenities, but this figure gives a solid baseline for budgeting. Check local rental listings for current market variations.

What are the typical salaries like in Anderson? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Anderson is $50,050. Depending on your field, salaries may be slightly below the national median, but the lower cost of living helps balance the difference. Look up industry reports or local job boards for specific roles.

Is Anderson a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Anderson has a safety score of 72.0 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety compared to national averages. Crime rates are generally lower in residential neighborhoods, but it’s wise to review local police reports or community forums for specific areas of interest.

What healthcare facilities are nearby? Healthcare 1 answer

Anderson hosts a network of hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics that serve the community. These facilities provide a range of services from primary care to emergency treatment. Check the city’s health department website for a directory of providers and their specialties.

What are the top attractions for families in Anderson? Things to Do 1 answer

The city offers parks, museums, and community events that cater to families. Outdoor spaces feature playgrounds and picnic areas, while cultural venues host art exhibits and performances. Local event calendars and the tourism office list seasonal festivals and family-friendly activities.

What should I know about moving into Anderson? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Anderson, consider the average rent and cost of living to budget for housing and everyday expenses. Research utilities, local services, and community resources early. It’s helpful to connect with the city’s relocation guide or housing office for information on moving permits, utility setup, and neighborhood insights.

What is the overall vibe of Anderson? General 1 answer

Anderson blends small-town charm with accessible amenities. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, community events, and local businesses. The city’s cultural scene includes theaters, galleries, and historic sites that reflect its industrial heritage. Visiting neighborhood streets and speaking with locals can give you a true feel for the community atmosphere.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Anderson? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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