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Carmel, Indiana

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

74
Overall Score

Carmel, Indiana, is a vibrant and affluent city known for its meticulously planned urban design, including a prominent Arts & Design District and numerous roundabouts that enhance traffic flow and aesthetics. The city consistently ranks high for its quality of life, attracting residents with its thriving economy, top-rated schools, and excellent healthcare facilities. Carmel has experienced significant growth, transforming from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub that balances residential charm with robust business opportunities.

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.

106,568
Population
$68K
Avg Salary
96
Cost Index
74.3
Quality Score
How this 74/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 96 / 100 96.0 30% 28.8
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 96.0 48.8 25% 12.2
Economy & jobs Median household income: $141,505 Income needed to live here: $63,207 Unemployment rate: 3% 93.8 20% 18.8
Growth Population growth rate: 0.88% Job growth rate: 1.34% 46.9 15% 7.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 74.3

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=96 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 24 September 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 Carmel

Featured local businesses in Carmel.

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
82
Affordability
68
Growth
73

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Carmel is slightly higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96, meaning it is 4% less expensive than the national average according to one source, while another indicates it is 1% higher. Housing is identified as the largest single cost for residents, with median home values significantly above the national average. While food and transportation costs are generally more affordable than the national average, the overall expense of living in Carmel is driven up by its desirable housing market.

Average Rent
$2,450/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$399/mo
Utilities
$282/mo
Healthcare
$290/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Carmel boasts a robust job market, with an average salary of approximately $67,750 per year as of July-September 2026. The city's economy is primarily driven by industries such as Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Manufacturing. Many corporate headquarters and regional offices are concentrated along the Meridian Corridor, contributing to a strong entrepreneurial climate. The area has seen a job growth rate of 1.34% in 2024, indicating a healthy and expanding employment landscape.

The average salary in Carmel is $67,750 per year. You would need approximately $63,207 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.00% Manufacturing +1.80% Health Care & Social Assistance +2.00% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +2.50% Finance and Insurance +1.50%

Climate

🌡️
54°F
Avg Temp
☀️
84°F
Summer High
❄️
20°F
Winter Low
🌧️
37.40"
Annual Rain
💧
%
Humidity
🌤️
238
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Carmel is largely car-dependent, though the city has made significant efforts to improve walkability and bicycle infrastructure, notably with the Monon Trail. Carmel is famous for its extensive use of roundabouts, which were implemented to enhance traffic efficiency and safety. While public transit options are limited, the city's design aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, particularly in areas like the City Center and Arts & Design District.

min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Carmel boasts a high median household income of $141,505 as of 2024, significantly above the national average.
The city has an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 3% as of July 2026.
Carmel is recognized for its high safety, with a safety index of 96 and a total crime rate of 0.88%.
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare options, including multiple hospitals and specialty care centers.
The city offers a high quality of life with award-winning schools, extensive parks, and a vibrant Arts & Design District.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Carmel is slightly higher than the national average, with housing being a primary driver of costs.
There is a noted shortage of entry-level housing options, making it challenging for young professionals and those looking to downsize.
Average rent prices have increased by 3.9% year-over-year as of September 2026.
Home care costs in Carmel are approximately 25-36% higher than both the Indiana state and national averages.
The average salary in Carmel ($67,750) is lower than the national average GDP per capita ($90,027), indicating a potential gap in earning power relative to the country's overall economic output.

Questions about Carmel

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

What makes Carmel a desirable place to live? General 1 answer

Carmel offers a blend of safe, well‑planned neighborhoods, strong public schools, and a low cost of living relative to the national average. The community hosts a variety of cultural events, has ample parks and recreational facilities, and maintains a clean, organized cityscape. Its proximity to major employment centers and a robust local economy make it appealing for families and professionals alike.

How does Carmel's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Carmel's cost of living index is 96, which is slightly below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are a bit cheaper than in many parts of the country. With an average salary of $67,750 per year, you should find that your income covers typical living costs comfortably, especially when combined with the modest rent levels in the area.

What are typical rent prices for a two-bedroom apartment in Carmel? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a two-bedroom unit in Carmel is about $2,450 per month. This figure reflects the current market for mid-range apartments and condominiums. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you might consider studios or smaller units, whereas larger family homes will generally cost more. Checking local rental listings will give you a clearer idea of the range and availability.

Where can I find quality healthcare services in Carmel? Healthcare 1 answer

Carmel hosts several medical facilities that provide primary care, specialty services, and emergency care. These include clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals that offer a full range of services from routine checkups to advanced treatments. You can locate the nearest facility by using the city’s health services directory or by searching online for providers in the area.

What is the quality of public schools in Carmel? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Carmel are known for strong academic programs and high student achievement. They offer a range of extracurricular activities and support services. Parents can review school performance reports, visit school websites, and attend open houses to assess factors such as class sizes, teacher qualifications, and community involvement before making a decision.

What public transportation options are available for commuting? Getting Around 1 answer

The city offers a local transit system that includes bus routes connecting residential areas to commercial centers and nearby employment hubs. Buses run regularly during peak hours and have routes that serve major thoroughfares. For schedules, route maps, and fare information, check the city’s transit authority website or mobile app, which also provides real‑time tracking.

What should I know about moving my household to Carmel? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Carmel, consider the local housing market, average rent, and cost of living to budget appropriately. Plan your move by securing a reputable moving company, scheduling utilities to start on arrival, and registering with the city’s resident portal for services like trash pickup and local voting. It’s also wise to explore local neighborhoods early to find the best fit for your lifestyle and commute.

Is there a strong job market in Carmel for tech professionals? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Carmel has a growing economy with several businesses in technology and related fields. The local employment scene offers roles in software development, data analysis, and IT support. Job seekers can browse online job boards and local business directories to find openings. Networking through community events or industry meetups can also help uncover opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

How safe is Carmel compared to other suburbs? Safety 1 answer

Carmel scores 96.0 out of 100 on safety metrics, indicating a very low crime rate compared to many other suburbs. Residents frequently cite well-maintained streets, active neighborhood watch programs, and a strong police presence as contributing factors. For up-to-date crime statistics, you can consult local law enforcement reports or community safety dashboards.

What are popular outdoor activities in Carmel? Things to Do 1 answer

The area features numerous parks, trails, and green spaces suitable for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Many parks have well-maintained paths, playgrounds, and community gardens. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal events, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts hosted in these public spaces. Checking the city’s parks and recreation webpage will give you a schedule of upcoming activities.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Carmel? 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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