Indiana outpaces neighboring states in population growth, adding nearly 39,000 residents in 2025

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

4-20-26 Monday News 2 A.M. E-6

Indiana's population continues to climb, with the state adding nearly 39,000 new residents in 2025. According to a recent release from State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen), this growth outpaces all neighboring states as well as the national average.

Data analyzed by the Indiana Business Research Center at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business shows the state added exactly 38,579 residents last year, bringing Indiana's total population to 6.97 million. While the growth rate slowed slightly compared to the previous year, the 2025 gains still rank as the state's seventh-largest annual increase over the past two decades.

More than 80% of Indiana's population gains are attributed to people moving into the state rather than natural increase. Notably, net domestic migration more than doubled, jumping from 6,024 people in 2024 to 12,197 in 2025.

For the fourth consecutive year, net international migration remained the largest single source of Indiana’s growth, bringing in a net inflow of 17,852 residents. However, while it is still the state's leading source of growth, this figure represents a 53% decline in international migration compared to 2024.

The population boom is being felt across both urban and rural communities. Central Indiana's Boone and Hancock counties, along with southern Indiana's Clark County, rank as the fastest-growing areas. Meanwhile, Hamilton, Johnson, and Allen counties added the highest total number of new residents. Rural areas are also seeing significant upticks, particularly in Madison, Parke, and Owen counties.

State Rep. Jordan attributes the influx of new Hoosiers to the state's strong economic growth and job opportunities, noting that Indiana's GDP continues to lead neighboring states.

"House Republicans have worked to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and lower the cost of living for families – all of which are helping to fuel this growth," Jordan said in the release. "This session, we focused on new laws to prioritize housing and energy affordability."