Carmel, Indiana

Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm

Midwest Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN Metro

Niche (2025)

#8 Best Cities to Live in America

Livability (2025)

#12 Top 100 Best Places to Live

WhereAtHome Score

74.5

C

out of 100

Overview

Carmel has earned national recognition for its innovative city planning, including extensive roundabout systems and mixed-use developments. The city offers excellent safety scores, strong schools, and convenient commuter access to Indianapolis. Its Arts & Design District and extensive trail system make it attractive to families and professionals alike.

Key Highlights

  • Nationally recognized for innovative urban planning
  • Over 140 roundabouts improving traffic flow and safety
  • Arts & Design District with galleries and restaurants
  • Monon Trail connects to Indianapolis
  • Top-rated Carmel Clay Schools
  • Very low crime rates

Key Metrics

Population 2024

104,776

Source: Census ACS

Median Home Value 2026

$580,014

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Median Household Income 2023

$121,400

Source: Census ACS

Average Commute 2023

23.5 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

28

Source: Walk Score

Crime Level 2024

Very Low

Source: FBI CDE

School Rating

2025

A (9/10)

Source: Curated

Cost of Living Index 2025

108 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Hamilton County (county-level results)

46%
52%
Democrat 90,394
Republican 102,318
Leans R+6.1

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

85°F

Winter Low

20°F

Annual Rainfall

42"

Sunny Days

186

Amenities & Infrastructure

21+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

2 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

Carmel Clay Schools IU Health North CNO Financial Group

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 35.4/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 57.6/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 62.3/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 95/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 28/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 63.7/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 74.5

Location

Carmel, IN (39.9784, -86.1180)
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Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.

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