Indiana's Population Grows 44,144 Amid Immigration Surge

Indiana experienced its largest population increase in over 15 years, with an estimated total of 6.92 million residents in 2024, adding 44,144 people, primarily due to international migration. Approximately 70% of this growth, or 30,852 residents, resulted from net international migration, according to the Indiana Business Research Center. The Indianapolis metropolitan area accounted for 60% of the state's growth, while 73 of Indiana's 92 counties saw population increases. Despite this positive trend, experts express concerns that it may not offset long-term projections of population decline in the state. The demographic shifts contrast sharply with previous growth patterns seen in 2008, where natural increases from births dominated population growth. The influx of international migrants is particularly noted in rural and mid-sized counties, which are typically not part of designated metropolitan areas.