Evansville 63 Average
Evansville Livability #416 ranked city in Indiana#15,047 ranked city in the USARanks better than 48% of areas
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Evansville, IN - The River City

Evansville, Indiana, known as "The River City," is a vibrant community located along the Ohio River. With its rich history, diverse cultural scene, and strong economy, Evansville offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in Evansville an attractive option.

Residents of Evansville enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Evansville Riverfront, with its scenic views and walking paths, is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science are cultural highlights that enrich the community.

Evansville's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana, which contribute to the city's vibrant academic and cultural environment.

The cost of living in Evansville is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.

Public transportation in Evansville is provided by METS (Metropolitan Evansville Transit System), facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Evansville's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Evansville offers a blend of historic charm, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.

Pros and Cons of Living in Evansville

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Evansville?

Evansville is a medium-sized city located in the state of Indiana. The city has a population of 121,758 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (80% White). Given that fact, Evansville could be considered less diverse than other cities. Evansville is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Evansville is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Evansville is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Indiana, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Evansville and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education and other important metrics.

The livability score in Evansville is 66 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 61st percentile of all cities across America. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Evansville has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Evansville. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F) and employment (D-).

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Evansville apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Evansville meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Evansville. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Evansville are simply unattainable. The median home price for Evansville homes is $177,325, which is 21.9% lower than the Indiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Evansville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower than the Indiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Evansville

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Compare Evansville, IN Livability

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      Evansville transportation information

      Statistic Evansville Indiana National
      Average one way commute19min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.9%83.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.4%8.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%2.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.1%3.5%4.6%
      Source: The Evansville, IN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.