Independent Living in Indiana

Indiana Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to community records in Indiana.

In Indiana, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Indiana is considered to be more affordable than the national average. The state’s costs are lower than the national average in every index category. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 90
• Groceries: 93
• Housing: 77
• Utilities: 97
• Transportation: 93

Demographics

About 16% of Indiana’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Indiana leaned considerably conservative. Indiana has a large manufacturing industry and many people in the state pride themselves on their blue-collar background and strong work ethic. Indiana is the largest producer of steel in the United States, and the country’s second largest automotive manufacturer.

2016 Presidential Election

• Voted Democratic: 38%
• Voted Republican: 57%
• Voted third party: 5%

Population

• Median age: 38
• Over the age of 55: 29%
• 2018 population: 6,691,878
• 2020 population: 6,755,926
• Estimated 2025 population: 6,918,741

Miscellaneous

• 37% regularly attend a religious service
• 37% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 9,061 congregations
• There are 453 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Indiana’s climate varies between the northern and southern parts of the state. In the north, Indiana has a humid continental type of climate. This means that this region experiences four distinct seasons including hot, humid summers and cold winters. The northern part of the state borders the edge of Lake Michigan and is located within the north-central Snowbelt. This region receives upwards of 75” of snow per year. The southern portion of the state has a humid subtropical climate with extremely hot and humid summers. Indiana has a high average relative humidity level of 70%. July is the peak month for humidity, and portions of the state can see relative humidity levels rise above 90%.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 72%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 6” (May)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 36 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 51 in May (Moderate)

Moderate air quality means that those who are sensitive to particulates in the air should limit the amount of time they spend on outdoor exertion.

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 52°F
• Average summer temperature: 73°F
• Typical summer high: 89°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 56°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 29°F
• Typical winter high: 48°F (February)
• Typical winter low: 13°F (January)