How Many Cities Are in Indiana? 197 Incorporated Municipalities

Indiana has **197 incorporated cities and towns** (collectively "municipalities") as per the **Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT)** and state records.

Population Tiers

• 20 "First Class" Cities (>35,000 pop): **Indianapolis (880k), Fort Wayne (270k), Evansville (117k), South Bend (103k), Carmel (102k), Fishers (98k), Bloomington (85k), Hammond (77k), Gary (69k), Lafayette (71k), Muncie (65k), Noblesville (69k), Terre Haute (58k), Greenwood (63k), Kokomo (59k), Anderson (55k), Elkhart (53k), Mishawaka (51k), Jeffersonville (50k), Columbus (50k).**
• ~177 Towns / Smaller Cities (<35,000): Range from **~30,000 down to <100** (e.g., **St. Paul, Pop. 42**).

Key Distinctions (Indiana Code)

• City: **≥2,000 population** (petition + referendum). Governed by **Mayor + Common Council**.
• Town: **<2,000 population** (or chose not to become city). Governed by **Town Council (3–5 members) + Clerk-Treasurer**. **No Mayor.**
• Township: **Civil township** (survey unit) – distinct from municipal government. Provides fire, poor relief, assessment.

Note

**Indianapolis / Marion County** is a **Consolidated City-County (Unigov)**—unique in Indiana. **County seats** often drive town growth.

Total **incorporated places: 197**. **Unincorporated communities (CDPs, crossroads):** Hundreds more (e.g., **Georgetown, New Palestine, Lake Cicott**).