West central indiana regional plan
The West Central Indiana Partnership is producing results through the West Central Indiana Regional Plan, and the plan is producing visible results. From workforce development and child care expansion to housing, infrastructure and downtown revitalization, projects are moving forward across all five counties. These investments reflect what’s possible when we align around shared goals and act with purpose.
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Five priorities.
One regional future.
The WCIP's work centers on five priorities that aim to increase the population and per capita income across West Central Indiana. Each priority addresses a real regional opportunity, outlines clear action steps and tracks measurable outcomes. Together, they form the backbone of our Regional Plan and guide how we align funding, leadership and partnerships for long-term impact.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Five counties. One region. Shared momentum.
Regional challenges and opportunities do not stop at county lines. By aligning leadership, organizations and resources across Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties, the West Central Indiana Partnership is helping the region compete more effectively for funding, economic growth and
long-term opportunity.
Expand Housing Availability & Affordability
More housing choices for a growing region.
A strong region needs housing that meets the needs of current and future residents at every stage of life. Through regional collaboration, West Central Indiana is expanding housing availability and affordability to support employers, attract and retain talent, encourage population growth and strengthen the long-term stability of our region.
Invest in Regional Infrastructure
Building stronger connections across West Central Indiana.
Reliable infrastructure supports every part of regional growth and long-term competitiveness. Strategic investments in transportation, utilities, broadband and essential systems help connect people, businesses and communities while improving access to opportunity, strengthening quality of life and supporting economic development in our region.
Promote Economic & Workforce Development
Growing careers and keeping talent local.
A strong workforce is the foundation of regional prosperity. By strengthening career pathways, aligning education and training with industry needs, and supporting employers across key sectors, the West Central Indiana Partnership is creating more opportunities for people to build successful futures close to home.
Expand Housing Availability & Affordability
More housing choices for a growing region.
A strong region needs housing that meets the needs of current and future residents at every stage of life. Through regional collaboration, West Central Indiana is expanding housing availability and affordability to support employers, attract and retain talent, encourage population growth and strengthen the long-term stability of our region.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Five counties. One region. Shared momentum.
Regional challenges and opportunities do not stop at county lines. By aligning leadership, organizations and resources across Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties, the West Central Indiana Partnership is helping the region compete more effectively for funding, economic growth and
long-term opportunity.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Invest in Regional Infrastructure
Building stronger connections across West Central Indiana.
Reliable infrastructure supports every part of regional growth and long-term competitiveness. Strategic investments in transportation, utilities, broadband and essential systems help connect people, businesses and communities while improving access to opportunity, strengthening quality of life and supporting economic development in our region.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Five counties. One region. Shared momentum.
Regional challenges and opportunities do not stop at county lines. By aligning leadership, organizations and resources across Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties, the West Central Indiana Partnership is helping the region compete more effectively for funding, economic growth and
long-term opportunity.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Expand Housing Availability & Affordability
More housing choices for a growing region.
A strong region needs housing that meets the needs of current and future residents at every stage of life. Through regional collaboration, West Central Indiana is expanding housing availability and affordability to support employers, attract and retain talent, encourage population growth and strengthen the long-term stability of our region.
Invest in Regional Infrastructure
Building stronger connections across West Central Indiana.
Reliable infrastructure supports every part of regional growth and long-term competitiveness. Strategic investments in transportation, utilities, broadband and essential systems help connect people, businesses and communities while improving access to opportunity, strengthening quality of life and supporting economic development in our region.
Promote Economic & Workforce Development
Growing careers and keeping talent local.
A strong workforce is the foundation of regional prosperity. By strengthening career pathways, aligning education and training with industry needs, and supporting employers across key sectors, the West Central Indiana Partnership is creating more opportunities for people to build successful futures close to home.
Enhance place making & Quality of Life
Creating places people want to call home.
Quality of place shapes quality of life and plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents. From recreation and the arts to healthcare, child care and community amenities, West Central Indiana is investing in the places, experiences and connections that strengthen community vibrancy and make the region a great place to live, work and play.
Enhance place making & Quality of Life
Enhance place making & Quality
of Life
Creating places people want to call home.
Quality of place shapes quality of life and plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents. From recreation and the arts to healthcare, child care and community amenities, West Central Indiana is investing in the places, experiences and connections that strengthen community vibrancy and make the region a great place to live, work and play.
Enhance place making & Quality of Life
Promote Economic & Workforce Development
Growing careers and keeping talent local.
A strong workforce is the foundation of regional prosperity. By strengthening career pathways, aligning education and training with industry needs, and supporting employers across key sectors, the West Central Indiana Partnership is creating more opportunities for people to build successful futures close to home.
Enhance place making & Quality
of Life
Creating places people want to call home.
Quality of place shapes quality of life and plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents. From recreation and the arts to healthcare, child care and community amenities, West Central Indiana is investing in the places, experiences and connections that strengthen community vibrancy and make the region a great place to live, work and play.
Enhance place making & Quality of Life
Child care & Family Support
Supporting working families strengthens the entire region.
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to supporting working families, strengthening the workforce and growing the regional economy. Through the Grow Up IN West Central Indiana Child Care Plan, the West Central Indiana Partnership is helping lead regional efforts to expand child care access and support providers across the region. Recent investments include a combined $4 million investment that expanded child care capacity by 348 seats in Vigo County through programs at Indiana State University and Chances and Services for Youth (CASY).
Child care & Family Support
Supporting working families strengthens the entire region.
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to supporting working families, strengthening the workforce and growing the regional economy. Through the Grow Up IN West Central Indiana Child Care Plan, the West Central Indiana Partnership is helping lead regional efforts to expand child care access and support providers across the region. Recent investments include a combined $4 million investment that expanded child care capacity by 348 seats in Vigo County through programs at Indiana State University and Chances and Services for Youth (CASY).
The numbers behind
Our Regional Momentum
We believe progress should be measurable. That’s why we track key regional indicators, including population trends, per capita income, workforce participation and housing availability, and share them transparently.
185,382
2024 Population
185,883
2025 Population
Across West Central Indiana's five-county region, the population increased by 501 residents (0.3% growth) from 2024 to 2025, bringing the total population to 185,883.
Through the work of the Regional Plan, the West Central Indiana Partnership is diligently working to increase the region's population through proven methods such as workforce development efforts, housing investments, downtown development, business expansion and quality of place initiatives.
The numbers behind
Our Regional Momemtum
Regional progress is strengthened by data and accountability. We track key indicators, including population trends, per capita income, workforce participation and housing availability, to measure outcomes, identify opportunities and help guide future investments across West Central Indiana.
$50,953
2025 Regional Per Capita Income
$63,802
2025 State Per Capita Income
West Central Indiana’s per capita personal income currently stands at 79.8% of the Indiana average.
The Regional Plan's goal is to raise it to 85% within the next decade. However, Indiana trails the national average, which is $73,207.
