The Numbers Behind Our Regional Momentum

REGIONAL MOMENTUM BY THE NUMBERS

The West Central Indiana Regional Plan, launched in 2025, provides a shared roadmap to strengthen our economy, communities and quality of life. Tracking progress through data keeps us accountable, helps us measure what’s working and allows us to adjust strategies when needed. This ensures our efforts are effective.

The two clear Key Performance Indicators are Driving Population Growth and Elevating Per Capita Income Toward the State Average. Why do these matter?

Population Growth is the net increase in the number of people living in an area over time. Growing our population expands the workforce for employers, increases the local tax base and signals to investors that our communities are competitive and attractive. If a population declines in a community and region, businesses, local governments and residents are directly impacted. 

Per Capita Income is the average pre tax income earned per person in a specific area, calculated by dividing total personal income by total population. It includes wages, salaries, dividends, rent and government transfers. It reflects overall economic strength and signals upward mobility.

In addition, we track other metrics tied to the West Central Indiana Regional Plan. We benchmark counties against one another and measure regional progress against the state. Below you’ll find data and graphs outlining our two primary Key Performance Indicators along with supporting metrics.

West Central Indiana saw a 2.5% population decline from 2010 to 2020, with every county contributing. While the loss has leveled off and recent data shows slight increases, focusing on growth is essential to strengthen our region.

Over the five-year period, Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties saw modest population increases, while Clay, and Sullivan counties experienced slight declines. Parke County had the highest growth rate at 2.1%

West Central Indiana’s per capita personal income currently stands at 79.8% of the Indiana average. Our goal is to raise it to 85% within the next decade. However, Indiana trails the national average.

The green arrows indicate that the county moved closer to the state average as a percentage from 2020-2024, while the red arrows show that a county has moved further away from the state average as a percentage. Parke and Sullivan county elevated towards the state average, while Clay, Vermillion and Vigo counties dipped slightly. Parke County remains closest at 84.7% in 2024.

Educational Attainment Rate measures adults who have attained an Associates Degree or higher. While West Central Indiana saw a 3% increase from 2020 to 2024, it remains about 5% below the state average. 

Vigo county, home to the region’s four higher education institutions, has the highest educational attainment rate. Notably, all five counties saw increases over the five-year period.

Life Expectancy measures the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Over this period, life expectancy rose in Vermillion county, held steady in Sullivan county, and declined in Clay, Parke, and Vigo counties. Indiana saw a decrease, with no rebound since the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Central Indiana’s life expectancy remains below the Indiana average at 98.9%, though the gap has narrowed slightly as the state’s life expectancy has declined.

Net Promoter Score measures how likely a resident is to recommend their community to friends or family. A score above 0 is considered positive, while a score below 0 is considered negative.

Residents rated their overall life satisfaction, revealing modest differences across the region. Notably, Vigo county’s scores have risen significantly in recent years, though they remain below the regional average.

As you can tell, some of these metrics are trending in a positive direction. Some, we have work to do.

We will continue to expand the metrics we are monitoring and communicate with local stakeholders throughout West Central Indiana. Please contact Josh Alsip at jalsip@westcentralpartnership.com with any questions you may have.