The Indianapolis metropolitan area is a major center for agribusiness, distribution and logistics, life sciences, manufacturing, and motorsports.

The racial demographics were 69.6% White, 15.0% Black or African-American, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.9% Asian, 4.5% Other and 6.6% Two or More Races.

Central Indiana remained under the 317 banner until 1997 when growth in and around Indianapolis prompted the creation of 765 area code.

According to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the 317 area code was expected to run out of numbers in 2017.

The Indianapolis metropolitan area is a major hub for motorsports, specifically American open-wheel car racing.

[15] More than 40 collegiate fraternities and sororities are headquartered in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, the largest concentration in North America.

[16][17] Indiana's "Crossroads of America" moniker is largely attributed to the historical function of the Indianapolis metropolitan area has played as a center for logistics and transportation.

[18] Other airports within the region include: Indianapolis Union Station is served by Amtrak's Cardinal, which operates thrice-weekly between Chicago and New York City.

Other major sporting events hosted include Pan American Games X in 1987, Super Bowl XLVI in 2012,[20] and the 2013 International Champions Cup between Chelsea F.C.