Evansville is a city located in southwest Indiana along the Ohio River. As of the 2020 census, Evansville had a population of 116,176, making it the state’s third-largest city behind Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
Population and Demographics
According to the latest census data, Evansville’s population is 116,176. The racial makeup of the city is 78.9% White, 14.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. 5.1% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Evansville is 37.7 years. 24.4% of the population is under the age of 18 while 13% are 65 years and older. There are slightly more females (51.8%) than males (48.2%).
The average household size in Evansville is 2.29 persons while the average family size is 2.94 persons. About 66.5% of households in Evansville are family households.
History and Economy
Evansville was first settled along the Ohio River in 1812. Early growth was fueled by the city’s strategic location along the river which made it an important commercial hub. By the late 19th century, Evansville had grown into one of the largest inland river ports.
For much of the 20th century, Evansville’s economy relied heavily on manufacturing, especially automobile production, thriving companies like Whirlpool, and being the global headquarters for companies like Mead Johnson. However like many other Midwestern cities, Evansville experienced economic decline in the 1970s and 1980s as manufacturing jobs moved overseas.
In recent decades, Evansville has worked to diversify its economy around healthcare, education, tourism, and professional services. Major employers today include Ascension St. Vincent, Deaconess Health System, Berry Global, Old National Bank, and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.
Some key facts about the Evansville economy today:
- The unemployment rate as of June 2022 was 2.8%, lower than both the state and national averages.
- The top industries by employment are healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing.
- Toyotaopened a new $1.2 billion truck manufacturing plant just outside Evansville in 2022, which is expected to create 1,400 new jobs.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Evansville include:
- Angel Mounds State Historic Site – This National Historic Landmark features archaeological remnants of a Native American village from the Middle Mississippian period from 1050 to 1450 CE. More info.
- Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science – This museum houses extensive exhibits on local history, artwork, and a full-sized replica of the USS Evansville submarine. Website.
- Mesker Park Zoo – Home to nearly 900 exotic, endangered and animal species. It is one of the top free zoos in the country. More info.
- Tropicana Evansville – A riverboat casino with a variety of games, dining options, and entertainment.
- Four Freedoms Monument – A 72-foot tall sculpture next to the Ohio River commemorating President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous 1941 speech about four essential human freedoms. Reviews.
- Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve – Over 200 acres with 14 miles of hiking trails, gardens, and an interactive nature center. Website.
- Reitz Home Museum – The historic Victorian home of the Reitz family, with many original furnishings and artifacts. Facebook Page.
Sports
Evansville is home to several minor league and college athletic teams:
- The Evansville Otters baseball team plays in the Frontier League.
- The Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team is part of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
- The University of Evansville competes in NCAA Division I athletics, especially known for basketball.
- The University of Southern Indiana competes in NCAA Division II athletics.
Government
Evansville has a mayor-council form of government. The day-to-day operations are run by the mayor’s office. The city council is the legislative body responsible for passing ordinances and budgets.
Evansville is the county seat of Vanderburgh County. The county government provides other regional services to the city and surrounding townships.
Education
Public primary and secondary schools are operated by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. As of 2022, EVSC had over 22,000 students enrolled in 36 schools.
Higher education options include the University of Evansville (private), University of Southern Indiana (public), Ivy Tech Community College, Harrison College downtown campus, and regional campuses for Oakland City University and Vincennes University.
Transportation
Evansville Regional Airport offers daily commercial flights on major airlines. Interstate 64 and Interstate 69 intersect just south of Evansville, providing freeway connections to Indianapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville, and Chicago.
The city has a public bus system called METS (Metropolitan Evansville Transit System) providing routes throughout the city.
The nearby Evansville Riverfront provides access to commercial barge transportation on the Ohio River.
Conclusion
As the third largest city in Indiana, Evansville has a diverse economy, unique attractions, quality educational institutions, and a scenic riverfront location. It offers an affordable and high quality of life in the Midwest. This article provided an introduction to key facts and data about Evansville’s economy, points of interest, sports, education, transportation, and more.
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