New data shows racial disparities persist in Indianapolis

Racial disparities persist across many sectors in Indianapolis, according to newly released data from the city’s 2024 Racial Equity Report Card. The Polis Center and SAVI presented the updated information Thursday during a webinar.

The report card analyzed racial disparities in Indianapolis across seven categories — health, housing, economy, education, justice, access and environment.

Kayla Duncan, an equity research analyst with the Polis Center, said there were racial disparities across all research sectors.

“Progress has been made in advancing racial equity, but ultimately there's a lot more work to do,” Duncan said.

When looking at median household income, white residents make around $29,000 more than Black residents in Indianapolis. And around two-thirds of white residents own their home, compared to only one-third of Black residents.

After the initial data presentation there was a panel discussion with community leaders, including Ebony Chappel, market director for Free Press Indiana and lifelong Indianapolis resident.

“I am excited that there's data to back up things that people like me have always known about what it's like to live and try to build a life in their city,” Chappel said.

Other members on the panel were Ben Tapper, Indianapolis’ chief diversity and equity officer, and Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, curator at the Indiana Historical Society.

The report also compared data and ranked Indianapolis to that of 49 other U.S. cities with similar populations, demographics and economies.

The full racial equity report card will be released July 18.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.