Zionsville is a suburban town located in the extreme southeast area of Boone County,

Indiana Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...

, United States, northwest of

Indianapolis Indianapolis ( ), colloquially known as Indy, is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Indiana, most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana, Marion ...

. The population was 14,160 at the 2010 census and 30,693 at the 2020 census. Zionsville promotes itself as a tourist attraction, centered on its village-styled downtown area. This area consists primarily of Main Street, paved entirely in

brick A brick is a type of construction material used to build walls, pavements and other elements in masonry construction. Properly, the term ''brick'' denotes a unit primarily composed of clay. But is now also used informally to denote building un ...

, which is lined with small retail stores and restaurants.

History

Zionsville was laid out in 1852 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named for William Zion, a pioneer settler.

Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was the 16th president of the United States, serving from 1861 until Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, his assassination in 1865. He led the United States through the American Civil War ...

made a whistle-stop speech in Zionsville in 1861 when traveling to his inauguration. Later, after his assassination in 1865, the train carrying Lincoln’s body passed through Zionsville on its circuitous route to his final rest in Springfield, Illinois. In 1866, Zionsville was incorporated as a town. Town Hall (Castle Hall) was listed on the

National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government's official United States National Register of Historic Places listings, list of sites, buildings, structures, Hist ...

in 1983. In the 1920s, the town was known as "The

Dahlia ''Dahlia'' ( , ) is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. Dahlias are members of the Asteraceae (synonym name: Compositae) family of dicotyledonous plants, its relatives include the sun ...

City" due to the success of two nurseries in the area in growing the flower. Starting in 2019, the Zionsville Cultural District brought the name back to promote the city, in conjunction with giving away free flowers to grow and the painting of a mural.

Geography

Zionsville is located approximately northwest of

Downtown Indianapolis Downtown Indianapolis is a neighborhood area in and the central business district of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Downtown is bordered by Interstate 65 in Indiana, Interstate 65, Interstate 70 in Indiana, Interstate 70, and the White ...

. According to the 2010 census, Zionsville has a total area of , of which (or 99.63%) is land and (or 0.37%) is water. In 2010, Zionsville annexed of land in

Eagle Eagle is the common name for the golden eagle, bald eagle, and other birds of prey in the family of the Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of Genus, genera, some of which are closely related. True eagles comprise the genus ''Aquila ( ...

and Union townships. This increased the area of the town to and added 9,159 residents as of 2013. In 2014, Zionsville gained an additional of area as a result of annexing portions of Perry Township, bringing the current area of the town to .

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. According to the

Köppen Climate Classification The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...

system, Zionsville has a

humid continental climate A humid continental climate is a climatic region defined by Russo-German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1900, typified by four distinct seasons and large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers, and cold ...

, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps. Its inclusion in this climatic type is because of its four distinct seasons, large ranges between high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures, and enough precipitation to exclude arid or semi-arid classification.

Demographics

According to the 2016-2020

American Community Survey The American Community Survey (ACS) is an annual demographics survey program conducted by the United States Census Bureau. It regularly gathers information previously contained only in the long form of the United States census, decennial census ...

, the median income for a household in the town was $137,265, and the per capita income was $66,898. 3.8% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line. The median value of owner-occupied housing units in the town was $406,800.

2020 census

As of the

census A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...

of 2020, there were 30,693 people, and 10,061 households in the town. The population density was . The racial makeup of the town was 91.4%

White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...

, 1.4%

African American African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...

, 0.2% Native American, 4.3% Asian, and 2.0% from two or more races.

Hispanic The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...

or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population. There were 10,061 households, of which 73.9% were

married couples Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children (if any), and b ...

living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 15.7% were non-families. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age in the town was 39.1 years. 28.0% of residents were under the age of 18, and 12.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The

median income The median income is the income amount that divides a population into two groups, half having an income above that amount, and half having an income below that amount. It may differ from the mean (or average) income. Both of these are ways of unde ...

for a householder in the town was $137,265. Males had a median income of $92,833 versus $65,622 for females. The per capita income for the town was $66,898.

2010 census

As of the

of 2010, there were 14,160 people, 5,129 households, and 3,872 families living in the town. The

population density Population density (in agriculture: Standing stock (disambiguation), standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geog ...

was . There were 5,539 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 94.0%

, 1.2%

, 0.1% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races.

or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population. There were 5,129 households, of which 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were

living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.5% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.25. The median age in the town was 39.6 years. 31.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 29.6% were from 45 to 64; 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census

As of the

of 2000, there were 8,775 people, 3,063 households, and 2,407 families living in the town. The population density was . There were 3,169 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 97.78%

, 0.33%

, 0.11% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.32% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races.

or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population. There were 3,063 households, out of which 45.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were

living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.23. In the town, the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males. The median income for a household in the town was $81,770, and the median income for a family was $95,359. Males had a median income of $62,334 versus $35,823 for females. The

per capita income Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...

for the town was $35,049.

Government

Zionsville has utilized a mayor-council government since 2015, and is one of only two Indiana "towns" with a mayor. The current mayor, John Stehr, was elected in 2023, succeeding Emily Styron. The town council consists of 7 members, currently 6 Republicans and 1 Democrat.

List of mayors

Education

Zionsville Community Schools covers much of the town. Other parts of Zionsville are in the Lebanon Community School Corporation. ;List of schools - Zionsville Community School Corporation: * Zionsville Community High School * Zionsville Middle School * Zionsville West Middle School * Eagle Elementary School * Pleasant View Elementary School * Stonegate Elementary School * Union Elementary School * Boone Meadow Elementary School * Trailside Elementary School The Lebanon district's comprehensive high school is Lebanon Senior High School. The town has a lending library, the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library.

Cultural features

Zionsville is home to the Cultural Center, which includes the P.H. Sullivan Museum, Munce Art Center, a genealogy center, and a welcome center. It features a collection of artifacts related to the town's history and hosts numerous programming and events throughout the year. One of Zionsville's seasonal attractions, the July Fourth fireworks show hosted by the local Lion's Club, brings in people from across Indiana. Unlike many of the Independence Day celebrations in major cities, the Zionsville fireworks show has no music integrated into the performance, although there are concerts before the display. There is also the Fall Festival which has a parade featuring sports teams, organizations from Zionsville and surrounding communities, and the Middle and High School marching bands. There is also a festival at the Lion's Park with attractions like rides, games, and food. It lasts for one weekend in September. Zionsville contains the Goldman Union Camp Institute (or GUCI), a Jewish camp that is part of the URJ ( Union for Reform Judaism).

Transportation

Highways * I-65

Interstate 65 Interstate 65 (I-65) is a major north–south Interstate Highway System, interstate highway in the central United States. As with most primary interstates ending in 5, it is a major crosscountry, north–south route, connecting between th ...

Interstate 465 Interstate 465 (I-465), also known as the USS Indianapolis Memorial Highway, is the beltway circling Indianapolis, Indiana. It is roughly rectangular in shape and has a perimeter of approximately . It lies almost completely within the bou ...

Interstate 865 * US 52

US 52 U.S. Route 52 (US 52) is a major United States Numbered Highway System, U.S. Highway in the central United States, Central United States that extends from the northern to southeastern region of the United States. Contrary to most other even ...

- concurrent with Interstate 65, 465, and 865 * US 421

US 421 *

State Road 32 * Indiana 267

State Road 267 Airports
The Indianapolis Executive Airport (KTYQ) is located approximately five

nautical mile A nautical mile is a unit of length used in air, marine, and space navigation, and for the definition of territorial waters. Historically, it was defined as the meridian arc length corresponding to one minute ( of a degree) of latitude at t ...

s (5.8 mi, 9.3 km) north of Zionsville's downtown area and acts as a reliever airport for

Indianapolis International Airport Indianapolis International Airport is an international airport located southwest of Downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana, United States. It is owned and operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, and the airport serves over 5 ...

. Railroads and Trails
The Lafayette and Indianapolis Railroad line traversing Zionsville was owned and operated by a number of companies from its inception in 1852 until it was abandoned in 1976. In the 1990s, Zionsville re-purposed portions of the former railroad line as a

shared use path A shared-use path, mixed-use path or multi-use pathway is a path which is "designed to accommodate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists". Examples of shared-use paths include sidewalks designated as shared-use, bridleways and rail trails. A ...

. It is currently known as Big-4 Rail Trail. The Rail Trail links various parks, neighborhoods, and points of interest throughout the town, including Heritage Park, Jennings Field, and Starkey Park, and is within walking distance of Mulberry Fields and the downtown village. The trail is surrounded by trees for most of its length. It is currently undergoing construction to expand its south end.

Notable people

Albert B. Anderson Albert Barnes Anderson (February 10, 1857 – April 27, 1938), frequently known as A. B. Anderson, was a United States federal judge, United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and previously was a Un ...

, federal judge *

Mark Baltz Mark Baltz (born February 20, 1948) is a former official in the National Football League (NFL) from 1989 through 2013. He has worked as a head linesman throughout his entire career in the NFL and has been assigned to 21 post-season games, includi ...

, NFL official * Jeff Belskus, CEO of Hulman & Company and president of

Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a motor racing circuit located in Speedway, Indiana, United States, an enclave suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, and and formerly the home of the U ...

* Brandon Bernstein, American drag racer * Antoine Bethea, former Indianapolis Colts and

Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...

safety * Gary Brackett, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker * Tom Carnegie, former announcer of the

Indianapolis 500 The Indianapolis 500, formally known as the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and commonly shortened to Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, United States, an enclave suburb of Indian ...

Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is an American former professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unq ...

, former Indianapolis Colts tight end * Donald Cline, former fertility doctor * Austin Collie, former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver * Austin Croshere, former NBA player * Dan Dakich, former

Bowling Green State University Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a Public university, public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The main academic and residential campus is south of Toledo, Ohio. The university has nationally recognized progr ...

basketball coach * Ryan Diem, former Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle * Jared Fogle, former Subway spokesman * Danny Granger, former

Indiana Pacers The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), Ea ...

and

Miami Heat The Miami Heat are an American professional basketball team based in Miami. The Heat compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division (NBA), Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), Eastern C ...

small forward *

Stéphan Grégoire Stéphan Grégoire (born May 14, 1969 in Neufchâteau, Vosges) is a French race car driver currently living in Zionsville, Indiana. Gregoire is a veteran of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex Sports Car Series, the Indianapolis 500, and the Indy R ...

, race car driver * Arthur G. Hansen, former president of

Georgia Institute of Technology The Georgia Institute of Technology (commonly referred to as Georgia Tech, GT, and simply Tech or the Institute) is a public university, public research university and Institute of technology (United States), institute of technology in Atlanta, ...

and

Purdue University Purdue University is a Public university#United States, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. The university was founded ...

* Grace Hartzel, fashion model * Bill Hodges, college basketball coach, notably of the Indiana State Sycamores * John-Michael Liles, Carolina Hurricanes NHL defenseman * Tom Mastny, Cleveland Indians pitcher * Derrick McKey, former NBA player * Rob Morris, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker * Elise Nieshalla, 58th Auditor of Indiana * Nancy Noel, artist * Chuck Pagano, former Indianapolis Colts head coach *

Metta World Peace Metta Sandiford-Artest (born Ronald William Artest Jr., November 13, 1979), previously legally named Metta World Peace, is an American former professional basketball player who played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Un ...

, former Indiana Pacers Forward * Kendall Phillips, country music singer * Jerraud Powers, former Indianapolis Colts defensive back * Jeff Saturday, former Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers center * David Shumate, poet * Hunter Smith, former Indianapolis Colts punter * Rik Smits, former Indiana Pacers center * John Stehr, former WTHR news anchor, current Mayor * Lance Stephenson, former NBA player *

Brad Stevens Bradley Kent Stevens (born October 22, 1976) is an American basketball executive and former coach who is currently the president of basketball operations and de facto general manager for the Boston Celtics. Born and raised in Zionsville, Indian ...

, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations * Hardress Nathaniel Swaim, federal judge * Jacob Tamme, former Indianapolis Colts and

Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC West, West division. The team is headquartered in E ...

tight end * Jack Trudeau, former NFL quarterback * Kelly Williamson, triathlete * Todd Witsken, professional tennis player * Shannon Elkins, grew up in Brownsburg, but currently teaches at Zionsville Middle School

References

External links

Town of Zionsville
{{authority control Towns in Boone County, Indiana Towns in Indiana Indianapolis metropolitan area Populated places established in 1852 1852 establishments in Indiana