Fishers, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fishers, Indiana
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City
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Fishers City Hall
Hamilton East Public Library
Fishers High School
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Location of Fishers in Hamilton County, Indiana.
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Indiana | ||
| County | Hamilton | ||
| Townships | Fall Creek, Delaware | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 38.15 sq mi (98.82 km2) | ||
| • Land | 35.92 sq mi (93.02 km2) | ||
| • Water | 2.24 sq mi (5.79 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 827 ft (252 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 98,977 | ||
| • Density | 2,755.71/sq mi (1,064.00/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
46038, 46037, 46040
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| Area code(s) | 317 | ||
| FIPS code | 18-23278 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2396939 | ||
Fishers is a city in Hamilton County, Indiana, United States. It's located in Fall Creek and Delaware townships. In 2020, about 98,677 people lived there.
Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis. It has grown very quickly in recent years. For example, in 1963, only about 350 people lived there. By 1990, the population was around 7,500.
In 2012, people in Fishers voted to change its status from a town to a city. This change officially happened on January 1, 2015. Scott Fadness became the first mayor of Fishers.
Contents
History of Fishers
Early Settlements in Fishers
In 1802, a person named William Conner settled in the area that is now Fishers. He built a log cabin and a trading post near the White River. This land is now a special place called Conner Prairie, which is a living history museum.
More settlers came to the area after Indiana became a state in 1816. The Delaware Indians gave up their land claims in 1818. William Conner helped with this agreement. In 1823, Hamilton County was officially created.
Growth and Development
When Indiana's capital moved to Indianapolis in 1825, Fishers started to grow. John Finch opened a grinding mill and a blacksmith shop. He also started the first school in the area. The first water mill was built the next year.
In 1826, the West-Harris House was built near the White River. This house was later moved to a new spot in 1996. It's now called Ambassador House and is a local history museum. It also hosts community events.
Railroad and Town Incorporation
In 1849, the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad began to be built. This railroad brought more people to the area, which was then called "Fisher's Switch." In 1872, Salathial Fisher officially planned out the town. It was located where 116th Street and the railroad meet today.
Indiana's government officially made Fisher's Station a town in 1891. The William Conner House and West-Harris House are now listed as important historical places.
Fishers in the 20th Century
In 1908, the post office changed the town's name to "Fishers," dropping "Switch."
After William Conner passed away in 1855, his farm became famous. In 1934, Eli Lilly, who led Eli Lilly and Company, bought the farm and started to restore it. In 1964, the farm became Conner Prairie, a museum overseen by Earlham College.
In 1943, the Indianapolis Water Company built Geist Reservoir. This was to make sure Indianapolis had enough water. In the 1970s, homes started to be built around the reservoir.
Fishers grew slowly at first. By 1960, about 344 people lived there. The town started planning for growth in the surrounding areas.
When State Road 37 and Interstate 69 were built, Fishers grew much faster. It became a popular suburb of Indianapolis. In 1989, the town's population reached 7,000, and the first Freedom Festival was held. This festival still happens every year.
The Thomas A. Weaver Municipal Complex opened in 1992. This is where the Fishers City Hall, police and fire departments, and other government offices are located.
Fishers in the 21st Century
By 2000, Fishers had almost 38,000 people. Because homes were affordable and the economy was growing, Fishers continued to expand. In 2003, a special count showed the population had grown to 52,390. The local government has focused on building parks and improving roads to manage this growth.
In 2005, Conner Prairie became an independent organization, separate from Earlham College.
In 2009, Fishers was able to add the area around Geist Reservoir to its city limits. This added about 5,500 people, making Fishers the eighth-largest community in Indiana at the time.
In 2012, Fishers built new trails and an amphitheater downtown. A big development project began in 2013 to create a new downtown area with shops and homes.
Geography of Fishers
Where is Fishers Located?
Fishers is in the southeast part of Hamilton County. It's along the West Fork of the White River. To the west is Carmel, and to the north is Noblesville.
Fishers is about 16 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis. In 2010, Fishers covered about 35.8 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a smaller part being water.
Fishers Climate and Weather
Fishers has a humid continental climate. This means summers are hot and humid, often reaching 85°F. Autumns and springs are usually comfortable, around 70°F. However, spring weather can change quickly.
Winters in Fishers are cold with snow and ice storms. Temperatures are usually around 35°F and can drop below 20°F at night.
| Climate data for Fishers | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 34 (1) |
39 (4) |
50 (10) |
62 (17) |
72 (22) |
81 (27) |
85 (29) |
83 (28) |
77 (25) |
65 (18) |
51 (11) |
38 (3) |
61 (16) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 17 (−8) |
20 (−7) |
29 (−2) |
39 (4) |
50 (10) |
60 (16) |
64 (18) |
62 (17) |
54 (12) |
42 (6) |
33 (1) |
23 (−5) |
43 (6) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.42 (61) |
2.52 (64) |
3.28 (83) |
3.92 (100) |
4.86 (123) |
4.15 (105) |
4.49 (114) |
4.06 (103) |
3.32 (84) |
3.02 (77) |
3.77 (96) |
3.14 (80) |
42.95 (1,090) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 7 (18) |
5 (13) |
2 (5.1) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1 (2.5) |
2 (5.1) |
17 (43.7) |
| Source: City-Data | |||||||||||||
People and Population in Fishers
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 138 | — | |
| 1910 | 188 | — | |
| 1920 | 142 | −24.5% | |
| 1930 | 138 | −2.8% | |
| 1940 | 164 | 18.8% | |
| 1950 | 219 | 33.5% | |
| 1960 | 344 | 57.1% | |
| 1970 | 628 | 82.6% | |
| 1980 | 2,008 | 219.7% | |
| 1990 | 7,508 | 273.9% | |
| 2000 | 37,835 | 403.9% | |
| 2010 | 76,794 | 103.0% | |
| 2020 | 98,977 | 28.9% | |
| 2020 Census | |||
Fishers Population in 2020
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 34,400 | 64,058 | 74,625 | 90.92% | 83.42% | 75.40% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 1,096 | 4,228 | 6,556 | 2.90% | 5.51% | 6.62% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 43 | 109 | 140 | 0.11% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 1,159 | 4,174 | 7,897 | 3.06% | 5.44% | 7.98% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 6 | 14 | 30 | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 33 | 207 | 473 | 0.09% | 0.27% | 0.48% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 334 | 1,366 | 4,244 | 0.88% | 1.78% | 4.29% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 764 | 2,638 | 5,012 | 2.02% | 3.44% | 5.06% |
| Total | 37,835 | 76,794 | 98,977 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
In 2007, the average income for a household in Fishers was $86,518. For families, it was $103,176. Only a small number of people, about 1.8%, lived below the poverty line.
Most homes in Fishers are owned by the people who live in them (81.9%). On average, 2.77 people live in each household. People in Fishers spend about 23.1 minutes traveling to work each day. The city also has a very low unemployment rate, at 4.5%.
In 2010, there were 76,794 people living in Fishers. There were 27,218 households. About 48.1% of these households had children under 18. The average household size was 2.82 people.
The average age in Fishers was 33.2 years old. About 33% of residents were under 18. The population was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
Economy in Fishers
Top Employers in Fishers
Fishers has many job opportunities. Here are some of the biggest employers in the city, based on a 2020 report:
| # | Employer | # of employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton Southeastern Schools | 2,626 |
| 2 | Navient | 1,650 |
| 3 | City of Fishers | 536 |
| 4 | Stratosphere Quality | 517 |
| 5 | Topgolf | 500 |
| 6 | Freedom Mortgage | 436 |
| 7 | Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, Inc. | 350 |
| 8 | Community Home Health Services | 330 |
| 9 | Conner Prairie | 337 |
| 10 | US Foods | 320 |
Culture and Fun in Fishers
Recreation and Activities
Geist Reservoir is a popular spot in Fishers. You can go fishing or waterskiing there. Fishers also has many golf courses. In 2010, it was even called the second best under-rated golf community in the U.S.
The city hosts "Symphony on the Prairie" at Conner Prairie. This is a summer concert series by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. There are also free summer concerts behind the Fishers Government Center. Fishers Music Works offers many free and ticketed concerts. The Parks and Recreation Department also hosts outdoor movie nights and holiday events.
Festivals and Fairs
Fishers has two main yearly festivals: Spark!Fishers and the Fishers Renaissance Faire.
Spark!Fishers happens every year in late June, just before Independence Day. It includes a parade, a 5k run/walk, and fireworks. You can also find art and food vendors and game booths.
The Fishers Renaissance Faire has been held every October since 2005. It celebrates Fishers' connection with its sister city, Billericay, England. The fair features jousting, pirate shows, magicians, and jesters. There are also period art, crafts, food, and drinks.
Parks and Nature Preserves
Fishers has over a dozen parks and nature areas. The Fishers Trail & Greenway System has more than 85 miles of trails for walking and biking.
- Billericay Park is named after Fishers' sister city in England. It has baseball fields, a trail, a playground, and a splash pad.
- Brooks School Park is a 16.5-acre park with an accessible playground, a trail, a sports field, and a basketball court.
- Cheeney Creek Natural Area includes a greenway and a natural space.
- Cumberland Park has soccer fields, a trail, a disc golf course, and a community building.
- Cyntheanne Park has five sports fields, natural areas, playgrounds, and trails. It's popular for Pickleball.
- Eller Fields has two lighted youth baseball fields and a playground.
- Fishers Heritage Park at White River is home to the Historic Ambassador House. This house was moved to the park in 1996.
- Flatfork Creek Park opened in 2014.
- Hamilton Proper Park is a 19-acre park.
- Harrison Thomas Park has three baseball fields, three soccer fields, a playground, and a 3/4 mile trail.
- Hoosier Woods is a small forest.
- Mudsock Fields has three lighted football fields.
- Olio Fields has several softball fields.
- Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is about 127 acres. It has five trails that are 2 miles long in total.
- Roy G. Holland Memorial Park is where the Spark!Fishers festival takes place. It has fields for soccer, baseball, and softball, plus sand volleyball courts and picnic areas.
- Wapihani Nature Preserve is a 77-acre nature preserve along the White River. It's used as an outdoor learning lab for students.
Young people in Fishers are active in environmental efforts. They teach elementary students about nature and work on recycling programs.
Sports in Fishers
The Indy Fuel, a minor league hockey team, will play their home games at the new Fishers Event Center. This center is expected to open in 2024.
In 2023, the owner of Indy Fuel bought the rights to an IFL team. This team will be called the Fishers Freight and will start playing in 2025.
The Hoosier State Instigators, a basketball team, have played in Fishers since 2024.
Safety in Fishers
Fishers is known for being a very safe city. In 2024, a study by MoneyGeek named it the fourth safest city in the U.S. This was based on factors like low crime costs. Another study in 2023 also listed Fishers as the fourth safest suburb in the country.
Education in Fishers
Fishers is part of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools district. This district serves almost 21,000 students.
Because Fishers' population has grown so fast, the school district has also grown. In 1996, there were only a few schools. Now, there are twelve elementary schools, four intermediate schools, four junior high schools, and two high schools.
The two public high schools are Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School. These schools have modern additions called College and Career Academies. These areas are designed to feel like a college campus.
The elementary schools include Brooks School, Cumberland Road, Durbin, Fall Creek, Fishers, Geist, Harrison Parkway, Hoosier Road, Lantern Road, New Britton, Sand Creek, Thorpe Creek, and Southeastern Elementary. Each school has about 1,000 students.
Students attend intermediate schools for fifth and sixth grade. These are Fall Creek Intermediate, Riverside Intermediate, Sand Creek Intermediate, and Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate.
For seventh and eighth grade, students go to junior high schools. These are Fishers Junior High, Hamilton Southeastern Junior High, Riverside Junior High, and Fall Creek Junior High.
Fishers also has several private schools. These include Community Montessori School, St. Louis de Montfort, and Eman Schools.
Transportation in Fishers
Fishers is located along Interstate 69. The city has four exits off this interstate. Fishers is about 16 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis. It's also about 5 miles from Interstate 465, which connects to other major interstates like Interstate 65, Interstate 70, and Interstate 74.
State Road 37 also runs through Fishers. This road connects Fishers to other cities and towns in Indiana.
Fishers has a small airport called the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (KUMP). The larger Indianapolis International Airport is about 30 miles away.
Fishers does not have direct bus service from IndyGo, the local bus system. However, there are plans for a light rail system that would connect downtown Indianapolis, Fishers, and Noblesville.
The roads in Fishers are generally new and well-kept. Many four-way stops are being changed into roundabouts to help traffic flow. In 2012, Fishers announced a $20 million plan to improve roads in high-traffic areas.
Notable People from Fishers
Many famous people have lived in Fishers.
- Race car driver Michael Andretti and his wife Jodi Ann Paterson live here.
- Athletes who live in Fishers include Gary Harris of the Orlando Magic.
- NFL players Evan Baylis and Jeremy Chinn of the Washington Commanders also live here.
- Former Indiana Pacers players like Reggie Miller, Austin Croshere, and Malcolm Brogdon have lived in Fishers.
- Other notable athletes include Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets and Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Former NFL players like Rosevelt Colvin and Randy Gregory have also lived in Fishers.
- Baseball player Tony Gwynn and wrestler Kevin Fertig are also among notable residents.
Sister City
Fishers is twinned with the town of Billericay, Essex, in the United Kingdom. Billericay Park in Fishers is named after this sister city.
See also
In Spanish: Fishers (Indiana) para niños
