This region includes Killbuck Creek, Pipe Creek, and Duck Creek. It is home to Elwood, Alexandria, Frankton and the northern half of Anderson. According to the 2020 US Census Bureau, this region had a total population of 85,971. Among the residents, 83% identify as White, 8% as Black, 5% as Hispanic, and 18% as a person of color.

Notable employers include St. Johns Health System, Community Hospital Anderson, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing.

Significant water usage in the region is primarily associated with public water supply systems. The Anderson Water Department, Elwood Water Utility, Alexandria Water Works (serving the Town of Edgewood), and Town of Frankton are major users responsible for meeting the water needs of the local communities. Assessments in the region indicate that 74% of evaluated waterways do not meet State water quality standards

In terms of land use, open water constitutes 0.4% of the region’s land area. Developed land comprises 13.9%, while natural land (forest, wetlands, shrubland) covers 7.5%. Most of the land, approximately 78.2%, is utilized for agricultural purposes, reflecting the significance of agriculture in the region’s economy and landscape.

This region has an overall score of 46%, a C.

Photo Credit: Kelly Brown

By category, the region has a D+ (37%) in Community, C- (43%) in Land, and C+ (59%) in Water. The lowest scoring indicators are Environmental Burden and Voter Participation, both with failing grades (F). The highest scoring indicators are Aquatic Life with a B+ and Sediment (amount in the water) with a B.

Highest Scores: Aquatic Life, Sediment

Lowest Scores: Environmental Burden, Voter Participation