This region contains the subwatersheds of Lower Fall Creek and Pleasant Run. It is home to Indianapolis, the northwestern half of Greenwood, Lawrence, Beech Grove, and Southport. According to the 2020 US Census Bureau, the region had a total population of 566,155. Among the residents, 56% identify as White, 24% as Black, 12% as Hispanic, and 46% as a person of color. The region reflects a diverse demographic composition.

The largest employers in the region include IU Health University Hospital, IU Health Methodist Hospital, Emergency-Ascension St Vincent, Indiana University School of Medicine, Eli Lilly and Company, IUPUI, and Rolls-Royce Corporation.

Significant water usage in the region is diverse and includes public water supply systems such as Citizens Energy Group, energy production by entities like AES Indiana and Citizens Thermal Energy, and industrial water usage by companies like Hanson Aggregates Midwest, Eli Lilly and Company, and Elanco. Stream assessments indicate that 53% of evaluated waterways do not meet State water quality standards.

In terms of land use, open water covers 1.6% of the region’s land area. Developed land, including urban and residential areas, constitutes a significant portion at 81.8%. Natural land (forest, wetlands, shrubland) accounts for 6.0%, and approximately 10.6% of the land is utilized for agricultural purposes.

This region has an overall score of 42%, a C-.

By category, the region has a D (32%) in Community, C- (41%) in Land, and C+ (57%) in Water. The lowest scoring indicators are Environmental Burden, Wetland Change, Tree Canopy, and Voter Participation which are all failing (F). The highest scoring indicators are Nutrients (levels in the water) with an A- and Wildlife Diversity with a B.

Highest Scores: Nutrients, Wildlife Diversity

Lowest Scores: Environmental Burden, Wetland Change, Tree Canopy, & Voter Participation