Whitestown is a town in Boone County, Indiana, United States. The population was 10,187 at the 2020 census. The town is located near Interstate 65, approximately 22 miles (35 km) northwest of Downtown Indianapolis, and about 7 miles (11 km) from the northern city limits of Indianapolis, between exits 130 and 133. Since 2010, Whitestown has been the fastest-growing municipality in Indiana; its population increased more than threefold between the 2010 and 2020 Census tabulations.
History
A field in Whitestown next to the Neighborhoods at Anson
Whitestown was laid out in 1851 when the railroad was extended to that point.[4] It was named for Albert Smith White, a U.S. Senator from Indiana.[5][6][7] The name of the town has at points been noted for being easily perceived as having historical ties to racism in Indiana, despite Albert S. White being known as a leading abolitionist.[8] The first post office in Whitestown was established in 1853.[9]
In the late 2000s, Whitestown annexed 6,500 acres south of the historic downtown district.[10] A master planned, mixed-use development named for U.S. Army officer and Boone County native Anson Mills was established in this area in 2005. The Great Recession adversely impacted the Anson project's original construction schedule, but residential, retail, and commercial growth gained momentum starting in 2011 and continues to this day.[11][12] The Anson development now features a large selection of retail, including superstores and several fashion and lifestyle stores.[13]
From 2010 until current day, Whitestown has been the fastest-growing municipality in Indiana,[14] more than doubling in population between 2010 and 2017.[15]
Whitestown is the home of the Little League Central Region headquarters.[16] In 2021, a new complex opened, including the Central Region Headquarters administration building, a gift shop, and a Little League field with stadium seating, bleachers, a press box, and lights. The complex hosts both the Little League Softball Central Region and the Great Lakes and Midwest Region tournaments.[16]
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the town has a total area of 10.46 square miles (27.1 km2), all land.[17]
The nearest commercial airport which currently has scheduled airline service is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Whitestown.
Railroads and trails
Trailhead marker for the Big 4 Trail in northwest Whitestown, Indiana
The Lafayette and Indianapolis Railroad line traversing Whitestown was owned and operated by a number of companies from its inception in 1851 until it was abandoned in 1976.[19][20] In 2015, Whitestown began re-purposing portions of the former railroad line as a shared use path. It is known as the Big 4 Heritage Trail and travels intermittent portions of Boone County, including into nearby Lebanon and Zionsville. Whitestown's portion of the trail covers 2.4 miles (3.9 km).[21] In April 2022, Whitestown receive 1.1 million dollars to complete its portion of the Big 4 Trail, adding 0.75 miles (1.21 km) miles to the southern segment and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to the northern segment. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.[22]
As of the census[24] of 2010, there were 2,867 people, 1,053 households, and 774 families living in the town. The population density was 274.1 inhabitants per square mile (105.8/km2). There were 1,144 housing units at an average density of 109.4 per square mile (42.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 90.9% White, 2.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.5% of the population.
There were 1,053 households, of which 44.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.5% were non-families. Of all households 18.5% were made up of individuals, and 3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.14.
The median age in the town was 30 years. 30.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 42% were from 25 to 44; 17.5% were from 45 to 64; and 4.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
2000 census
In the census[3] of 2000, there were 471 people, 175 households, and 131 families living in the town. The population density was 1,843.9 inhabitants per square mile (711.9/km2). There were 187 housing units at an average density of 732.1 per square mile (282.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.15% White, 0.21% Asian, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.
There were 175 households, out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. Of all households 20.6% were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 37.4% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $46,528, and the median income for a family was $47,917. Males had a median income of $32,031 versus $25,893 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,674. About 8.1% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
A sculpture dedicated to foster children in Willey Square.
