Avon, IN
What Avon is actually like
The community that became Avon went through four names before settling on its current one: it was first called Hampton when its first post office opened in 1833; postmaster O.J. Huron renamed it White Lick in 1852, after the creek that still runs through town; pack-peddler John Smoot's stores led local officials to call it Smootsdell by 1868; and during the survey for the Indianapolis-St. Louis railway it was briefly labeled New Philadelphia. The railroad's own depot sign finally read "Avon," a name that stuck for reasons even local historians say are unclear.
Through the 19th and much of the 20th century Avon remained agricultural. Local farmer Adrian Parsons is credited with pioneering soybean cultivation in the area in the 1890s, earning recognition from the American Soybean Association in 1928. Avon did not become an incorporated town until 1995, following an incorporation campaign led by local businessman Bill Bailey after earlier attempts had stalled in the 1970s.
Since incorporation, Avon has grown rapidly into a bedroom suburb: population rose from 6,248 in 2000 to 12,446 in 2010 (up 99.2%) to 21,474 in 2020 (up 72.5%), with a 2025 Census Bureau estimate of 25,350. Proximity to Indianapolis International Airport -- roughly 10 minutes away, per the town's own materials -- has been a key locational advantage, alongside the CSX Avon Yard rail freight facility and the Ronald Reagan Parkway logistics corridor. Zillow's Home Value Index put the typical Avon home value at $359,850 as of July 2026, up 1.2% year-over-year.
Home values in Avon
Zillow's Home Value Index put the typical Avon home value at $359,850 as of July 31, 2026, up 1.2% year-over-year; Redfin separately reported a median sale price of $348,810 for the trailing three months ending around June 2026, down 12.8% year-over-year -- the two methodologies measure different things (a smoothed typical-value estimate vs. a median of recent closed sales), which explains the apparent divergence.
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Explore Specialty Resources →Avon FAQ
Was Avon, Indiana always called Avon?
No -- before settling on "Avon," the town was successively known as Hampton, White Lick, Smootsdell, and New Philadelphia. The current name reportedly came from a sign at the local railroad depot.
When did Avon become an incorporated town?
1995, following an incorporation campaign led by local businessman Bill Bailey.
How fast has Avon grown?
Population rose from 6,248 in 2000 to 12,446 in 2010 (up 99.2%) to 21,474 in 2020 (up 72.5%), with a 2025 Census Bureau estimate of 25,350.
Has Avon been hit by tornadoes?
Yes -- on August 15, 2016, an EF-1 tornado briefly touched down near Avon, snapping a tree trunk, with no injuries reported.
What's the median home value in Avon, Indiana?
Zillow's Home Value Index put the typical home value at $359,850 as of July 2026, up 1.2% year-over-year.