Indiana, the Crossroads of America, is home to a dynamic group of entrepreneurs, sports moguls, and industrial families. From healthcare and racing to pharmaceuticals and real estate, the state’s wealthiest residents play key roles in shaping both the local and national economy.
Here are the Top 10 Richest People in Indiana in 2025, based on Forbes, Bloomberg, SEC filings, and regional business reports.
1. Carl Cook – $10.3 Billion
Source of Wealth: Medical Devices (Cook Group Inc.)
Residence: Bloomington, IN
Carl Cook is the richest person in Indiana, inheriting the Cook Group, a medical device company founded by his parents. The firm supplies innovative healthcare products globally and remains privately held.
2. Herbert Simon – $4.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Real Estate, NBA (Indiana Pacers)
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Co-founder of Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the U.S., Simon is also the long-time owner of the Indiana Pacers. He’s a prominent civic figure in Indianapolis.
3. James Irsay – $3.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: NFL (Indianapolis Colts)
Residence: Carmel, IN
Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Irsay inherited the team from his father and has grown its value significantly. He’s also known for his rare music memorabilia collection and philanthropy in mental health.
4. Dean White (Estate & Family) – $3.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Hospitality, Billboard Advertising
Residence: Crown Point, IN (legacy)
White, who passed in 2016, made billions through White Lodging Services and outdoor advertising. His family continues to invest heavily in hotels and commercial development across Indiana and the Midwest.
5. Allison Melangton – $1.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Sports Marketing, Event Production (Indy 500, Super Bowl Host Committee)
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Melangton rose through the ranks of sports event management and has been instrumental in monetizing and expanding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway brand and other major events. Her equity stakes and executive roles drive her wealth.
6. Scott Dorsey – $900 Million
Source of Wealth: Tech (ExactTarget, Salesforce)
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Dorsey co-founded ExactTarget, which was sold to Salesforce for $2.5 billion. He now invests in Indiana-based startups and mentors the next generation of tech founders through High Alpha Venture Studio.
7. Don Brown – $820 Million
Source of Wealth: Healthcare IT (Interactive Intelligence, LifeOmic)
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Founder of Interactive Intelligence and later LifeOmic, Brown is a serial tech entrepreneur focused on healthcare and data. His innovations have transformed Indiana’s medtech scene.
8. Steve Hilbert – $750 Million
Source of Wealth: Insurance (Conseco, investment holdings)
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
A controversial but wealthy figure, Hilbert amassed his fortune through Conseco and later private investments. He remains a powerful behind-the-scenes player in Indiana’s business circles.
9. Mitch Daniels – $600 Million
Source of Wealth: Government, University Leadership, Private Equity
Residence: West Lafayette, IN
The former Indiana Governor and Purdue University president leveraged his influence and board roles into a sizable private portfolio across infrastructure, education, and agriculture.
10. Tony George – $550 Million
Source of Wealth: Motorsports (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar Series)
Residence: Speedway, IN
Heir to the Hulman-George racing dynasty, Tony George helped lead IndyCar and expand the Indy 500 brand. While not as visible today, his business interests remain strong in racing and motorsports promotion.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carl Cook | $10.3B | Medical Devices (Cook Group) | Bloomington |
| 2 | Herbert Simon | $4.1B | Real Estate, NBA | Indianapolis |
| 3 | Jim Irsay | $3.8B | NFL (Colts) | Carmel |
| 4 | Dean White Family | $3.2B | Hotels, Ads | Crown Point |
| 5 | Allison Melangton | $1.1B | Sports Marketing | Indianapolis |
| 6 | Scott Dorsey | $900M | Tech (ExactTarget) | Indianapolis |
| 7 | Don Brown | $820M | Healthcare Tech | Indianapolis |
| 8 | Steve Hilbert | $750M | Insurance | Indianapolis |
| 9 | Mitch Daniels | $600M | Gov., Equity, Education | West Lafayette |
| 10 | Tony George | $550M | Racing, IMS | Speedway |
Final Thoughts
The richest people in Indiana highlight the state’s unique blend of legacy wealth, industrial success, sports entrepreneurship, and tech innovation. Whether driving the growth of Indianapolis or pioneering in medical devices, these individuals have made a lasting impact on both Indiana and the nation.
