Indiana: The Time Zone Crossroads

The question "what time is it in Indiana?" is famously complex. The state sits on the seam between two major U.S. time zones, making it a unique case. The live dashboard above displays both official times currently active within the state.

A State Divided: Eastern and Central Time

Most of Indiana observes **Eastern Time (EST/EDT, UTC-6/-5)**. However, a significant portion of the state, primarily in the northwest (near Chicago) and the southwest (near Evansville), observes **Central Time (CST/CDT, UTC-7/-6)**. This duality is a core aspect of daily life and commerce in the state.

Full Observance of Daylight Saving Time

While historically a subject of local debate, today the entire state of Indiana observes Daylight Saving Time. All counties, regardless of their time zone, move their clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall, in sync with the national schedule. This ensures consistency within each respective zone.

Which Counties are on Which Time?

The official divide places 12 of Indiana's 92 counties on Central Time. These include major population centers like Lake County (Gary), Porter County, and Vanderburgh County (Evansville). The vast majority, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend, are on Eastern Time.

Why is Indiana Split?

Indiana's location at the western edge of the Eastern Time Zone is the primary reason for the split. Economically, counties in the northwest are deeply integrated with the Chicago metropolitan area (Central Time), while counties in the southwest are tied to the economies of Illinois and Kentucky (also Central Time). The split is a practical solution that reflects these strong regional ties.