A unique characteristic of Indian Creek Island is the residents' apparent obsession with security. The village is unique among similar-sized communities in having its own State of Florida sworn police force including its own 24/7 armed boat patrol around the island. Not only does "the ICVPSD operate the only 24 hours (a) day, 7 days a week marine patrol unit and it is often the only waterborne police force available on Biscayne Bay" but also the sworn force of 14 officers compared with the 38 residents reported in the 2004 census figures might make Indian Creek Village the most protected and secure incorporated municipality in the United States.

Indian Creek Village frequently makes real estate headlines with its record high sales. Crooner Julio Iglesias's home made news as being one of the 10 Most Expensive Homes in the South according to Forbes Magazine in 2006.

The island is also home to the ultra-exclusive Indian Creek County Club. In addition to one of the oldest private club houses in South Florida, the club's golf course is widely considered to be greater Miami's finest golf course and occupies the entire interior of the island with a few waterfront holes.

Famous residents both past and present have included Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, his son Enrique Iglesias, pro golfer Raymond Floyd, coaches Rick Pitino and Don Shula, US Senator George Smathers, Sheik Mohammed al-Fassi of Saudi Arabia, television host Don Francisco, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, co -founder of Calvin Klein Barry Schwartz, billionaire developer Donny Soffer, steel executive Leroy Schecter, wireless executive Rajendra Singh, radio magnate Raul Alarcon,real estate billionaire Peter Breton, coal and oil executive Christopher F. Viegas, Fred Hesser CEO and founder of Hesser Group Global, Perry Ellis head George Feldenkreis, and former Philadelphia Eagles owner and billionaire art collector Norman Braman, and former cable company CEO Ken Bagwell.