IndianaPop. 103,085Mid-size cities
Is South Bend a Good Place to Live? South Bend, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Bend ranks #863 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($140,400, #9 of 256) and low rents ($1,033/mo, #19 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,786, #227 of 256) and high poverty (20.8%, #220 of 256).
South Bend by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Bend's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in South Bend?
South Bend's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,033/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,639, 22% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | South Bend | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $201,639#116 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,298/mo#163 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $140,400#67 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,033/mo#246 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
South Bend housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. South Bend is in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metro.
Indiana housing market →Is South Bend safe?
South Bend recorded 453 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #786 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #154 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Bend Police Department. Property crime runs 1,048 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | South Bend | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 453#786 of 1,085 | 254 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,048#239 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in South Bend?
The median household in South Bend earns $55,786, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | South Bend | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,786#1134 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.8%#1138 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Bend?
The median resident of South Bend is 34.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29.3%#820 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Bend's schools and health?
South Bend's 32 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 10.6 students per teacher and $16,835 spent per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 15.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | South Bend | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 10.6#20 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,835#420 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.2%#1173 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.6%#923 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,195 students are enrolled in South Bend's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South Bend?
The average commute in South Bend is 20.2 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1.6% of workers take transit and 11.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Bend scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.6°F and winters 26.9°F, with 39.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Bend | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.1% | 76.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.2% | 9.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.7#895 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.2 | 17 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 34.9 | 19.3 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 46.2 | 27.2 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 59 | 37.1 | 3.5 |
| May | 70.1 | 48.1 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 58.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 62.1 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 80.8 | 60.5 | 4 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 53 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 61.8 | 42.1 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 31.8 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 36.3 | 23 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at S Bend Airport.
| Measure | South Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 70.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at S Bend Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Bend?
St. Joseph County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St. Joseph County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | South Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.07%#28 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for St. Joseph County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Joseph County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0042% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.007% | 44% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.046% | 8% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does South Bend compare with similar-size cities?
South Bend is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #156 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 103,085.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #130 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 | 26.1 min |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #841 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 | 14.3 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does South Bend compare with the rest of Indiana?
South Bend ranks #13 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 22% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is South Bend's score calculated?
South Bend scores 52.2 out of 100, #863 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Bend. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Bend's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Bend. Similar-size median 53.8.
32.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South Bend's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
63.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South Bend's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
83.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Bend. Similar-size median 51.2.
26.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Bend. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Bend. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Bend's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Bend's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South Bend has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in South Bend
Is South Bend, IN a good place to live?
South Bend ranks #863 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($140,400, #9 of 256) and low rents ($1,033/mo, #19 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,786, #227 of 256) and high poverty (20.8%, #220 of 256).
What is the cost of living in South Bend?
South Bend's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,033/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,639, 22% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in South Bend?
South Bend recorded 453 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #786 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #154 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Bend Police Department. Property crime runs 1,048 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in South Bend?
The median household in South Bend earns $55,786, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in South Bend?
Median rent in South Bend is $1,033/mo (Census), #246 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,298/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Bend?
The typical home value in South Bend is $201,639, up 7.2% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $140,400.
How are the public schools in South Bend?
South Bend's 32 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 10.6 students per teacher and $16,835 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in South Bend?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Bend?
South Bend averages 49.3°F over the year, 70.6°F in summer and 26.9°F in winter, with 39.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Bend walkable?
South Bend scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is South Bend at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in South Bend?
St. Joseph County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Joseph County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in South Bend?
South Bend has 103,085 residents. The median resident of South Bend is 34.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #820 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Bend compare with the rest of Indiana?
South Bend ranks #13 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 22% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to South Bend?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Bend's population of 103,085 are Columbia, MD (#36 overall), Lee's Summit, MO (#179 overall), Bend, OR (#288 overall), San Mateo, CA (#130 overall), and Wichita Falls, TX (#841 overall). South Bend is #863.