South Bend

South Bend, Indiana Overview

South Bend faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (40.9/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Indiana. Even so, the city scores 82/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 10/100.

Income & Employment in South Bend

The median household income in South Bend is $55,767, 15% below the statewide median of $65,870. The local unemployment rate of 5.2% is higher than the state’s 3.5%.

Safety in South Bend

With a violent crime rate of 1217.5 per 100,000, South Bend exceeds the Indiana average of 361. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2556.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in South Bend

South Bend has a cost of living index of 91.4 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $124,500. Median monthly rent is $1,000. Renters spend 21.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in South Bend

The adult obesity rate in South Bend is 39.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.2%. Residents report an average of 20.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Indiana ranks #40 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in South Bend

South Bend has a high school graduation rate of 79%. The student-teacher ratio of 10.1:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $16,947 per student, well above the national median. The city has 38 public schools serving 16,596 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in South Bend

The annual average temperature in South Bend is 52.1°F. Summers average 70.4°F. Winters average 35°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions