What to know when moving to Hammond, IN
Hammond at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 57.2% of residents rent and the median household income is $35,706.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 23 postsecondary institutions within the region.
- The Reality Check:
- 32.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 2% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $853 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hammond is a city where the majority of residents, about 57.2%, are renters, reflecting its affordability in housing with a median gross rent of $853. The local population of approximately 14,097 has an education level where only 11.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With a median household income of $35,706, the area faces challenges, notably with a significant poverty rate of 32.4%.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community or robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $853, making it accessible compared to surrounding areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $115,300, which could be appealing for first-time buyers.
- With a poverty rate of 32.4%, financial challenges may be prevalent within the community.
- 57.2% of residents are renters, indicating a strong rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Indiana show emerging trends with a decrease in both violent and property crimes over recent years.
- Violent crime: 269.3 per 100k, down 27.2% since 2022, compared to the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,121.6 per 100k, down 34.7% since 2022, while the national rate is 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate dropped by 48.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in Hammond includes many institutions across Lake County and nearby regions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 23
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 22
- Notable nearby schools include Purdue University Northwest and Calumet College of Saint Joseph.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
The area experiences an annual precipitation of about 33.1 inches, with an average of 106 rainy days per year. Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 2.6 inches annually with about 25 snow days.
- Ninja Kidz Action Park: 4.9 stars, 12,082 reviews
- Wicker Memorial Park: 4.6 stars, 3,043 reviews
- Whiting Lakefront Park: 4.7 stars, 1,887 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Lake County's job market shows signs of stability with a moderate unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% as of December 2025
- Employed individuals: 230,438
- Total labor force: 238,826
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.