253 movers in South Bend

What to know when moving to South Bend, IN

TL;DR: South Bend at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 80.2% of residents rent and the median household income is $27,080.
The Major Draw:
Access to 10 nearby higher education institutions, including Indiana University-South Bend.
The Reality Check:
A poverty rate of 40.0% indicates significant economic challenges.
Commute:
Only 4.9% use public transit.
Top Tip:
Prepare for 133 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

South Bend has a population of about 4,933, with a median gross rent of $784. A significant portion of the population, 80.2%, are renters, which may appeal to those looking for flexible living arrangements. However, the median household income is $27,080, and the poverty rate is considerable at 40.0%. With 22.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community leans toward education, though economic struggles are evident.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for high income levels or a strong public transit system, as only 4.9% of residents commute via public transit.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median rent is $784, making it relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
  • Median home value stands at $131,600, indicating potential for home ownership.
  • Poverty rate is at 40.0%, reflecting economic challenges in the area.
  • Renter percentage is high at 80.2%, suggesting a community that favors renting over owning.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In Indiana, the overall crime rates indicate a mixed safety outlook. The violent crime rate is 269.3 per 100,000, which is 17.2% lower than the national average. Property crime is at 1,121.6 per 100,000, which is 27.5% lower than the national rate.

  • Violent crime: 269.3 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3
  • Property crime: 1,121.6 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9
  • Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 27.2% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).

Schools & Higher Ed

There are 10 postsecondary institutions in the area, providing a range of educational options for residents.

  • Indiana University-South Bend
  • Ivy Tech Community College-South Bend/Elkhart
  • John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences
  • Purdue University - Purdue Polytechnic South Bend
  • Holy Cross College

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

St. Joseph County experiences about 44.5 inches of precipitation annually, with 133 rainy days each year. The area has several parks and outdoor spaces worth visiting.

  • Potato Creek State Park (4.7 stars, 3,442 reviews)
  • Studebaker National Museum (4.8 stars, 1,868 reviews)
  • Central Park (4.6 stars, 2,388 reviews)
  • Howard Park (4.8 stars, 1,699 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In St. Joseph County, the unemployment rate is 3.0%, with 126,950 people employed in total.

  • Unemployment rate: 3.0% (December 2025)
  • Total employed: 126,950
  • Labor force: 130,867

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates South Bend interstate movers?

South Bend moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Indiana

Let's see how many people move within Indiana versus those who moved from Hoosier State to another state.

Moved Within IN
37%
Moved out of IN
63%

Statistical data show that the people moving locally within the state of Indiana (37%) are vastly outnumbered by the people moving out of the state (63%).

But regardless of whether you’re moving locally or crossing the Indiana state line, the one thing you must not forget to do is to start the pre-move preparations ASAP. Finding a good professional mover should be at the top of your moving checklist, as should be the task of packing up your home.

Who regulates Indiana local movers

Local movers who operate within the state of Indiana are supervised by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and must have valid state-issued IHGC numbers as proof of their legality. Should you happen to be having troubles with an intrastate moving company in the Hoosier State, turn to the INDOT for help on what legal actions to take against the local mover in question.

Agency: Indiana Department of Transportation
Address: 5252 Decatur Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: (317) 615-7350
Website: www.in.gov

What do people move within Indiana?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in IN?

Studio (2%)
1 Bedroom (20%)
2 Bedroom (32%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

Get a Precise Moving Quote

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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