258 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.
