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South Bend, IN

Frequently asked questions

South Bend, IN

South Bend is a city in and the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. At the 2020 census, the city had a total of 103,453 residents and is the fourth-largest city in Indiana. Located just south of the border with Michigan, South Bend anchors the Michiana region and is 72 miles (116 km) east of downtown Chicago. The metropolitan area had a population of 324,501 in 2020, while its combined statistical area had 812,199.

The area was settled in the early 19th century by fur traders and was established as a city in 1865. The St. Joseph River shaped South Bend's economy through the mid-20th century. River access assisted heavy industrial development such as that of the Studebaker Corporation, the Oliver Chilled Plow Company, and other large corporations.

The population of South Bend declined after 1960 when it peaked at 132,445. This was chiefly due to migration to suburban areas as well as the demise of Studebaker and other heavy industries. Today, the largest industries in South Bend are health care, education, small business, and tourism. The remaining large corporations based in the area include Crowe, Honeywell, and AM General. The city's economy and culture are influenced by the nearby University of Notre Dame.

South Bend is located 5 mi (8.0 km) from the Michigan border and approximately equidistant from Illinois and Ohio. The city is 93 mi (150 km) from Chicago. The shore of Lake Michigan is 20 mi (32 km) away. According to the 2010 census, South Bend has a total area of 41.877 square miles (108.46 km²), of which 41.46 square miles (107.38 km²) (or 99%) is land and 0.417 square miles (1.08 km²) (or 1%) is water.

In terms of health and wellness, South Bend offers a range of facilities and initiatives to support residents' well-being. The Beacon Health System serves as a major healthcare provider, ensuring access to quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit South Bend, Mind Over Matter Fitness, and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around South Bend, such as the Howard Park and Coal Line Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in South Bend, IN are The Studebaker National Museum, Potawatomi Zoo, and Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Population: 103,395 (2023). ZIP codes: 46601, 46604, 46612–46617, 46619–46620, 46624, 46626, 46628–46629, 46634–46635, 46637, 46660, 46680, 46699. Area code(s): 574. Elevation: 725 ft (221 m). Area: 42.40 sq mi (109.82 km²).

FAQs

Is South Bend, IN a good place to live?

South Bend is in St. Joseph County and is one of the best places to live in Indiana. Living in South Bend offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In South Bend, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in South Bend and residents tend to lean liberal.

Is it expensive to live in South Bend, IN?

The cost of living in South Bend, IN is 3% lower than the state average and 11% lower than the national average. South Bend, IN housing, is 18% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 1% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 14% less in South Bend, IN than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 14% less.

What are the demographics in South Bend, IN?

South Bend, IN is home to a population of 103k people, of which 94.4% are citizens. As of 2022, 8.49% of South Bend, IN residents were born outside of the country (8.75k people). In 2022, there were 2.05 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (52.7k people) in South Bend, IN than any other race or ethnicity. There were 25.7k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 5.83k Two+ (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of South Bend

Beacon Health System

South Bend Parks and Recreation Department 

CrossFit South Bend

Mind Over Matter Fitness 

Planet Fitness

Howard Park 

Coal Line Trail

The Studebaker National Museum

Potawatomi Zoo

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Niche

Rentcafe

Data USA

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.