South Bend, IN Census Data
The 4th largest city in Indiana by population · 21 cities ranked
South Bend is the 4th largest city in Indiana by population and ranks 14th of 21 for median household income. With 102,866 residents, its poverty rate of 22.6% ranks among the higher rates in Indiana. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
102,866
47.7% male · 52.3% female
Median Age
33.9
4.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$52,512
$26,026 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.4%
5.6% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.7%
Poverty Rate
22.6%
10.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.1%
Broadband Access
92.5%
2.8% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$124,500
Median rent: $1,000 · 59% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Labor force participation: 59.2%
Per Capita Income
$34,369
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.9%
Disability rate: 14.7%
How South Bend Compares to Other Indiana Cities
Rankings among all 21 Indiana cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 21 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 14th of 21 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 17th of 21 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 21 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 17th of 21 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
South Bend, IN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Bend, IN?
The population of South Bend, IN is 102,866 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.9 years.
What is the median household income in South Bend?
The median household income in South Bend, IN is $52,512, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $34,369.
What is the poverty rate in South Bend?
The poverty rate in South Bend, IN is 22.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of South Bend residents have a college degree?
29.4% of adults (25+) in South Bend hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.7% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in South Bend?
The median home value in South Bend, IN is $124,500. Median rent is $1,000 per month, with 59% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of South Bend?
South Bend's population is 54.1% White, 24.4% Black, 17.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does South Bend rank among Indiana cities?
South Bend is the 4th largest city in Indiana by population, the 14th highest for median household income, the 17th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 21 ranked Indiana cities.
What is the unemployment rate in South Bend?
The unemployment rate in South Bend, IN is 6.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.2%. Per capita income is $34,369.
Cities Similar to South Bend
Other Indiana cities with comparable population and income levels.