South Bend is a city in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 101,860, making it the fourth-largest city in Indiana after Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville.
Population
The population of South Bend peaked at 132,445 in 1960. Since then, the population has declined steadily to 101,860 in 2020. However, South Bend remains the economic and cultural hub of northern Indiana.
According to the Wikipedia page for South Bend, the racial makeup of the city is:
- 66.7% White
- 15.5% African American
- 0.5% Native American
- 2.6% Asian
- 12.8% from other races
- 1.9% from two or more races
- 16.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race
South Bend has a relatively young population, with 22.8% under the age of 18 and 12.2% aged 65 and older. The median age is 32.7 years old.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the economy of South Bend was dominated by heavy industry. Studebaker automobiles, Oliver farm equipment, and Bendix automotive parts were all manufactured in South Bend. However, like many other Rust Belt cities, South Bend has suffered from deindustrialization and outsourcing since the 1960s.
Today, the economy of South Bend is much more diversified. According to the City of South Bend website, major employers include:
- University of Notre Dame – 12,981 employees
- Beacon Health System – 7,335 employees
- AM General – 6,800 employees
- South Bend Community School Corporation – 3,357 employees
- Indiana University South Bend – 1,076 employees
- City of South Bend – 886 employees
The economy of South Bend benefits greatly from being home to two universities – Notre Dame and IU South Bend. Education, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT and data centers, logistics and transportation are key industries today.
Despite economic challenges, South Bend’s economy has grown in recent years. Unemployment dropped from a peak of 12.2% in 2010 to 4.1% in 2019. Median household income has increased from $32,439 in 2011 to $42,342 in 2019, outpacing both the state of Indiana and the U.S. as a whole.
Points of Interest
As the hub of northern Indiana, South Bend offers many attractions and points of interest:
The University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is synonymous with South Bend. “ND” has been located in South Bend since 1842 and is integral to the city’s economy and identity. Notre Dame’s historic campus attracts millions of visitors per year.
Studebaker National Museum
The Studebaker National Museum documents the history of the Studebaker Corporation and its automobiles, wagons, and carriages. Studebaker was headquartered in South Bend from its founding in 1852 until 1963.
The Museums at Washington and Chapin
Located in South Bend’s former Central High School, The Museums at Washington and Chapin include the HealthWorks Kids’ Museum, the John N. Hurty History Museum, and the Copshaholm mansion museum.
Potawatomi Zoo
The Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals, including big cats, penguins, monkeys and more. The zoo originally opened in 1902 and is northern Indiana’s oldest zoo.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs minor league baseball team provides affordable family entertainment at Four Winds Field. The Cubs are a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
East Race Waterway
The East Race Waterway is an artificial whitewater rafting course along the St. Joseph River downtown. The East Race hosts rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
You can keep up with news and events in South Bend by following the City of South Bend Facebook page.