Median Income
$62,188
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
119/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How South Bend Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population99
Median Age58.2 yrs
Density1,100/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,188
Per Capita$30,610
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$13,671M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,700
Rent$925
Ownership73.2%
Zillow$378,547
Housing Units52
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent119/100K
Property317/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking11.8%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,045 ft (319 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute21 min
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is South Bend a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Bend receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. South Bend offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Bend is $62,188, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Bend is $114,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
South Bend is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 317 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Bend experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches, including 22.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
South Bend has a population of 99 with a density of 1,100 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 58.2 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 75.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.2yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Bend vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Bend vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Bend is $62,188, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,610 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,552 business establishments, including 325 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Bend vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,188 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,610 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,552 |
| County GDP | $13,671M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 325 |
| Healthcare | 437 |
| Retail | 432 |
| Manufacturing | 102 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in South Bend is $114,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $378,547, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $378,547 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.8% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.97% |
In South Bend, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 13.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015. The dentist ratio is 1:1,384. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Bend vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 13.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,015 |
| Dentists | 1:1,384 |
| Mental Health | 1:716 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 437 |
South Bend has a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 317 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Bend receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Bend vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.8/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 316.7/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Bend experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches. The area receives 22.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,045 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,045 ft (319 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0036°N, 96.2485°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sarpy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 531 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
24 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
South Bend has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in South Bend. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Bend
What is the population of South Bend?
South Bend has a population of 99 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,100 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is South Bend expensive to live in?
South Bend is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,188, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Bend safe?
South Bend is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 317 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Bend receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Bend?
South Bend has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches, with 22.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in South Bend?
The job market in South Bend is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 4,552 business establishments in the area, including 325 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Bend?
The median home value in South Bend is $114,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $378,547. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in South Bend?
Schools in South Bend score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in South Bend hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Bend?
The obesity rate in South Bend is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015.
What is transportation like in South Bend?
The average commute in South Bend is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Bend?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Bend is 98% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 75.0% have health insurance coverage.
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