Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hammond, IN
Thinking of moving to Hammond, IN? With a population of nearly 78,000, Hammond offers affordable living with a median home price around $142,000 and average rents of $1,050. Residents enjoy a reasonable 26-minute average commute and access to local schools and Purdue University Northwest. While the city’s cost of living is well below the national average, crime rates are higher than average, so neighborhood selection is important. Enjoy four distinct seasons with 53% sunny days, making Hammond a practical and budget-friendly choice in Northwest Indiana.
Demographics - Hammond, IN
Demographics - Hammond, IN
Hammond has a diverse population of nearly 78,000 residents, with a median age of 36.2 years. A significant Hispanic community makes up about 41% of the city, and approximately 17.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
77,879
Density:
3,226 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
35.4%
Black:
22.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
0.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hammond, IN?
Hammond stands out for its low cost of living, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rents around $1,050 per month. The cost of living index is 83.6, making it considerably more affordable than the national average. Residents benefit from reasonable expenses on utilities and groceries, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
3.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
90.4
Housing:
64.2
Utilities:
101.6
Transportation:
94.3
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Hammond, IN a safe place to live?
While Hammond offers many amenities, its crime rates are higher than average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 43 and violent crime at 1 in 262. The city’s crime index suggests that new residents should carefully consider neighborhood selection. Despite these concerns, many residents enjoy a strong sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
382
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,325
Crime Index:
2,707
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Hammond, IN year-round?
Hammond experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 17°F and warm summers reaching highs near 83°F. The city receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate provides a classic Midwest seasonal experience, appealing to those who appreciate variety in weather.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Typical households in Hammond earn around $50,000, with a poverty rate of 22%. Residents benefit from a close-knit community, with most enjoying commute times of about 26 minutes and a relatively low public transportation usage. Educational attainment is solid, with over 81% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$24,800
Household Income:
$50,035
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$35,500
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
22.0%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.3%
Education
How are the schools in Hammond, IN?
Hammond offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools as well as higher education opportunities. Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus is a major local institution, and the city’s schools serve diverse student populations. Families have access to both K-12 and collegiate resources within the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Hammond High School
Street:
5926 Calumet Ave
Phone:
219-933-2442
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Eggers Middle School
Street:
5825 Blaine Ave
Phone:
219-933-2417
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Noll Institute
Street:
1519 Hoffman St
Phone:
219-932-9058
Students:
600

Colleges
Name:
Purdue University Northwest – Hammond Campus
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,600
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Hammond residents have access to quality healthcare, including two major hospitals nearby and a physician rate of 2.1 per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. The area provides comprehensive emergency and general medical services for local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital
Address:
901 MacArthur Blvd, Munster, IN 46321
Phone:
(219) 836-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Catherine Hospital
Address:
4321 Fir St, East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone:
(219) 392-1700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hammond, IN?
The housing market in Hammond is affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. The homeownership rate is about 59%, and the market has seen modest appreciation over the past year. Rental vacancies remain relatively low, making it a favorable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Hammond residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 7931 Indianapolis Blvd. The local BMV office provides essential services like driver’s licensing and vehicle registration. For more information, residents can visit the official Indiana BMV website or call their toll-free number.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
7931 Indianapolis Blvd, Hammond, IN 46324
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.