St Joseph County Public RecordsIndiana

As of the 2022 Census estimate, St. Joseph County, IN, has a population of approximately 272,000. The median age is about 37 years. The gender distribution is nearly equal, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 72% White, 14% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Other groups, including multiracial, make up the rest.

St. Joseph County, IN, had 194,194 registered voters for the 2022 general election, administered by the St. Joseph County Board of Voter Registration. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal offices, with major parties being Democratic and Republican. In 2020, Joe Biden received 48.1% and Donald Trump 49.5% of the county’s presidential vote. There are over 90 polling locations and early voting sites. Recent issues included absentee ballot challenges and polling site relocations. The election board comprises bipartisan members to ensure fair administration and monitor compliance with Indiana state laws and procedures.

St. Joseph County, IN, is home to over 30 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 86%. Around 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools in the area, such as Penn High School, boast average test scores above state averages. The county also offers robust adult education and vocational programs through the South Bend Community School Corporation. School safety measures are in place, with reported incident rates below the state average. Educational opportunities are further enhanced by partnerships with local colleges, including the University of Notre Dame.

As of 2023, St. Joseph County, IN, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7%. Key industries include healthcare (20.4%), manufacturing (18.5%), and education (13.2%). Major occupational groups are management/business (35%), production/transportation (23%), and service jobs (21%). The average commute time is 20.5 minutes, with about 82% driving alone and 9% carpooling. Around 62% of residents work within the county, while the rest commute, mainly to Elkhart and Marshall counties. Major employment centers include South Bend and Mishawaka.

St. Joseph County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $166,000 (2023). Median rent is approximately $950/month. The housing market has seen a 7% year-over-year value increase. Housing types range from historic homes in South Bend’s West Washington neighborhood to newer developments in Granger. Notable neighborhoods include Northshore Triangle and River Park. Property taxes average 1.08% of assessed value, making taxes around $1,800 annually for a median-valued home. Rental and ownership options are diverse, supporting a mix of families, students, and professionals.

St. Joseph County, IN has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a 2023 violent crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents and property crime rate of 20.1 per 1,000. South Bend, the county seat, reports the majority of incidents. Law enforcement utilizes online crime mapping and encourages public reporting through anonymous tip lines. While overall crime rates declined slightly from 2022, auto theft and burglary remain prevalent concerns. County efforts focus on community policing and preventive programs to enhance safety.