St. Joseph County

St. Joseph County sits in northern Indiana and covers roughly 461 square miles, with South Bend as its largest city. The area is shaped by the St. Joseph River, which winds through several townships and structures the landscape.

The county was established in 1830 and named after the St. Joseph River that shaped the region. It grew into an industrial area with major economic importance to the state.

The area draws its name from the St. Joseph River, a waterway central to the region. People here maintain ties to industrial heritage and university traditions that shape community life.

Visitors can explore multiple towns and city centers, best done by car to get around the flat to gently rolling landscape. South Bend is the main hub with most services, dining, and lodging options.

The county is home to the University of Notre Dame campus, one of the nation's most respected universities. This institution shapes the intellectual and sports culture across the entire region.

Location: Indiana

Inception: January 29, 1830

Capital city: South Bend

Elevation above the sea: 246 m

Shares border with: Berrien County, Cass County, Elkhart County, Marshall County, Starke County, LaPorte County

Website: https://sjcindiana.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.61672,-86.28986

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:19