Because of its proximity to Chicago, it continues to be plagued with crime.
Geography
Hammond is located at 41°36'40" North, 87°29'35" West (41.611185, -87.493080)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 64.3 km² (24.8 mi²). 59.3 km² (22.9 mi²) of it is land and 5.1 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 7.85% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 83,048 people, 32,026 households, and 20,880 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,401.4/km² (3,630.0/mi²). There are 34,139 housing units at an average density of 576.1/km² (1,492.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 72.35% White, 14.57% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 9.32% from other races, and 2.81% from two or more races. 21.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 32,026 households out of which 31.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% are married couples living together, 16.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% are non-families. 29.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.23.
In the city the population is spread out with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $35,528, and the median income for a family is $42,221. Males have a median income of $35,778 versus $25,180 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,254. 14.3% of the population and 12.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 19.7% are under the age of 18 and 9.3% are 65 or older.