The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate that Whiting has a population of 4,717, while Hammond is at 75,598. For Whiting, the new number continues a downward trend in population from the city’s peak of 10,880 in 1930. For Hammond, the population decline has been steady since 1960, when it peaked at 111,698.

Every year the Census Bureau gives updated population estimates. These latest estimates are for 2018. A complete census count is taken every ten years in the United States. The next one will take place in 2020.

Based on the current estimates, Whiting has lost 5.6 percent of its population since the official 2010 count. Hammond has lost 6.5 percent of its population. Hammond ranks as the eighth largest city in Indiana, just ahead of ninth place Gary. Whiting is far down the list, coming in as the state’s 127th largest community.

For more details on the Calumet area, see this recent article from The Times.