Hobart is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 29,752 at the 2020 census, up from 29,059 in 2010. It has been historically primarily residential, though recent annexation has added a notable retail corridor to the city. Lake County, northwestern Indiana. Platted in 1849; incorporated as a town in 1889 and as a city in 1921. Mayor-Council system. Family-oriented with small-town feel, local events, parks, and community activities. Hobart began when English immigrant George Earle built a dam on the Deep River in the mid-1800s to power mills, creating what's now Lake George - a recreational focal point of the city. The community was named for Earle's brother, Frederick Hobart Earle. You'll find several historic sites in the city, including the Hobart Commercial District and historic buildings like the Hobart Carnegie Library and First Unitarian Church of Hobart - many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lake George: A 270-acre mill pond popular for walking, boating, fishing, and community events. Hobart has multiple parks, sports fields, and trails, including access to nature preserves and the Oak Savannah rails-to-trails bikeway and parts of the Indiana Dunes National Park system nearby. Outdoor music events, festivals, and family-friendly activities frequently take place by the lake and downtown area. The city blends a historic downtown vibe with newer retail and dining options - especially around Southlake Mall and along the Route 30 corridor. Hobart's economy is tied to both local businesses and the wider Chicagoland market region. It offers a mix of older homes and newer developments, aiming for affordable housing and strong community services.