Gary

Gary, Indiana Overview

Gary faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (28.2/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Indiana. Even so, the city scores 81/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 0/100.

Income & Employment in Gary

The median household income in Gary is $35,033, 47% below the statewide median of $65,870. The local unemployment rate of 9.3% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population declined 0.2%.

Safety in Gary

With a violent crime rate of 914.6 per 100,000, Gary exceeds the Indiana average of 361. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2917.1 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Gary

Gary has a cost of living index of 102.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $85,300. Median monthly rent is $975. Renters allocate 33.4% of income to rent — above the 30% affordability threshold.

Health & Wellness in Gary

The adult obesity rate in Gary is 51.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 25%. Residents report an average of 20.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Indiana ranks #40 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Gary

Gary has a high school graduation rate of 78.1%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.2:1. Local districts invest $20,104 per student, well above the national median. The city has 21 public schools serving 10,526 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Gary

The annual average temperature in Gary is 52.5°F. Summers average 70.4°F. Winters average 35.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42.2 inches.

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