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Is Gary a Good Place to Live? Gary, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gary ranks #1312 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #524 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($94,700, #3 of 524) and low rents ($1,012/mo, #52 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,393 per 100,000, #443 of 444) and low household income ($38,731, #522 of 524).
Gary by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gary's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gary?
Gary's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,012/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $92,352, 64% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Gary | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $92,352#7 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,363/mo#223 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $94,700#7 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,012/mo#232 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 31.4%#1270 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gary housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gary is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Gary safe?
Gary recorded 1,393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 5.5 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #1075 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #443 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gary Police Department. Property crime runs 3,078 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gary | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,393#1075 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,078#965 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gary?
The median household in Gary earns $38,731, 53% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.3%). 33.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gary | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $38,731#1307 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.5%#1046 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 33.1%#1306 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gary?
The median resident of Gary is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 14.8%#1271 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gary's schools and health?
Gary's 18 public schools graduate 78.1% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $20,581 spent per pupil. 51.9% of adults are obese and 25% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Gary | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78.1%#918 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,581#179 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 51.9%#1311 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 25%#1311 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.1%#967 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,549 students are enrolled in Gary's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gary?
The average commute in Gary is 25.9 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1.9% of workers take transit and 6.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gary scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71°F and winters 28°F, with 39.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gary | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.9 min#850 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.7% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.6% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.1 | 17.8 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 35.5 | 21.1 | 2 |
| Mar | 45.6 | 29.8 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 57.2 | 39.5 | 3.6 |
| May | 68.4 | 49.6 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 77.5 | 59.5 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 81.6 | 64.3 | 4 |
| Aug | 80 | 63.1 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 74.3 | 56.3 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 44.7 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 48.7 | 34.2 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 37.4 | 24.1 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indiana Dunes Np.
| Measure | Gary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 28°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Indiana Dunes Np.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gary?
Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 15 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Gary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 15#947 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#287 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.078% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 33% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gary compare with similar-size cities?
Gary is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #524 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,113.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gary compare with the rest of Indiana?
Gary ranks #21 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 31.1 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 46% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 5.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Gary's score calculated?
Gary scores 31.1 out of 100, #1312 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gary. Similar-size median 55.5.
10.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gary's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
21.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gary. Similar-size median 58.9.
8.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gary's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gary's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
79.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gary. Similar-size median 56.1.
1.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gary. Similar-size median 42.4.
21.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gary. Similar-size median 50.0.
40.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gary's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
57.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gary's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gary has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gary
Is Gary, IN a good place to live?
Gary ranks #1312 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #524 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($94,700, #3 of 524) and low rents ($1,012/mo, #52 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,393 per 100,000, #443 of 444) and low household income ($38,731, #522 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Gary?
Gary's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,012/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $92,352, 64% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Gary?
Gary recorded 1,393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 5.5 times Indiana's 254. That ranks #1075 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #443 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gary Police Department. Property crime runs 3,078 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gary?
The median household in Gary earns $38,731, 53% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.3%). 33.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gary?
Median rent in Gary is $1,012/mo (Census), #232 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,363/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 31.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gary?
The typical home value in Gary is $92,352, down 1.3% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $94,700.
How are the public schools in Gary?
Gary's 18 public schools graduate 78.1% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $20,581 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gary?
The average commute is 25.9 minutes, #850 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gary?
Gary averages 50.2°F over the year, 71°F in summer and 28°F in winter, with 39.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gary walkable?
Gary scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gary at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gary?
Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 15 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gary?
Gary has 68,113 residents. The median resident of Gary is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gary compare with the rest of Indiana?
Gary ranks #21 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 31.1 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 46% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 5.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Gary?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gary's population of 68,113 are Jackson, TN (#1215 overall), Grand Junction, CO (#730 overall), South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), and Delray Beach, FL (#475 overall). Gary is #1312.