Median Income
$36,528
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
480/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.4%
81% higher than US avg
How Gary City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population312
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density164/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,528
Per Capita$22,989
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty22.4%
County GDP$2,361M
Commute26 min
Housing
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$249,098
Housing Units119
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent480/100K
Property5,282/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking17.3%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain52.3 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation302 ft (92 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+10.5%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 17%
Commute26 min
Broadband66.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Gary City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gary City receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Gary City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gary City is $36,528, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,282 per 100,000, 169% above the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Gary City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Gary City has a population of 312 with a density of 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.6%), with 13.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gary City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gary City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gary City is $36,528, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,989 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,142, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 559 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gary City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,528 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,989 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,142 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,754 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 559 |
| County GDP | $2,361M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,098. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,259 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
In Gary City, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,535. The dentist ratio is 1:3,779. 43.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gary City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,535 |
| Dentists | 1:3,779 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,806 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Gary City has a violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,282 per 100,000, 169% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Gary City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gary City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 480.1/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,281.5/100K |
| 169% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gary City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 302 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.4°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 302 ft (92 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0277°N, 94.3679°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Panola County County |
| Nearest Airport | East Texas Regional (GGG)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.3"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
33 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.2 on Aug 22, 2025.
| May 17, 2012 |
3 km NE of Timpson, Texas |
M4.8 |
11 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Timpson, Texas |
M4.3 |
14 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
14 km WNW of Timpson, Texas |
M4.2 |
16 km |
| Jan 25, 2013 |
11 km SE of Timpson, Texas |
M4.1 |
21 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
9 km NW of Timpson, Texas |
M3.9 |
12 km |
| Jan 27, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 18, 2025 |
0 km WSW of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| Mar 29, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Wells, Texas |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Jan 20, 2019 |
7 km SSW of San Augustine, Texas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Aug 22, 2025 |
5 km WSW of Huxley, Texas |
M3.2 |
51 km |
| Apr 16, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jan 6, 2025 |
4 km ESE of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Chireno, Texas |
M3.0 |
62 km |
| Aug 21, 2025 |
8 km W of Huxley, Texas |
M3.0 |
48 km |
| Apr 1, 2021 |
7 km W of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| May 31, 2013 |
7 km SE of Timpson, Texas |
M2.9 |
19 km |
| Dec 7, 2012 |
3 km S of Timpson, Texas |
M2.8 |
18 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
1 km S of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 29, 2013 |
4 km S of Timpson, Texas |
M2.8 |
18 km |
| Jan 31, 2013 |
7 km WNW of Timpson, Texas |
M2.8 |
14 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
120 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
256 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
145 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
172 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 2 |
281 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
689 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,020 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
75 km |
7 |
| Dec 3, 1978 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Feb 12, 1950 |
EF4 |
35 km |
18 |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 2009 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1989 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1988 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| May 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 1980 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTHEAST TEXAS FIRE COMPLEX (41,645 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
NORTHEAST TEXAS FIRE COMPLEX |
41,645 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
RXCOMP89-90-93-115 |
10,602 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
AIRPORT |
8,458 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
502 |
8,344 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,146 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,057 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
OLD MAGNOLIA |
4,881 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
GOOBER HILL SOUTH |
4,845 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,754 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
ANF NORWOOD BLOCK B-C |
4,753 |
68 km |
| 1989 |
BIG CREEK |
4,723 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
C-16/17/18/19 |
4,633 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
ANF WHITE CITY COMP 35/36/37 RX |
4,508 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,456 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
4,363 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
RX10COMP31-32-33-34 |
4,317 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,239 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
FIRE |
4,231 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,929 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Gary City has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 47°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and August the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Gary City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $511 |
| Preschool | $498 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $494 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary City
What is the population of Gary City?
Gary City has a population of 312 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Gary City expensive to live in?
Gary City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $36,528, 51% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Gary City safe?
The violent crime rate in Gary City is 480 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,282 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gary City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gary City?
Gary City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Gary City?
Gary City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,142. There are 559 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Gary City?
Schools in Gary City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Gary City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 10.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gary City?
The obesity rate in Gary City is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,535.
What is transportation like in Gary City?
The average commute in Gary City is 26 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gary City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary City is 84.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 13.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 77.9% have health insurance coverage.
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