Median Income
$72,500
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,700
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.9%
77% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Gary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population308
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density531/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,500
Per Capita$30,013
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$246M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,700
Ownership88.7%
Zillow$159,457
Housing Units113
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property860/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.8%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,100 ft (335 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.9%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute28 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Gary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gary receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Gary offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gary is $72,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gary is $123,700, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gary is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
7.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Gary has a population of 308 with a density of 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.2% of residents, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.2%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.8%
19% below US avg
The median household income in Gary is $72,500, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,013 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,500 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,013 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $246M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Gary is $123,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,457, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,700 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,457 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.3% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Gary, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,594. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Gary has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 860 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gary receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 202.4/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 860.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 276 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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,100 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 531/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3740°N, 96.2656°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
396 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 196 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
98 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REINER 36 (67,641 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
40 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,970 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
RL001 |
3,606 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
RED LAKE 045 |
3,374 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
38 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,328 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Gary has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Gary. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary
What is the population of Gary?
Gary has a population of 308 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Gary expensive to live in?
Gary has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,500, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,700 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gary safe?
Gary is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gary receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gary?
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Gary?
Gary has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gary?
The median home value in Gary is $123,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,457. The homeownership rate is 88.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Gary?
Schools in Gary score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.9% of adults in Gary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gary?
The obesity rate in Gary is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Gary?
The average commute in Gary is 28 minutes. 68.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary is 87.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 89.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
