Median Income
$49,375
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,500
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$479
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Gary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population227
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density339/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,375
Per Capita$32,800
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$553M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,500
Rent$479
Ownership77.3%
Zillow$428,590
Housing Units163
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,436 ft (438 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute30 min
Broadband71.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Gary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gary receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gary is $72,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $479 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gary is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches, including 47.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Gary has a population of 227 with a density of 339 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Gary is $49,375, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,800 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 200 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,375 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,800 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 200 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Gary is $72,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $428,590, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $479 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 163 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,600. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $428,590 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $479 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.7% |
| Housing Units | 163 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.97% |
In Gary, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272. The dentist ratio is 1:4,352. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,272 |
| Dentists | 1:4,352 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,408/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Gary has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 528 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gary receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Gary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 528.4/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. 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 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,436 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,436 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7942°N, 96.4571°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
99 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
89 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
50 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
49 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
49 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
50 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
97 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
51 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
49 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Gary has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary
What is the population of Gary?
Gary has a population of 227 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 339 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Gary expensive to live in?
Gary is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $479 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gary safe?
Gary is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gary receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gary?
Gary has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches, with 47.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Gary?
Gary has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 200 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gary?
The median home value in Gary is $72,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $428,590. For renters, the median monthly rent is $479. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,600.
How are the schools in Gary?
Schools in Gary score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in Gary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gary?
The obesity rate in Gary is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272.
What is transportation like in Gary?
The average commute in Gary is 30 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary is 96.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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