Median Income
$49,375
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,500
74% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$428,590
Health
Obesity32.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Elevation1,436 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+89.2%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute30 min
Libraries1
Is Gary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gary receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, 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.
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 5.4/10.
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. 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. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 2.6% Hispanic.
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. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Gary is $72,500, 74% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $479 (59% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $428,590.
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 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 21.4% report depression. 21.3% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,408/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Crime Rates: Gary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Gary has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 28.0 inches |
| 26% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 47.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,436 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7942°N, 96.4571°W |
| County FIPS | 46039 |