Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gary, IN
Thinking about moving to Gary, IN? With a population of 66,583, Gary offers very affordable living—median home prices are just $57,000 and average rents around $900. Commute times average 26 minutes, and you'll find a strong sense of community and easy access to higher education at Indiana University Northwest. While crime rates are higher than national averages, the city boasts a low cost of living and is just minutes from Lake Michigan's shoreline. Learn more about Gary's neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle below to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Gary, IN
Gary, Indiana is home to 66,583 residents, with a majority identifying as Black (77.9%) and a median age of 39.3 years. The city has a moderate population density and a small proportion of non-English speakers, offering a diverse and mature community for newcomers.
Population:
66,583
Density:
1,335 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.3
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
13.6%
Black:
77.9%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gary, IN?
Gary stands out for its low cost of living, with a median home value of just $57,000 and average rents around $900 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are below national averages, making the city attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$57,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
28.5
Utilities:
92.8
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
92.6
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Gary, IN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Gary are higher than national averages, with residents facing a 1 in 95 chance of being affected by violent crime. While property crime is also a concern, prospective residents should be aware and take precautions when considering neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,047
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,153
Crime Index:
4,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 95
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Gary, IN year-round?
Gary experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. The city enjoys about 52% sunny days and receives around 37.5 inches of rainfall annually, offering a typical Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Local households in Gary have a median income of $34,779, with a poverty rate of 32.9% and an unemployment rate of 8.6%. Most residents have completed high school, and average commute times are just under 26 minutes, reflecting a working-class, close-knit community.
Median Income:
$32,183
Household Income:
$34,779
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,553
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
32.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
8.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
25.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Gary, IN?
Gary's education landscape includes public and private school options, such as Gary Middle College and 21st Century Charter School, as well as nearby higher education at Indiana University Northwest. The majority of adults hold a high school diploma, with opportunities for continued learning in the local area.
Public Schools
Name:
Gary Middle College
Street:
131 East 5th Avenue
Phone:
219-977-0700
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Banneker Elementary School
Street:
1100 West 16th Ave
Phone:
219-881-5460
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.9
Private Schools
Name:
21st Century Charter School
Street:
556 Washington St
Phone:
219-883-4826
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
9,400
Healthcare
Gary offers access to general and emergency medical care at Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, and about 89.7% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are accessible for most residents in the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus
Address:
600 Grant St, Gary, IN 46402
Phone:
(219) 886-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
64.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gary, IN?
The Gary housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $57,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 52.5%. Home values have appreciated by 7.5% over the past year, and rental options are widely available with a vacancy rate just above 12%.
Median Home Price:
$57,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
2.1%
DMV Information
Local DMV services in Gary are provided by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 661 Broadway, offering convenient access to licensing and registration needs. Residents can find more information or schedule appointments through the state BMV website or by calling the local office.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
661 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.