Indiana / Lake County

Moving to Gary, IN

Thinking of making a move to Gary, IN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gary, IN

Considering a move to Gary, IN? This welcoming community of 69,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $90,000 and average rents near $1,000. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Gary's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Gary, IN

Gary has a population of 69,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 5% White, 77% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
69,000
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
4.8%
Black
77.0%
Asian
0.6%
Others
17.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Gary, IN?

The cost of living in Gary is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.5. Median home values are around $90,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$90,000
Gross Rent
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 3.15%| High: 3.15%
Cost Of Living Index
83.5
Grocery
93.0
Housing
41.8
Utilities
102.5
Transportation
95.4
Health Care
95.8
Miscellaneous
88.7

Crime

Is Gary, IN a safe place to live?

Gary is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,150 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Indiana.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,150
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,100
Crime Index
4,250
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 87
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Gary, IN year-round?

Gary experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $43,500 and a low poverty rate of 28.5%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 12% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$32,000
Household Income
$43,500
Family Income
$52,000
Per Capita Income
$20,500
Income Male
$34,000
Income Female
$29,500
Poverty Rate
28.5%
Non English Speakers
6.8%
Rent
$980
Unemployment Rate
9.2%
Public Transport Usage
14.5%
Commute Time
28.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.0%
Bachelors or More
12.0%

Education

How are the schools in Gary, IN?

Gary offers quality education options, with public schools like West Side Leadership Academy and Gary Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Ivy Tech Community College - Lake County and Indiana University Northwest. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
West Side Leadership Academy
Street
900 Gerry St
Phone
219-981-5300
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8
Name
Gary Middle School
Street
1111 W 25th Ave
Phone
219-886-1090
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Marquette Catholic High School
Street
306 W 10th St
Phone
219-769-1718
Students
380

Colleges

Name
Ivy Tech Community College - Lake County
City
Gary
State
IN
Distance
2 miles
Students
5,500
Name
Indiana University Northwest
City
Gary
State
IN
Distance
5 miles
Students
5,800

Healthcare

Gary residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northwest Health - Porter and St. Mary Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 89.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Northwest Health - Porter
Address
85 E US Highway 6, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone
(219) 263-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
St. Mary Medical Center
Address
1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart, IN 46342
Phone
(219) 942-0551
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
89.0%
Health Care Index
61.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Gary, IN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $90,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.5%. Gary offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$90,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,000
Owner Occupied Rate
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
1.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Gary handle vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Indianapolis. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Indiana
Department
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone
1-888-692-6841

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.

FAQs About Moving to Gary, IN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Gary, review the core fields on this page: population 69,000, median home value $90,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,000, commute time 28.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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