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OnGary.com

Gary, IN
β˜… Available

Explore Gary, IN: From Steel City's History to Natural Beauty.

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69K Population
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$32K Median Income
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$66K Median Home Price
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57 Square Miles

About Gary, IN

Gary, Indiana, is a city with a rich industrial history situated along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corporation, Gary became a booming industrial hub, primarily driven by its thriving steel industry. This history is reflected in its significant architectural landmarks and the rapidly evolving urban landscape. Despite industrial decline in the later 20th century, the city remains a testament to America’s industrial past and its spirits of resilience and innovation.

Culturally, Gary is known as the hometown of the Jackson family, most notably the birthplace of pop icon Michael Jackson. The community celebrates this legacy with events and attractions that draw visitors. Beyond its cultural contributions, Gary boasts proximity to natural beauty with the Indiana Dunes National Park nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, and beach activities. The city also serves as a quieter but historically rich counterpart to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, which lies just 30 minutes away.

Today, Gary is focusing on revitalization and redevelopment while embracing its diverse community. Its strategic location near Lake Michigan and multiple transport routes makes it an attractive spot for logistics and distribution companies. Gary is poised for growth with efforts to revitalize its downtown and foster a diverse economy driven by new industries and local entrepreneurship.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Gary special

38
🚢 Walkability
28
πŸ›‘οΈ Safety
55
🍽️ Food Scene
62
🎭 Arts & Culture
48
πŸŒ™ Nightlife
45
⚽ Sports Culture
15
🌬️ Air Quality
50
πŸš— Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 38.3 years
Diversity Index 71.0%

Gary exhibits a diverse community known for its industrial past, cultural heritage, and historical resilience.

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Economy

Median Income $31,637
Unemployment Rate 14.5%
Job Growth Rate -1.2%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, transportation, logistics, warehousing.

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Housing

Median Home Price $66,000
Cost of Living Index 78
Rent/Own Ratio 53.2%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 13.1%
High School Graduation Rate 76.9%
College Enrollment Rate 48.6%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 26
  • Libraries: 2
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16.4:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

Minor League
American Association of Professional Baseball: Gary SouthShore RailCats
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Major Venues

U.S. Steel Yard: 6,500

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Gary

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-90, I-80, I-94, US-12, US-20

Average Commute: 26 minutes

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Public Transit

Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC)

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Airports

GYY - Gary/Chicago International Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Gary unique

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Landmarks

  • The Jackson Family House
  • Union Station
  • City Methodist Church
  • Gary Works
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Attractions

  • Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Marquette Park Pavilion
  • Lake Street Beach
  • Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
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Museums

  • Gary SouthShore RailCats Baseball Museum
  • Michael Jackson Tribute Exhibit
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Parks

  • Marquette Park
  • Brunswick Park
  • Gleason Park
  • Seberger Park
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Healthcare

  • Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Gary

Manufacturing Transportation Logistics Warehousing

Living Here

Essential information about life in Gary

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 610 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Lake County

Metro Area: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 219

ZIP Codes: 46402, 46403, 46404, 46406, 46407, 46408, 46409

Location

Find Gary on the map

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