Gary, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
68,113
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,731/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
37,816
-0.4% year-over-year change

Gary population

How many people live in Gary

Gary is home to 68,113 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Gary locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
68,113
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
31,787
Female
53.3%
36,326
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,787 46.7% -0.3%
Female 36,326 53.3% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Gary is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 21.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
24%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
21.3%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,339 24% -0.5%
15 to 24 8,425 12.4% 0.8%
25 to 44 15,969 23.4% -1.8%
45 to 64 14,500 21.3% -2.0%
Over 65 12,880 18.9% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Gary, 97.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 11% of locals are Caucasian, 76.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 66,108 97.1% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,094 1.6% 16.0%
Non-citizens 911 1.3% -5.7%
Racial breakdown
White
11%
Black or African American
76.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 7,518 11%
Black or African American 51,870 76.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 84 0.1%
Asian 240 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0%
Two or more races 5,342 7.8%
Other 3,052 4.5%

Households in Gary

A peek inside Gary households

Gary has 27,227 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.1% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,227
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,416
Family households
15,811
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,416 41.9% -2.8%
Family households 15,811 58.1% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Gary

The housing landscape of Gary

Gary's housing consists of 37,816 units, with 71.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
37,816
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,173 71.9%
1 unit, attached 2,112 5.6%
2 units 1,235 3.3%
3 or 4 units 1,307 3.5%
5 to 9 units 1,383 3.7%
10 to 19 units 1,631 4.3%
20 to 49 units 725 1.9%
50 or more units 1,298 3.4%
Mobile home 936 2.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 16 0%
Homes built since 2020
99
12.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gary

In Gary, the median construction year is 1957. About 17.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,527 17.3% -5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,002 15.9% 1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9,287 24.6% 4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,008 18.5% -0.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,615 12.2% -5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,152 3% -15.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,107 2.9% -4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,202 3.2% 25.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 817 2.2% 8.2%
Built in 2020 or later 99 0.3% 12.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Gary occupancy rates

Out of the 27,227 occupied housing units in Gary, 49% are owner-occupied, while 51% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 28% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,227
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,871
Owner occupied
13,356
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,871 51% -3.9%
Owner occupied 13,356 49% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
28.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Gary housing costs

Housing costs in Gary come to a median of $878 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,012.

Median housing costs per month
$878/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Gary
$1,012/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Gary

Gary education at a glance

About 48.8% of the population in Gary went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,085 4.3% 2.2%
High school diploma 23,765 48.8% -3.0%
College diploma 11,710 24.1% -2.8%
Associate degree 4,547 9.3% 8.4%
Bachelor's degree 4,382 9% 2.8%
Graduate degree 2,178 4.5% 3.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Gary

How much people earn in Gary

The average annual household income in Gary was $56,358 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,731, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gary
$56,358/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gary
$38,731/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Gary income by age

In Gary, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $35,218. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,758 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $25,701, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,274 in earnings. Overall, 67.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,701 -4.8%
25 - 44 $35,218 8.0%
45 - 64 $44,758 1.7%
Over 65 $42,274 1.8%
Above poverty level
44,743
Below poverty level
21,861
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,743 67.2% -0.6%
Below poverty level 21,861 32.8% -0.2%

Average renter income in Gary

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gary, their median household income was $28,448 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,448
Rent-to-income ratio
42.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Gary

Workforce and job types in Gary

The job market in Gary is powered by 22,711 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 73.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
22,711
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
16,145
Blue collar
6,566
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,145 71.1% -2.0%
Blue collar 6,566 28.9% 8.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
73.3%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,684 7.4% 20.1%
Private companies 16,648 73.3% -1.9%
Governmental workers 2,436 10.7% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 1,943 8.6% 5.0%
Unemployment rate
11.0%
-17.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gary stands at 11%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Gary

How people get around in Gary

Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,018 87.7% -0.8%
Taxicab 58 0.3% 1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 254 1.2% -10.9%
Subway or elevated 27 0.1% N/A
Railroad 125 0.6% -7.4%
Motorcycle 20 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 13 0.1% -70.5%
Walk 216 1% 96.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Gary by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46402 5,836 2,258 $33,529 $50,543
46403 10,929 4,950 $45,991 $71,255
46404 15,428 5,873 $42,256 $54,431
46406 9,001 3,487 $35,839 $46,546
46407 8,577 3,778 $28,526 $49,487
46408 15,747 6,099 $47,453 $56,220
46409 7,184 2,648 $44,667 $67,592

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gary demographics 

What is the total population of Gary?

Gary has a total population of 68,113 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gary?

The gender ratio in Gary is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (31,787 residents)
  • 53.3% females (36,326 residents)

What is the median age in Gary?

The median age in Gary is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gary?

The age distribution in Gary is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24% (16,339 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (8,425 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (15,969 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.3% (14,500 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (12,880 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gary?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary is as follows:
  • White: 11% (7,518 residents)
  • Black or African American: 76.2% (51,870 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (84 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (240 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (5,342 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (3,052 residents)

What percentage of the population in Gary are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.1% of the population in Gary.

How many housing units are there in Gary?

There are 37,816 housing units in Gary, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Gary and what is the average household size?

Gary has a total of 27,227 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gary?

Gary has a median household income of $38,731, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gary?

The employment rate is 89% in Gary, with a workforce of 22,711 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.1% (16,145 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.9% (6,566 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (1,684 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.3% (16,648 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (2,436 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (1,943 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025