Gary, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
861
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,603/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
489
11.6% year-over-year change

Gary population

How many people live in Gary

Gary is home to 861 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Gary locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
861
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
442
Female
48.7%
419
Value Percent YoY change
Male 442 51.3% 5.5%
Female 419 48.7% -4.6%
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 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 142 16.5% 25.7%
15 to 24 94 10.9% -22.9%
25 to 44 225 26.1% 18.4%
45 to 64 214 24.8% 3.4%
Over 65 186 21.6% -17.7%
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

There’s also a share of 15.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 861 100% 0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
76.1%
Black or African American
8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.2%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 655 76.1%
Black or African American 72 8.4%
Two or more races 131 15.2%
Other 3 0.4%

Households in Gary

A peek inside Gary households

Gary has 267 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 41.6% are families, while the remaining 58.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
267
18.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
156
Family households
111
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 156 58.4% 54.5%
Family households 111 41.6% -11.2%
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 489 units, with 76.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.7% 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 8.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
489
11.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 375 76.7%
1 unit, attached 72 14.7%
Mobile home 42 8.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gary

In Gary, the median construction year is 1938. About 61.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 299 61.2% 16.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 58 11.9% -4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 48 9.8% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4 0.8% -42.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 34 7% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 23 4.7% 15.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 2.9% 75.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 0.8% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 1% N/A
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 267 occupied housing units in Gary, 95.9% are owner-occupied, while 4.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 45.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
267
18.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11
Owner occupied
256
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11 4.1% -42.1%
Owner occupied 256 95.9% 23.7%
Unoccupied housing units
45.4%
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

Median housing costs per month
$413/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.

Education in Gary

Gary education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Gary went to high school, while 32.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 59 8.3% 7.3%
High school diploma 318 44.6% -12.2%
College diploma 232 32.5% -1.7%
Associate degree 35 4.9% -39.7%
Bachelor's degree 69 9.7% 305.9%
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 $60,932 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,603, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gary
$60,932/year
15.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gary
$41,603/year
4.0% 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 $57,750. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $57,750 18.5%
Over 65 $38,889 -0.4%
Above poverty level
672
Below poverty level
99
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 672 87.2% 11.4%
Below poverty level 99 12.8% -37.3%

Employment in Gary

Workforce and job types in Gary

The job market in Gary is powered by 346 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
346
20.1% year-over-year change
White collar
323
Blue collar
23
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 323 93.4% 21.0%
Blue collar 23 6.6% 9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
41%
Governmental workers
32.1%
Not for profit companies
26.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 142 41% -6.0%
Governmental workers 111 32.1% 117.7%
Not for profit companies 93 26.9% 8.1%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
-76.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gary stands at 0.9%, 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: 99.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 343 99.7% 20.8%
Walk 1 0.3% -50.0%
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
24836 914 178 $36,250 $62,167

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gary demographics 

What is the total population of Gary?

Gary has a total population of 861 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gary?

The gender ratio in Gary is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (442 residents)
  • 48.7% females (419 residents)

What is the median age in Gary?

The median age in Gary is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gary?

The age distribution in Gary is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (142 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (94 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (225 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (214 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (186 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gary?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary is as follows:
  • White: 76.1% (655 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.4% (72 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.2% (131 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Gary.

How many housing units are there in Gary?

There are 489 housing units in Gary, reflecting a +11.6% 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 267 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gary?

Gary has a median household income of $41,603, representing a +4.0% 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 99.1% in Gary, with a workforce of 346 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.4% (323 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.6% (23 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 41% (142 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32.1% (111 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 26.9% (93 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