Gary, IN Census Data
The 11th largest city in Indiana by population · 21 cities ranked
Gary is the 11th largest city in Indiana by population and ranks 21st of 21 for median household income. With 68,604 residents, its poverty rate of 32.9% ranks among the higher rates in Indiana. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
68,604
46.5% male · 53.5% female
Median Age
36.4
2.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$37,380
$41,158 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
14.3%
20.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.0%
Poverty Rate
32.9%
20.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.3%
Broadband Access
89.8%
0.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$85,300
Median rent: $975 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
13.0%
Labor force participation: 44.0%
Per Capita Income
$32,477
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.7%
Disability rate: 18.1%
How Gary Compares to Other Indiana Cities
Rankings among all 21 Indiana cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 11th of 21 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 21st of 21 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 21st of 21 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 21st of 21 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 21st of 21 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Gary, IN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gary, IN?
The population of Gary, IN is 68,604 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.4 years.
What is the median household income in Gary?
The median household income in Gary, IN is $37,380, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $32,477.
What is the poverty rate in Gary?
The poverty rate in Gary, IN is 32.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Gary residents have a college degree?
14.3% of adults (25+) in Gary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Gary?
The median home value in Gary, IN is $85,300. Median rent is $975 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Gary?
Gary's population is 12.7% White, 76.5% Black, 9.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Gary rank among Indiana cities?
Gary is the 11th largest city in Indiana by population, the 21st highest for median household income, the 21st lowest for poverty rate, the 21st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 21 ranked Indiana cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Gary?
The unemployment rate in Gary, IN is 13.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 44.0%. Per capita income is $32,477.
Cities Similar to Gary
Other Indiana cities with comparable population and income levels.