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City Report · IN

Gary

Pop. 68,113·36th most expensive in Indiana·Gary rents are up 9.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,366/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.6%
vs US Median
-$599
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Gary · $1,366
More affordable than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
62/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what Gary's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,366/mo
Expected by trend
$1,451/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Gary's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$840
1 BR
$963
2 BR
$1,170
3 BR
$1,443
4 BR+
$1,550
Research median
$1,170/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,392/yr
At $1,366/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.9% YoY, +1.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Gary, IN is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
68,113
Median income
$38,731
Median age
36.5
Renters
50.9%
Age distribution
28.5%
19.4%
22.2%
18.9%
Under 1828.5%
18–3419.4%
35–5422.2%
55–6411%
65+18.9%
Gender
46.7%
53.3%
Male46.7%
Female53.3%
Race & ethnicity
76.2%
White11%
Black76.2%
Hispanic10.4%
Other2.1%
Education (25+)
13.6%
37.1%
34.5%
14.8%
No HS diploma13.6%
HS diploma37.1%
Some college34.5%
Bachelor's+14.8%
Housing tenure
49.1%
50.9%
Owner49.1%
Renter50.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Gary, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$865 → $1,366
up 57.9%
Income
$34,085 → $38,731
up 13.6%
Population
69,739 → 68,113
down 2.3%
Renter share
50.9% → 50.9%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
14.4% → 14.8%
+0.4 pts
Median age
37.1 → 36.5
-0.6 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Gary, IN paid around $865 a month. That figure now sits near $1,366, up 57.9% from the 2021 baseline. Median household income climbed from $34,085 to $38,731 between 2021 and 2024, a 13.6% shift. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Gary, IN losing about 1,626 residents over the five-year window, down 2.3% on net. Taken together, the five-year picture in Gary, IN reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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View Gary rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Gary on your salary?

At $1,366/mo, how Gary rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Gary rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Gary. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Gary

About renting in Gary, IN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Gary is $1,366/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $840/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,170/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $963/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,443/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($38,731/yr), Gary ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Gary an affordable city for renters?

Gary is considered stretched for renters. At $1,366/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($38,731/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Gary significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Gary?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,366/mo in Gary. The local median household income is $38,731/yr, meaning the typical Gary household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Gary?

Rent in Gary has increased 9.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Gary neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Gary are 46409 ($1,349/mo), 46404 ($1,435/mo), and 46408 ($1,441/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Gary is $1,366/mo.

How does Gary rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

Gary is middle-of-the-pack for Indiana for rent, ranking #36 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,366/mo.

What percentage of Gary residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 50.9% of Gary households are renters, while 49.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Gary has a strong rental market.

How does Gary rent compare to the national average?

Gary's median rent of $1,366/mo is $599 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #36 out of 65 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $1,366/mo, rent takes ~42% of Gary's median household income ($38,731/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Gary 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.05%
Run the Gary affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Gary, IN

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