Indiana
Gary, Indiana Population in 2024 – Latest Census Data and Analysis – Indiana Environmental Reporter
Gary, Indiana, a city known for its industrial history, has seen significant demographic shifts over the years.
The industrial decline is a major reason for the significant changes we can see today.
Let us talk about Gary, Indiana’s population in 2024 in greater detail.
Population Overview
Gary, Indiana’s population, as of 2024, is 67,199.
The city has experienced a significant decline of the population in the last couple of decades after a massive rise during the first few decades of the 20th century.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 16,802 |
| 1920 | 55,378 |
| 1930 | 100,426 |
| 1940 | 111,719 |
| 1950 | 133,911 |
| 1960 | 178,320 |
| 1970 | 175,415 |
| 1980 | 151,968 |
| 1990 | 116,646 |
| 2000 | 102,746 |
| 2010 | 80,294 |
| 2020 | 69,093 |
Race demographics are one of the major shifts the city has experienced during that period. Today, it looks like this:
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Black or African American | 77.56 |
| White | 13.08 |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 0.11 |
| Asian | 0.26 |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 0.01 |
| Some other race | 2.59 |
| Two or more races (multiracial) | 6.39 |
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Gary is 36.9 years, indicating a relatively young population.
The age group distribution shows a balanced representation of different age brackets, with a noticeable number of young adults and middle-aged residents.
It basically looks like this:
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 2,691 | 2,174 |
| 5 to 9 years | 2,674 | 3,113 |
| 10 to 14 years | 2,781 | 2,448 |
| 15 to 19 years | 2,264 | 2,427 |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,016 | 2,264 |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,782 | 2,140 |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,723 | 2,345 |
| 35 to 39 years | 2,171 | 2,039 |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,280 | 2,438 |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,621 | 1,584 |
| 50 to 54 years | 2,104 | 2,008 |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,957 | 1,943 |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,806 | 2,555 |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,857 | 2,688 |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,525 | 1,837 |
| 75 to 79 years | 754 | 1,114 |
| 80 to 84 years | 719 | 828 |
| 85 years and over | 481 | 985 |
The gender ratio is relatively even, reflecting a typical urban demographic.
A balanced age and gender distribution has implications for the city’s labor market, educational services, and healthcare needs.
Economic Indicators
Gary residents need an annual income of $50,160 or an hourly wage of $24.12 to afford a two-bedroom home.
In stark contrast, the median household income in the city is significantly lower at $36,153. This disparity underscores the financial strain on many families trying to secure adequate housing.
The high cost of living relative to income levels highlights the urgent need for affordable housing initiatives and economic support for residents.
Poverty Rate
The poverty rate in Gary is alarmingly high, with 27.9% of families living below the poverty line.
This statistic reflects the broader economic challenges faced by the community and points to a critical need for targeted poverty alleviation programs.
Economic development strategies and support services are essential to help lift families out of poverty and provide a more stable financial foundation for the city’s residents.
Employment and Major Industries
Employment status in Gary varies, with key industries providing most of the job opportunities. The major sectors include:
- Manufacturing:
- Traditionally a cornerstone of Gary’s economy, manufacturing continues to provide numerous jobs, although the sector has seen fluctuations in employment levels due to broader economic trends and automation.
- Healthcare:
- This sector is a vital part of the local economy, offering a range of employment opportunities from direct patient care to administrative roles.
- Retail:
- Retail jobs provide employment for many residents, though these positions often come with lower wages and less job security compared to other sectors.
Economic Challenges and Policy Implications
The city’s economic indicators underscore the importance of several strategic initiatives:
- Job Creation:
- Developing policies that attract new businesses and support existing ones is crucial for creating more job opportunities.
- Workforce Development:
- Enhancing the skills and employability of the workforce through education and training programs is vital.
- Economic Policies:
- Implementing policies aimed at reducing poverty and increasing household income is essential.
Improving Quality of Life
Addressing these economic challenges is crucial for improving the quality of life for Gary’s residents.
By focusing on job creation, workforce development, and effective economic policies, the city can work towards reducing poverty rates and increasing household incomes.
These efforts are essential for building a more prosperous and equitable community.
Housing and Living Conditions
The homeownership rate in Gary serves as a crucial indicator of economic stability and community investment.
High homeownership rates typically correlate with a stronger local economy and more engaged residents, as homeowners are more likely to invest in their properties and the surrounding community.
Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units
The median value of owner-occupied housing units in Gary reflects the city’s housing market conditions.
The metric helps assess the affordability and desirability of living in Gary, which can influence population growth and economic development.
A higher median value often indicates a robust housing market, while a lower median value may highlight affordability issues or economic challenges.
Average Commute Time
The average commute time for residents provides insight into the city’s transportation infrastructure and access to employment opportunities.
Shorter commute times generally suggest better infrastructure and closer proximity to job centers, enhancing residents’ quality of life by reducing the time spent traveling and increasing work-life balance.
Importance of Housing and Living Conditions
Understanding housing and living conditions is vital for developing policies that promote:
- Affordable Housing:
- Ensuring that housing costs remain within reach for all residents, especially those with lower incomes.
- Improved Living Standards:
- Enhancing the quality of housing and access to essential services to improve residents’ overall well-being.
- Community Well-being:
- Creating a supportive environment that fosters community engagement and social cohesion.
Impact on Seniors
Nearly 13,000 Gary residents are aged 65 or older, a population disproportionately affected by the housing crisis.
Seniors often face fixed incomes and rising healthcare costs, making affordable and stable housing even more critical.
Addressing the housing needs of this demographic is essential for their well-being and the overall health of the community.
Quality of Life
These factors—homeownership rates, housing values, commute times, and the housing needs of seniors—play a significant role in shaping the quality of life in Gary.
By focusing on these areas, policymakers can develop strategies that enhance living conditions, promote economic stability, and foster a thriving community.
Summary
The demographic analysis of Gary, Indiana, reveals key insights into the city’s population trends, economic indicators, and living conditions.
These findings have important implications for local policy and future planning efforts aimed at revitalizing Gary and improving the well-being of its residents.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A Hamilton County teen on Friday said he’s excited for his first convention as a voting delegate.
Jackson Massillamany, who just turned 18 and graduated from high school in May, is no stranger to politics. His father, Mario, is the chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party and his mother, Amy, serves on the Hamilton County Council.
Jackson said he signed up to be a delegate at this weekend’s Indiana Republican Party convention in Fort Wayne after Mario asked if he was interested.
“It’s kinda cool to see how this is done and what my dad actually does,” he said. “At first, I wasn’t really excited for it, but I’m here now and I’m having a blast.”
Mario Massillamany, who is a contributor to “All INdiana Politics,” said Jackson is the youngest delegate at the convention. He said he has been taking Jackson along to party functions ever since he was an infant.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to get more active and involved in politics, and I think we need to try and get the younger generations involved in our political process,” he said. “I think this is a great opportunity for him to come here, have a good experience and then go back and talk to his friends about why it’s important to get involved.”
Jackson will be one of 1,800 delegates tasked with picking a nominee for secretary of state. It’s a closely watched race. Current Secretary of State Diego Morales, who is seeking a second term, has faced numerous controversies since he took office. Knox County Clerk David Shelton and conservative activist and 2024 gubernatorial candidate Jamie Reitenour have been running against Morales for months. Last month, Max Engling, a staffer for Sen. Jim Banks and a 2024 congressional candidate, joined the race at the last minute with Banks’ backing.
The Republican winner in November will have to face Bayh family scion Beau Bayh, a Democrat, along with Libertarian Lauri Shillings and, potentially, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who is running as an independent under the Lincoln Party label.
Mario said he’s telling Jackson to keep his eyes and ears open and to meet with all of the weekend’s candidates.
Both Massillamanys said the key to getting young people to vote and to get politically involved is to, first, encourage them to register to vote and, second, to elevate more young people who are in politics.
“I feel like many people are scared to be involved in politics because nobody else younger does it,” Jackson said. “So, like, me and other people my age, being able to reach out to others to try and get involved, I feel like, is the best way for people my age to get involved.”
Delegates to the 2026 Indiana Republican Party convention will make their selections on Saturday. Besides secretary of state candidates, they will choose nominees for state treasurer and state comptroller. The current occupants of those offices, Daniel Elliott and Elise Nieshalla, respectively, are running for second terms and are unopposed.
Government reporter Garrett Bergquist will be in Fort Wayne on Saturday and will have a full report on the results of the convention at 6, 10 and 11 p.m. on WISH-TV.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man is dead after a shooting Thursday night on Indy’s near east side, police say.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, just after 8 p.m., officers were called to the 2000 block of East Washington Street on a report of a person shot.
When officers arrived, they found an adult male inside an apartment with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services transported the man to a hospital in critical condition, where died shortly after arriving.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation.
Crime Resources
Gov. Mike Braun asked state regulators to reconsider their decision to greenlight a $71 million rate increase for AES Indiana, doubling down on his condemnation of a move that could leave Indianapolis residents with higher electrical bills for years.
Braun wrote in a June 18 news release that he had asked Indiana Utility Counselor Abby Gray, who heads the office representing ratepayers in proceedings before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, to petition for a rehearing of the AES rate case.
Gray indicated in the release that her office would submit the petition shortly. No petition had been posted on the IURC’s online docket as of this story’s publication.
The rate increase, which was approved by the IURC on June 17, was substantially less than the $192 million increase that AES initially requested. It was also less than the amount proposed in a settlement last October between AES and major electricity consumers.
But the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, which Gray leads, came out strongly against any increase to AES’s base rates. In September, the OUCC called for a $21 million reduction instead.
As the Republican Party grapples with rising discontent over affordability, Braun has used opposition to rising utility rates to telegraph that he’s committed to keeping costs down for Indiana residents. He signed a law in February that allows the state to make rate-setting decisions that reward or penalize utilities based on metrics including affordability.
In March, he told reporters that he would take on Indiana’s five investor-owned utilities, describing himself as the “new sheriff in town.”
And after the IURC voted 3-1 to approve the AES rate increase, he wrote in a post to X that he was “deeply disappointed.”
Braun wrote in the June 18 news release that he had appointed Gray, a longtime OUCC lawyer and judge, to her current post because he knew she “would help me fight for Hoosiers.”
According to AES’s estimates, the rate increase will cost households an additional $5 per month for every 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity they use, beginning in July. A second hike will take effect in January.
Tilly Robinson is a Pulliam fellow for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at tilly.robinson@indystar.com.
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