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.
Table of Contents
TogglePopulation Overview
Gary, Indiana’s population, as of 2024, is 67,199.
Race demographics are one of the major shifts the city has experienced during that period. Today, it looks like this:
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.
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.
Female | 36,930 | 53.42% |
Male | 32,206 | 46.58% |
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.
How to Improve the Quality of Life
Summer street festivals in Gary, Indiana are second to none, giving locals an opportunity to put on showcases of traditional Gary culture for eager tourists pic.twitter.com/bt9EAMiSH5
— Enguerrand VII de Coucy (@ingelramdecoucy) July 21, 2024
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.
If you found this interesting read Is Gary as dangerous as people say?Â
A higher median value often indicates a robust housing market, while a lower median value may highlight affordability issues or economic challenges.
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 typically 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
Gary, Indiana Population: 74,879 Photos from Google Places API Link:Â https://t.co/czd4Mhq344Â pic.twitter.com/rMZ9akVfap
— New town every hour (@TownsUsa) May 7, 2023
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.
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.
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