| Statistic | Gary | Indiana | National |
| Population | 75,486 | 6,732,219 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,514 | 188 | 91 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 38% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 43% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 95% | 92% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 4% | 5% | 13% |
The demographics of Gary offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 75,486, Gary exhibits a population density of 1,514 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 37.5, with 38% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 43% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Gary, 37% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 5% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Gary racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Gary is 14.5% White, 77.9% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 8.9% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 95.1% reported speaking English only, while 4% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 1.7% of residents were considered foreign born.
Areas like Gary that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Gary population density is higher than average and comes in at 1,514 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.
Understanding Populations: Reporting and analyzing the demographic data in Gary can allow us to gain insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges of different demographic groups within communities. Demographics can play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and well-being for all individuals and communities. Gary population data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and promoting the well-being and resilience of societies.
Education Allocation: Gary demographic data can help guide education planning by identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs, helping schools and policymakers allocate resources and develop effective educational programs. It can be an essential tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, or students with disabilities. By disaggregating data by demographic factors, education planners can identify areas of inequity and develop targeted interventions to improve access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Gary demographic data is invaluable in education for promoting equity, supporting student success, and fostering inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Gary has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
| Race | Gary | Indiana | National |
| White | 14.54% | 83.99% | 73.35% |
| Black | 77.91% | 9.23% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.26% | 1.98% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.11% | 0.24% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 4.46% | 2.22% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 2.69% | 2.30% | 4.75% |
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