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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Gary

Gary, IN has 40 income-based rental properties with a combined 5,668 units, giving renters a substantial range of affordable options across the city. With a median market rent of $1,012 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for the roughly half of Gary residents who rent. Of the 15 properties with inspection scores on record, 12 rated good or excellent.

40
Properties
5,668
Total units
82/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,012/mo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median gross rent in Gary is $1,012 per month, while the median household income is $38,731 annually. With 51% of residents renting, affordable housing options play an important role in the local market.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,347 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Gary Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Gary had a violent crime rate of 1,347 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 58 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Gary

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Gary scores 58 (Somewhat Walkable), meaning some errands can be done on foot. The Bike Score is 46, indicating some biking infrastructure is available.

No Transit Score is available for this area. Residents who depend on public transportation should confirm local bus routes and schedules with the Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) before committing to a property.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
22 schools · 10 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 22 public schools across 10 districts serve Gary, including 9 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools. Ratings and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$38,731 median income

Cost of Living in Gary, IN

The median household income in Gary is $38,731 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). Affordable and income-based housing can make a significant difference for renters in a city where budgets are often stretched.

The median market rent in Gary is $1,012 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). HUD-assisted and income-restricted units in the city may offer rents below that figure, depending on household income and program type.

  • Median household income: $38,731/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Median market rent: $1,012/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Renter households: 51% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • HUD-assisted units tracked on Lease Lantern: 2,949 across 15 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment and Flood Risk

All 15 HUD-assisted properties in Gary were mapped for flood zone exposure. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood zone data for these properties.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 82/100(15 of 40 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (8)60–69 (1)<60 (2)No score (25)

40 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 40 affordable apartments in Gary→

Other cities in IN

› Affordable housing in Anderson› Bloomington income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Columbus› Elkhart affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Evansville› Affordable housing in Fort Wayne› Indianapolis income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Jasper› Kokomo affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Lafayette› Affordable housing in Madison› Marion income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in IN› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Gary Affordable Housing: What Renters Should Know

Gary, Indiana is a majority-renter city, with 51 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With nearly 3,000 income-restricted units across 15 HUD-assisted properties, it carries one of the larger affordable housing inventories in the region.

The median market rent in Gary is $1,012 per month and the median household income is $38,731, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. For renters balancing those two figures, income-restricted housing can make a meaningful difference in monthly costs.

Property Conditions at a Glance

All 15 tracked properties in Gary have received HUD inspection scores, and the results are largely encouraging. The breakdown based on HUD inspection data is as follows:

  • Excellent: 4 properties
  • Good: 8 properties
  • Fair: 1 property
  • Poor: 2 properties

Most properties fall into the good or excellent range, though renters considering any specific building should review its individual inspection record before applying.

Flood Risk

According to flood map data, none of the 15 tracked affordable properties in Gary are located in a high-risk flood zone.

Getting Around

Gary has a Walk Score of 58 ("Somewhat Walkable") and a Bike Score of 46, according to Walk Score. Residents without a car may want to check transit access for any specific address before committing to a lease.

Schools

Gary is served by 10 school districts and 22 public schools, including 9 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Indiana income limits (2026)Indiana public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Indiana

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →