Gary, IN vs Lafayette, IN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Gary
78.2
#190 nationally
Lafayette
71.4
#983 nationally
Lafayette leads in average commute (16.3 min vs 27.4 min). Lafayette leads in median household income ($50,674 vs $36,874). Gary leads in crime level (13.5 vs 16.4).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 71.4 (#983) |
| Population | 67,652 | 71,216 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $268,766 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $50,674 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 16.3 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 16.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | Even |
C+
78.2 Score
Gary, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$88,085
Population
67,652
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Gary, IN →
C-
71.4 Score
Lafayette, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$268,766
Population
71,216
Crime
High
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View Lafayette, IN →