Gary, IN vs Palatine, IL
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
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 13.5). Palatine leads in median household income ($93,383 vs $36,874). Gary leads in cost of living index (81 vs 115).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 67,652 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | D+42.0 |
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
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →