Gary, IN vs Ruston, LA

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

vs

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 27.4 min). Gary leads in walk score (32 vs 25). Gary leads in cost of living index (81 vs 95).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Gary, IN Ruston, LA
WhereAtHome Score 78.2 (#190) 72.3 (#911)
Population 67,652 22,233
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $88,085 $229,937
Median Household Income $36,874 $32,877
Average Commute 27.4 min 13.9 min
Walk Score 32 25
Crime Level 13.5 11.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 81 95
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+5.6 R+25.4
Gary, IN
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 →
Ruston, LA
C-
72.3 Score

Ruston, LA

Small Louisiana city with local appeal

Median Home

$229,937

Population

22,233

Crime

Moderate-High

Walk Score

25

Southeast View Ruston, LA →

Try a different matchup

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