Gary, IN vs Hickory, NC
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
Hickory
70.8
#1056 nationally
Hickory leads in median household income ($58,251 vs $36,874). Hickory leads in average commute (19.6 min vs 27.4 min). Gary leads in cost of living index (81 vs 98).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 70.8 (#1056) |
| Population | 67,652 | 44,415 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $298,293 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $58,251 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | R+38.0 |
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
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C-
70.8 Score
Hickory, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$298,293
Population
44,415
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Hickory, NC →