Gary, IN vs Lancaster, CA
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
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Lancaster leads in median household income ($71,367 vs $36,874). Gary leads in crime level (13.5 vs 22.9). Gary leads in cost of living index (81 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 61.5 (#1905) |
| Population | 67,652 | 166,236 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $465,459 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $71,367 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 30.9 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 22.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →