Gary, IN vs Rock Island, 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
Rock Island
81.7
#39 nationally
Rock Island leads in median household income ($55,732 vs $36,874). Rock Island leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 27.4 min). Rock Island leads in walk score (44 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 81.7 (#39) |
| Population | 67,652 | 36,132 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $129,626 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $55,732 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 14.9 |
| 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 | D+9.6 |
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 →
B-
81.7 Score
Rock Island, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$129,626
Population
36,132
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Rock Island, IL →