Gary, IN vs West Chicago, 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
West Chicago
72.9
#817 nationally
West Chicago leads in crime level (5.0 vs 13.5). West Chicago leads in median household income ($92,335 vs $36,874). Gary leads in cost of living index (81 vs 110).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | West Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 72.9 (#817) |
| Population | 67,652 | 25,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $395,522 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $92,335 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 5.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | D+13.3 |
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-
72.9 Score
West Chicago, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$395,522
Population
25,116
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View West Chicago, IL →