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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 46406 has 8,776 residents and 3,410 households (average 2.57 persons per household). The median age is 36.1 years, slightly younger than the state (38.2) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.2% male and 52.8% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (63.2%, much higher than the state average of 9.6% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (22.3%, much lower than the state average of 77.2% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 15.2%, which is much higher than the state average (8.2%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (9.6%) and national averages (12.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	8,776Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	8,513Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	9,236Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	651.3 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$35,631Source: Census ACS

Households:	3,410Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$86,300Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.57Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	4.31Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 46406 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	10,096	9,876	9,898	10,196	9,658	9,402	9,462	9,554	9,042	8,779	8,453	8,730	8,513
Decennial Census	9,900	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	8,776	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 36.1

Male Median Age: 34.2

Female Median Age: 37.2

Line chart for ZIP 46406 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	333	353	347	364	245	260	198	237	215	227	270	266	247	190	167	113	61	45
Female	314	358	327	302	293	306	287	292	271	243	265	274	268	252	182	159	108	137
Total	647	711	674	666	538	566	485	529	486	470	535	540	515	442	349	272	169	182

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 46406. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	1,956	20.57%
Black:	5,546	58.33%
Hispanic:*	1,333	14.02%
Asian:	14	0.15%
American Indian:	61	0.64%
Hawaiian:	5	0.05%
Other:	593	6.24%
Total:	9,508	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 46406. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	4,138	47.15%	34.2 years
Females:	4,638	52.85%	37.2 years
Total:	8,776	100%	36.1 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 46406. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	8,106	95.22%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	46	0.54%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	199	2.34%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	162	4.24%
Total Population:	8,513	100%
Total Native Population:	8,152	95.76%
Total Foreign-born Population:	361	4.24%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2023, the Median household income is $35,631, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $4,415 (14.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,692. Family households earn a median of $35,100 versus $35,653 for nonfamily households (a difference of $553). By gender, male median income is $52,467 and female is $34,712, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $17,755 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 50.0%, which is far less than the state rate (64.0%). The unemployment rate is 11.4%, which is considerably above the state rate (4.3%). The largest occupation group is Sales (31.4%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 46406 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$31,216	$29,891	$30,826	$32,418	$30,233	$29,815	$30,554	$29,933	$30,939	$30,569	$33,750	$34,550	$35,631
Median Family Income	$34,054	$33,451	$32,520	$35,508	$33,382	$34,602	$34,014	$35,313	$35,938	$32,258	$34,454	$33,722	$35,100
Median NonFamily Income	$20,204	$20,410	$22,232	$17,464	$21,083	$17,367	$19,000	$22,882	$23,870	$25,176	$27,212	$34,945	$35,653
Median Male Income	$31,709	$28,214	$26,142	$27,662	$28,750	$40,444	$40,678	$41,959	$43,002	$41,797	$44,469	$49,954	$52,467
Median Female Income	$29,368	$30,133	$30,316	$27,074	$26,734	$27,190	$28,125	$29,757	$29,628	$27,151	$29,162	$31,186	$34,712

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 46406, city of Gary, Lake County, state of Indiana, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 46406, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	2,699	44.30%
Unemployed:	348	5.71%
Not In Labor Force:	3,046	49.99%
Total:	6,093	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	496	18.38%
Service:	688	25.49%
Sales and Office:	848	31.42%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	205	7.60%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	462	17.12%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	2,699	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2023, the median home value is $86,300, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $21,800 (33.80%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $33,200. The median gross rent is $972, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $322 (49.54%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $164. Of occupied housing, owners make up 46.93% (40.00% with a mortgage, 60.00% free-and-clear) and renters 53.07% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.12%, which is much higher than the state rate (9.20%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 46406, compared with Gary, Lake County, state of Indiana, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 46406 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$64,500	$63,400	$60,800	$63,600	$58,300	$53,900	$54,600	$56,400	$53,100	$57,800	$60,800	$66,300	$86,300

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 46406, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	90	5.13%
$500 to $999:	733	41.81%
$1,000 to $1,499:	605	34.51%
$1,500 to $1,999:	96	5.48%
$2,000 to $2,499:	12	0.68%
$2,500 to $2,999:	0	0.00%
$3,000 or more:	0	0.00%
No Rent:	217	12.38%
Total:	1,753	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 46406 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$650	$687	$690	$725	$764	$783	$786	$792	$808	$807	$851	$959	$972

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 46406. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	620	18.77%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	930	28.16%
Renter Occupied:	1,753	53.07%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	3,303	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	3,303	83.88%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	635	16.12%
Total Housing Units:	3,938	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 46406. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	3,035	77.07%
Multi-Family Units:	768	19.50%
Other Units:	135	3.43%
Total Housing Units:	3,938	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 8.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 81.00%, which is markedly below the state rate (90.20%). The uninsured rate is 12.50%, which is on par with the state rate (7.60%). Private coverage is 35.10%, which is generally lower than the state rate (69.00%). Public coverage is 60.80%, which is markedly above the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 33.90%, which is markedly above the state rate (8.40%), up 8.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.00 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (51.25%). College enrollment is 11.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 46406, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	453	8.89%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	516	10.13%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	2,110	41.42%
Some college, no degree:	1,070	21.01%
Associate's degree:	506	9.93%
Bachelor's degree:	291	5.71%
Graduate or professional degree:	148	2.91%
Total:	5,094	100%
High school or higher:	4,125	80.98%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	439	8.62%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 46406. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	2,991	32.41%
Public Insurance:	5,175	56.07%
No Insurance:	1,063	11.52%
Total:	9,229	100%
Has Health Insurance:	8,166	88.48%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 46406 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	25.1%	28.7%	28.2%	29.0%	30.3%	28.2%	28.4%	25.3%	20.9%	25.2%	24.6%	31.4%	33.9%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	172	8.26%
Kindergarten:	184	8.84%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	1,067	51.25%
High school (grades 9-12):	430	20.65%
College or graduate school:	229	11.00%
Total:	2,082	100%
Early Childhood:	356	17.10%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	1,681	80.74%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Gary, Indiana
Names to Avoid:	Brunswick
County:	Lake County
Timezone:	Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:	11:37:22 PM
Population:	8,776 [See All]
Area Code:	219
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	41.6025, -87.4046
Land Area:	13.475 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/46406/zip-code-46406.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	3,594Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	231Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	4,082Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	3,014Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	224Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	142Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$77,337,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$323,083,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	4,976Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INSource: Census
CBSA Number:	16980Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	Lake County-Porter County-Jasper County, IN (CBSA Div 29414)Source: Census
CBSA Population:	9,359,555Source: Census
MSA:	Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI CMSASource: Census
Land Area:	13.475 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	1.422 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	1157.02 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Gary, IN PMSASource: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	1827000Source: Census
Place Name:	Gary city; IndianaSource: Census

ZIP Code 46406 in Gary, IN

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 46406

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 46406

Sources & References