Real Estate Investing in Gary, Indiana (46408)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Lake County • Population: 15,571 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 46408 (Gary, IN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (79/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
STRONG
5.0 / 5 (100/100)

A balanced market — moderate cash flow and moderate appreciation. A "steady" investor profile fits best.

⚠️ Risks to Know
2 flags
  • High vacancy: 22.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • Elevated poverty: 20.4% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.

What’s happening in Gary, IN (46408)?

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5.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

5.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $110,846
Avg Monthly Rent $1,429
1% Rule ✓ Meets
Median Income $46,690
% Renters 38.7%

Market Analysis: 46408 Gary

Homes in the 46408 ZIP trade near $111K, a discount that has historically rewarded investors willing to renovate. Rent comps near $1,429/mo support the pro forma.

BRRRR works in 46408 because the math supports it. Buy at $111K, rehab, and the refinance step typically recovers capital in a way that flat-yield markets cannot match.

Across IN, value-add opportunity tends to concentrate where housing stock is older and entry prices are below the state median. ZIP 46408 records both traits clearly.

The an appealing option for angle on demographics here is renter willingness to pay a premium for renovated product. The 39% rental share provides scale for the strategy.

Strategic fit here is operational. Pro forma discipline, capex reserves, and lender relationships matter more than the marketing pitch.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Gary:

B+ Great
Buy Confidence Score: 81/100
Affordability
25/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
11/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost 2.4× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+10.6%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,429/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This area shows favorable conditions for homebuyers. Solid fundamentals with reasonable affordability.
🏠

Property Strategy for 46408

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
11.5% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
4BR
+9.2% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
4BR
$36,759/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $75,440 $1,210 11.5% +8.5% $37,720
3BR $114,209 $1,480 9.3% +8.0% $38,070
4BR $147,037 $1,600 7.8% +9.2% $36,759

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$123K$103K$82K$62K$42K$22KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,489$1,430$1,372$1,314$1,256$1,198Jul 2025Jan 2026Jul 2026

📊 How Does 46408 Compare?

Metric 46408 Gary Indiana
Home Value $110,846 $45,190 $248,442
5-Year CAGR 6.1% 6.0% 7.7%
Avg Rent $1,429 $1,319 -
Cap Rate 10.1% 12.3% -
💡 Why Invest in 46408? Click to expand

This ZIP code meets the 1% rule with rent at $1,429/mo on homes averaging $110,846 — a strong indicator of cash flow potential.

Our analysis gives this area a 5/5 investability rating, placing it in the top tier for rental property potential.

A healthy rental market with 39% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 46408 (Gary, IN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Property managers serving Lake County

Manage rentals here? List your business →

Rose Real Estate offers property management and real estate services in Munster, Northwest Indiana, and Chicagoland areas, including residential, association, and commercial management. summary from their website

Single-familyHOACommercial
Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free

Caribou Property Management offers property management services. summary from their website

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Great Oaks Realty and Property Management, LLC is a full-service real estate and property management company that helps with home buying, selling, and property management. summary from their website

Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free

Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.

Investability
Excellent
Cap Rate
10.1%
Excellent
5yr Growth
+6.1%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $110,846
Monthly Rent $1,429
Price-to-Rent 6.5:1
1% Rule ✓ Passes

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 15.5%
Cap Rate 10.1%
5-Year IRR 16.2%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +10.6% ▲
3-Year CAGR +3.0% ▲
5-Year CAGR +6.1% ▲
10-Year CAGR +11.5% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year +7.0% ▲
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Positive Leverage Market Cap Rate: 10.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage may enhance returns here.

The estimated cap rate (10.1%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
22.9%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+6.1%
Growing
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 46408

Population: 15,571

💰 Median Household Income
$46,690
This area
$46,690
State
$69,164
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
38.7%
This area
38.7%
State
22.2%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
6.0%
This area
6.0%
State
-23.5%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
11.1%
This area
11.1%
State
-6.4%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
37.7 years
This area
37.7 years
State
-0.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
22.9%
This area
22.9%
State
10.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
Black/African American 45.8%
White 38.7%
Other/Mixed 14.6%
Hispanic/Latino 10.8%
Asian 0.9%
👶 Under 18
26.2%
This area
26.2%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
16.7%
This area
16.7%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
20.4%
This area
20.4%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 46408

B+ Avg School Grade
6 Schools
15.9:1 Avg Class Size
$15,611 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

B+ Above Average

Calumet New Tech High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
612 Students
👨‍🏫
15.1:1 Class Size
💰
$16,058 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School

📚 05 – 08 School
👥
432 Students
👨‍🏫
15.4:1 Class Size
💰
$16,058 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Longfellow New Tech Elementary Sch

📚 K – 04 Elementary
👥
486 Students
👨‍🏫
15.9:1 Class Size
💰
$16,058 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Glen Park Acad for Excel in Lrn

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
533 Students
👨‍🏫
22.2:1 Class Size
💰
$22,286 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Steel City Academy

📚 K – 12 K-12 Charter
👥
317 Students
👨‍🏫
15.1:1 Class Size
💰
$14,078 Per Student
B Good

Excel Center - Gary

📚 09 – 12 High School Charter
👥
128 Students
👨‍🏫
11.6:1 Class Size
💰
$9,125 Per Student

Nearby Schools (4 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A Very Good

Gary Career Center

📚 06 – 12 High School
📍 1800 E 35th Ave, Gary
👥
1 Students
👨‍🏫
0.1:1 Class Size
💰
$22,286 Per Student
A Very Good

Bailly Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 4621 Georgia St, Gary
👥
374 Students
👨‍🏫
19.7:1 Class Size
💰
$22,286 Per Student
A Very Good

Beveridge Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 1234 Cleveland St, Gary
👥
343 Students
👨‍🏫
20.2:1 Class Size
💰
$22,286 Per Student
C+ Average

Gary Virtual Academy

📚 K – 12 K-12
📍 1800 E 35th Ave, Gary
👥
59 Students
👨‍🏫
59.0:1 Class Size
💰
$22,286 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

8 Nearby 491 Off-Campus Students
C
Indiana University-Northwest
3,045 students · 1.9 mi
D
Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College
40 students · 2.0 mi
C
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Highland
317 students · 5.1 mi
D
Stellar Career College-Crown Point
76 students · 5.1 mi
C
Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville
70 students · 5.2 mi
C
Denmark College
178 students · 5.2 mi
C+
Don Roberts School of Hair Design
30 students · 5.7 mi
C+
Purdue University Northwest
8,679 students · 6.1 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average monthly rent in Gary, IN?

Investors in Gary, IN typically see rents near $1,429/mo per month against $111K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.

Is the 1% rule achievable in Gary, IN?

Gary, IN delivers a 1.29% rent-to-price ratio on average. Investors targeting the 1% rule will find solid opportunities.

How strong is Gary, IN for real estate investors?

Investors tracking Gary, IN will find a 5.0/5 rating supported by $111K median home values and $1,429/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.

Which real estate strategy fits Gary, IN?

Gary, IN investors pursuing value-add and BRRRR deals. The underlying economics ($111K prices, $1,429/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.

What is the typical home price in Gary, IN?

The median home value in Gary, IN is roughly $111K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IN statewide average.

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How 46408 ranks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

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