ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT

The Gary Economic Development Department

Dedicated to driving inclusive growth and creating sustainable opportunities for residents and businesses. We aim to attract investment, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the city’s economic foundation through strategic partnerships, innovation, and community-focused development. Our mission is to build a vibrant, resilient Gary where progress benefits all.

Quick Facts About Gary

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Market Access

Approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population lives within a 5-hour drive of Gary.

10 million people within 1 hour driving
22 million people within 2 hours driving
40 million people within 3 hours driving
75 million people within 5 hours driving

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Economic Power

The area within a 5-hour drive from Gary would be tied for 8th largest country in the world by GDP.

$3 trillion GDP within a 5-hour drive
Center of the Great Lakes industrial corridor
Immediate access to Chicago’s $900B economy
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Logistics Benefits

75 million people within 5 hours driving
120+ million people within a one-day truck haul
Deep water port
Logistics-focused airport currently being upgraded
Rail hub featuring 3 Class I converging rail lines for easy access across the US
Downtown Chicago in as little as 23-minutes driving
Direct interstate access via I-90, I-94, and I-65

"Where Business Meets Opportunity"

FIND YOUR SITE

Centrally located at the convergence of rail, transit, and logistics, Gary boasts a growing airport, a deepwater port, freeways with direct access to almost all major cities in America, and a rail hub that makes transporting goods and services easy.

Gary is excited to be at the doorstep of Chicago, while boasting a highly favorable cost of living, State tax environment, and access to a significant potential workforce.

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Go to the Property Search

INDUSTRIES

Transportation & Logistics‍

Gary offers logistics companies immediate access to the Chicago freight hub, interstate highways, rail networks, Great Lakes shipping, and air cargo capacity at Gary/Chicago International Airport… all while operating at significantly lower costs than locations inside the Chicago metro core.

The airport supports corporate, cargo, and general aviation operations and is positioned near Chicago but outside the congestion of major airports.

Steel & Fabrication

Built around one of North America’s largest steel production centers, Gary provides steel and fabrication companies direct access to integrated supply chains, specialized rail infrastructure, and major industrial customers across the Midwest.

The local rail system serves major steel operations including U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs and connects to multiple Class I rail carriers.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers choose Gary for its location in the heart of the Great Lakes industrial corridor. This places companies within a few hours of millions of workers, suppliers, and customers across the Midwest manufacturing belt.

Healthcare

Gary’s healthcare sector serves a dense regional population across Northwest Indiana and the southern Chicago region, creating strong demand for hospitals, clinics, medical suppliers, and health-technology providers.

Corporate HQs & Managing Offices

Gary provides corporate leaders with immediate access to the Chicago business ecosystem while offering lower operating costs, development-ready sites, favorable State tax rates, and proximity to a workforce and market of millions.

WHY GARY?

Leadership Team

Ryan Jeffries
Economic Development Director

Britanie Buggs
Specialist

Eze Redwood
Economic Development Analyst

CONTACT US

We get to know your business and find ways to give insights, help identify possible locations, and help reduce friction. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.