- Gary is a city located in Lake County, Indiana, United States. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and has a population of approximately 75,282 as of the 2020 census. The city is known for its industrial history, as it was once a major center for steel production. However, it has faced economic decline and population loss in recent decades. Despite the challenges, Gary is home to several cultural attractions, such as the Marquette Park and the Gary SouthShore RailCats baseball team.