Gary, Indiana, is often referred to as the most depressing city in the United States. And it’s not hard to see why. This article will take a look at some of the factors that make this statement true.
City Overview
Gary, Indiana, is located in the Midwest region of the United States. The city is situated on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its heavy industry, which includes steel production and manufacturing. The city has a current population of just over 75,486 people.
Gary is a relatively young city, having been incorporated in 1906. The city’s economy was initially based on agriculture and transportation. However, with the arrival of the steel industry in the early 19th century, Gary’s economy shifted to a heavy industry, which led to a population boom and the emergence of Gary as the second major city.
The city was known for its affluent African-American population and was home to several famous black entertainers, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Freddie Gibbs. Gary, Indiana, was a major stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues that were safe for black performers during the era of segregation. Regarding arts and culture, Gary is home to several museums, theatres, and a symphony orchestra.
But despite its cultural offerings, the 2019 report named Gary, Indiana, as the most depressing city in the United States. It is allegedly due to the decline in the steel industry in recent years, leading to high levels of unemployment and poverty. The study looked at various factors such as income, employment, suicide, and divorce rates to determine why this city is most down in the dumps.
The Downfall
Gary was once a thriving industrial town, but the steel industry’s decline has left Gary struggling to find its footing. The downfall is attributed to the increasing use of automation and robotics in factories declining number of jobs in the steel industry.
Another reason is that the steel industry is facing increased competition from other countries, such as China, which have been able to produce steel at a lower cost. It has led to a decline in the demand for steel products, which has harmed the steel industry in Gary.
Finally, the decline of the steel industry in Gary can also be attributed to the fact that the city is located in an area experiencing economic decline, negatively impacting Gary’s overall quality of life.
Income and Employment
One of the main factors contributing to Gary, Indiana, being named the most depressing city in the United States is the high levels of poverty and unemployment. The median household income in Gary is just $29,517, which is significantly lower than the national median.
The steel industry’s decline has led to a decrease in the city’s population and infrastructure, followed by low income, unemployment, and the unimpressive quality of public services. For example, the city’s public transportation system is inadequate, and many residents do not have access to reliable means of transportation. It often leaves people stranded and unable to get to work or access essential services.
More particularly, 20% of Gary’s buildings are abandoned, which leaves one out of every five structures in Gary, Indiana, unoccupied. One example is the former Sheraton Hotel (built initially as Holiday Inn), which was once a luxurious hotel but became an abandoned eyesore four years later. The hotel was the city’s attempt to boost tourism and business to the area, aiming to provide accommodations for a new convention center. However, the macro-economic issues have affected the affordability of the hotel, hence the struggle to draw guests.
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