Continuing declining fortunes of Gary, Indiana

 

Population:  Wikipedia

Headline:  Wisconsin State Journal, 6/4/23025

Analisa Trofimuk Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team reports:

More than 28 abandoned and boarded up schools in Gary, Indiana, contribute to urban blight — and in some cases have served as scenes of the worst possible crimes. 

Local leaders say they are hopeful to turn the tide on a growing list of dilapidated school buildings, some of which were considered significant historic landmarks but now are in a state of ruin. 

When The Times of Northwest Indiana first investigated this issue six years ago, there were 21 vacant school structures. Some of the government-owned buildings have since been demolished while additional schools have closed, bringing the current total to 28 boarded up behemoths spread across the city in a problem that has outpaced any attempted solutions.

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts

Level of education:  % of population 25 and over with bachelor's degree or higher:

• 14.3% - Gary
• 28.8% - Indiana
• 35.0% - U.S.
  

Age:  % of population 65:

• 18.6% - Gary
• 17.2% - Indiana
• 17.7% - U.S.

% in poverty

• 32.9% - Gary
• 12.3% - Indiana
• 11.1% - U.S.

Those left behind have the fewest resources to move on.