Census: Gary's loss turns Hammond into region's most populous city

Gary has relinquished its claim as the region's most populous city to Hammond, according to 2010 census counts released Thursday.

The Steel City sustained a nearly 22 percent drop in population during the last decade, U.S. Census Bureau figures show. The census lists Gary's population at 80,294, down from 102,746 in 2000.

Hammond's population, by contrast, dropped 2.7 percent during that same period. At 80,830 residents, it now has 536 more residents than Gary, according to census data.

Throughout the region, the 2010 census count revealed a continued population shift away from northern Lake County into southern Lake County and Porter County.

But Hammond and Gary remain the largest cities in Northwest Indiana. Portage, with 36,828 residents, is now the third-largest city in the region.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said he is thrilled by Hammond's population count but shocked by Gary's decline.

"Wow, I can't believe it," he said. "That's shocking. There's obviously a serious issue going on over there."

McDermott said Hammond held onto its residents with programs such as College Bound, where Hammond-area students receive help with college tuition, and Home Bound, a home-buyer assistance program. He said the city also is cleaning up dilapidated housing.

Hammond now is the fifth most populated city in Indiana, census figures show. Gary ranks seventh.

Census population counts are used to draw legislative district lines and are a factor in the allocation of federal funding.

In Gary, the latest census figures continue a downward spiral in population. Gary has lost more than half its population since 1970, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay disputes the 2010 population counts. He said the city was severely undercounted despite officials who "worked like junkyard dogs" to encourage residents to fill out their census forms.

"The numbers you're looking at on paper don't really reflect the actual number of people that live in the city of Gary," Clay said. "We have thousands more people than that."

Clay said he intends to appeal.

Ten years ago, Gary's former administration lost a similar appeal of the 2000 census numbers.

While Clay lamented his city's standing after the 2010 census, other municipal leaders celebrated significant population growth.

Crown Point, Valparaiso and St. John were among those to surpass population growth estimates.

St. John's population has increased 77 percent since 2000, the census shows. It is now home to 14,850 residents.

Crown Point's population rose 38 percent in the last decade, to 27,317 residents. Mayor David Uran said residents are lured by the city's good school system and low crime rate.

He said the city's larger population will help secure more federal funding.

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said the city's steady growth during the last decade is testament to its vibrant community. Valparaiso's population has increased 15.7 percent since 2000, to 31,730 residents, the census shows.