Gas City’s Growth and Appeal: Open for Business (and Booming)
Photo from the Mayor of Gas City Facebook page.
Gas City’s Growth and Appeal: A Small City with Big Potential
Gas City, Indiana is making headlines for all the right reasons. This Grant County community of around 6,000 residents is experiencing a surge in growth, development, and hometown pride that’s capturing the attention of entrepreneurs, investors, and families alike.
Booming Housing Market Reflects High Demand
One of the clearest signs of Gas City’s rise is its red-hot housing market. In a recent ranking of Indiana cities by home value appreciation, Gas City placed fourth statewide with a 12.6% annual increase in median home values (Coffing, June 4, 2025). This rapid appreciation underscores the strong demand for housing in the area. Mayor Bill Rock even shared a striking example: a Gas City home valued at about $61,000 in 2016 could have been worth roughly $427,000 by early 2025 at that growth rate (Coffing, June 4, 2025). “We’re proud of it, and the state was proud of it,” Rock said of Gas City’s top-five ranking. “Whenever I can talk about Gas City, I’m very passionate” (Coffing, June 4, 2025).
Rising home values benefit local homeowners by building equity and also indicate a healthy, growing economy. Gas City offers a small-town atmosphere with amenities like parks, good schools, and community events, making it an attractive and affordable option compared to larger nearby markets. As buyers get priced out of big cities, places like Gas City are seeing more interest – and clearly, the market is responding in kind.
New Development and Expanded City Limits
City leaders are proactively making room for Gas City’s growth. Earlier this year, Mayor Rock announced the voluntary annexation of four farms into the city limits – adding over 600 acres of land for future development (Page, February 21, 2025). “The annexation is huge,” Rock noted, “some very positive things are happening, and I can’t wait to announce the people that are going to build there” (Page, February 21, 2025). This expansion paves the way for significant new projects already in the pipeline.
Key initiatives include:
Residential Growth: 175 new homes are planned for a development on Gas City’s east side along 10th Street. This major housing addition will help meet demand and welcome more families into the community (Page, February 21, 2025).
New Lodging & Dining: The city has secured six acres of land to accommodate a future Hilton hotel and a restaurant – a testament to Gas City’s confidence in attracting travelers and providing more amenities for residents (Page, February 21, 2025).
These projects signal a wave of investment in infrastructure and quality of life. More housing means more capacity for growth, and a new hotel indicates Gas City is becoming enough of a destination (for events, business, or tourism) to warrant expanded lodging. All told, the city’s physical footprint and infrastructure are evolving to match its growing ambitions.
Photo from the Mayor of Gas City Facebook Page promoting new business, Crossroads Ink.
Growing Business Community
Economic development is keeping pace with Gas City’s residential growth. A cluster of eight new businesses is set to open on the city’s south side in the Professional Park development off State Road 22 and U.S. 35 (Page, March 7, 2025). The site, which contains 11 commercial lots, has been under construction to attract new employers and services to the town. According to city engineer Jason Miller, “it’s to promote development in Gas City”.
The upcoming businesses include a mix of retail, dining, and healthcare, such as:
Gas City Tire – a new automotive service center (tire shop).
Restaurant & General Store – a joint eatery and retail shop under one roof.
Medical Facility – expanding local healthcare options (details forthcoming).
Samina Recovery Center – a Fort Wayne-based 40-bed addiction recovery facility, which will create nearly 30 jobs locally (Page, March 7, 2025).
These additions will not only create jobs and conveniences for residents but also enhance Gas City’s appeal as a place to do business. The Samina Recovery Center in particular represents an investment in healthcare and social services, bringing specialized treatment capabilities to the community while employing local staff. New commercial growth in Gas City means more amenities for citizens and a stronger tax base to support public services.
Photo from the Gas City Performing Arts Center (PAC) Facebook page.
Vibrant Community Life and Culture
Beyond bricks and mortar, Gas City is fostering a vibrant community spirit through arts and events. The crown jewel is the new Gas City Performing Arts Center (PAC), a state-of-the-art venue that recently earned first place in the Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Awards (Indiana/Kentucky division) (Coffing, August 22, 2025). This award-winning facility has quickly become a source of local pride. “I wanted to thank everyone involved in doing it,” Mayor Rock said at a council meeting, crediting the team for “making this a special event, a special place to live and a special place to serve” (Coffing, August 22, 2025). The PAC not only hosts school and community performances but also attracts regional events (for example, a Humane Society benefit concert), helping put Gas City on the map for visitors.
Equally important are the grassroots events that bring neighbors together downtown. First Fridays, a monthly summer festival series, has become a staple of Gas City life – featuring family-friendly entertainment, local food vendors, arts & crafts booths, and live music behind City Hall. “We have always felt that First Fridays has been a positive community-building event that allows families to enjoy downtown Gas City and the surrounding areas,” Mayor Rock shared (Coffing, May 30, 2025). The city even gets playful with dunk tanks for charity – with the mayor himself volunteering for a turn – exemplifying Gas City’s close-knit, fun-loving vibe.
As autumn arrives, Gas City welcomes back the annual Mama’s Fall Festival, another homegrown event that showcases the town’s charm. Organized by local business owner Amy Pearson of Mama Pearson’s Soaporium, this festival draws around 70 vendors from all over Indiana to Gas City’s Main Street (Siemers, September 9, 2025). Visitors browse everything from crafts and farmers’ produce to food trucks, enjoying small-town hospitality at its finest. Events like First Fridays and Mama’s Fall Fest not only strengthen community bonds but also invite new visitors to experience what Gas City has to offer.
Photo from the Ducktail Run Rod and Custom Car Show Facebook page.
Ducktail Run & Fall Events: Driving Energy Into the Weekend
This weekend, Gas City will welcome thousands of visitors for the Ducktail Run, an annual custom car show featuring pre-1972 vehicles, a massive swap meet, and family activities (Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Show). In 2024, the event drew nearly 2,000 registered vehicles and 400 vendors.
Ducktail Run coincides with other major Grant County events — the James Dean Festival and Run and Jonesboro River Rally, which will feature the Cornfield Classic Challenge this year — turning the entire region into a destination for car enthusiasts, bikers, and families seeking a weekend full of entertainment.
Proactive Leadership on a State Stage
Gas City’s resurgence is bolstered by forward-thinking leadership at City Hall. Mayor Bill Rock’s passion for his hometown has earned him recognition beyond the city’s borders. In fact, Rock was recently recommended for appointment to the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) Community and Economic Development Policy Committee – a statewide panel that helps shape policies to attract business investment and enhance quality of life in Indiana cities (Coffing, September 1, 2025). As a member of this committee, Mayor Rock will be in regular contact with state legislators and fellow mayors to share Gas City’s story and to champion small-city perspectives. “I took it as an honor to be asked,” Rock said of the appointment, noting that he’ll be “staying in contact with state representatives, the governor and the lieutenant governor about any new initiatives they’re working on” (Coffing, September 1, 2025).
Rock is no stranger to advocacy; he currently serves on Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs advisory board and is also a member of the Indiana Economic Growth Council. His involvement at the state level ensures Gas City has a voice in important conversations. “I’m excited to see what’s coming up and what new ideas might help other mayors, as well as our community here in Grant County,” Rock said, looking ahead to how state-level collaboration can benefit Gas City (Coffing, September 1, 2025).
With strong leadership, a clear vision, and an engaged community, Gas City is confidently stepping into the spotlight. The recent wins – in housing, development, business growth, and community building – all point to a city on the rise. For entrepreneurs scouting the Midwest, site selectors eyeing new locations, or families seeking a welcoming hometown, Gas City stands out as a small city overflowing with potential.