Median Income
$69,896
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$219,300
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,059
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Fox Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,872
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density1,389/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,896
Per Capita$42,049
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$219,300
Rent$1,059
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$245,832
Housing Units5,737
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property2,477/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault96/100K
Burglary277/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation755 ft (230 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute35 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Fox Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fox Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Fox Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fox Lake is $69,896, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fox Lake is $219,300, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,059 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fox Lake is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,477 per 100,000, 26% above the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fox Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fox Lake has a population of 10,872 with a density of 1,389 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.6% of residents, while 14.4% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.6%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.4%
7% above US avg
The median household income in Fox Lake is $69,896, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,049. The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,896 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,049 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Fox Lake is $219,300, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,832, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,059 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,737 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $219,300 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,832 |
| Median List Price | $275,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $275,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $178 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 4.1% |
| Inventory | 49 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,059 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 5,737 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.97% |
In Fox Lake, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
9.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
14.1
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
157.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fox Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Fox Lake has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 95.6 per 100,000, robbery at 9.6, rape at 86.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,477 per 100,000, 26% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,085, burglary at 277, vehicle theft at 115 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fox Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fox Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.3/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 86.1/100K |
| Robbery | 9.6/100K |
| Assault | 95.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,476.8/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| Burglary | 277.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,084.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 114.8/100K |
| Arson | 9.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 225 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fox Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 755 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 7.8 sq mi (20.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,389/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4282°N, 88.1839°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
57 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
31 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
493 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 106 fatalities, 2,185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
84 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
135 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
31 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Fox Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Fox Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Lake
What is the population of Fox Lake?
Fox Lake has a population of 10,872 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,389 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Fox Lake expensive to live in?
Fox Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,896, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $219,300 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,059 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fox Lake safe?
Fox Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,477 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fox Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fox Lake?
Fox Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fox Lake?
The job market in Fox Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fox Lake?
The median home value in Fox Lake is $219,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,832. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,059. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Fox Lake?
Schools in Fox Lake score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Fox Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fox Lake?
The obesity rate in Fox Lake is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Fox Lake?
The average commute in Fox Lake is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fox Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fox Lake is 80.5% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 85.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.4% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.