Median Income
$98,125
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$241,900
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
87/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,855
60% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Island Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,023
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density2,381/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,125
Per Capita$40,068
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$241,900
Rent$1,855
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$293,448
Housing Units3,118
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent87/100K
Property483/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault50/100K
Burglary12/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking12.4%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation754 ft (230 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute32 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries13
Is Island Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Island Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Island Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Island Lake is $98,125, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Island Lake among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Island Lake is $241,900, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,855 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Island Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 483 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Island 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 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Island Lake has a population of 8,023 with a density of 2,381 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (84.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.1% of residents, while 21.9% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Island Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.1%
1% below US avg
Spanish
21.9%
63% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Island Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Island Lake is $98,125, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,068. The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.4% 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 32 minutes. 11.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Island Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,125 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,068 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% 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 | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.9% |
The median home value in Island Lake is $241,900, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $293,448, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,855 (60% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,900 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $293,448 |
| Median List Price | $337,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $337,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $179 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,855 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,118 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Island Lake, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.2% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% 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.
Health Metrics: Island Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Island Lake has a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 49.6 per 100,000, robbery at 24.8, rape at 12.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 483 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 458, burglary at 12, vehicle theft at 12 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Island Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Island Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 86.7/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 12.4/100K |
| Robbery | 24.8/100K |
| Assault | 49.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 483.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Burglary | 12.4/100K |
| Theft | 458.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 12.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 108 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Island 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 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 754 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 754 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,381/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2788°N, 88.2005°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
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
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
62 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
17 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
41 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
528 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 103 fatalities, 2,167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
68 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
74 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
16 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
65 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 |
127 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (738 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
35 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Island Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Island 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 Island Lake
What is the population of Island Lake?
Island Lake has a population of 8,023 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,381 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Island Lake expensive to live in?
Island 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 $98,125, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $241,900 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,855 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Island Lake safe?
Island Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 483 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Island Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Island Lake?
Island 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 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Island Lake?
Island Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average 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 32 minutes, and 11.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Island Lake?
The median home value in Island Lake is $241,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $293,448. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,855. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Island Lake?
Schools in Island Lake score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Island Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Island Lake?
The obesity rate in Island Lake is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% 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 Island Lake?
The average commute in Island Lake is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Island Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Island Lake is 84.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 78.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.9% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.