Median Income
$205,735
174% higher than US avg
Home Value
$739,400
162% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
81.8%
143% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,826
57% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.2%
12% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Lake Bluff Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,834
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density1,430/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
A+
Median Income$205,735
Per Capita$111,197
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$82,869M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$739,400
Rent$1,826
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$615,993
Rent Burden36.6%
Health
Obesity28.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease3.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation693 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+81.8%
High School+99.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute28 min
EV Stations2
Libraries25
Is Lake Bluff a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Bluff receives an overall livability score of 4.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Lake Bluff stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Bluff is $205,735, which is significantly higher than the national average — 174% above $75,149. This places Lake Bluff among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Bluff is $739,400, making it a premium housing market at 162% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,826 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Lake Bluff is a highly educated community — 81.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Bluff experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lake Bluff has a population of 5,834 with a density of 1,430 people per square mile. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (83%).
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Bluff vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 84.5% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Spanish | 15.5% |
| 16% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Lake Bluff vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Bluff is $205,735, which is 174% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income: Lake Bluff vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $205,735 |
| 174% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $111,197 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,751 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $143,679 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 19,967 |
| County GDP | $82,869M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,607 |
| Healthcare | 2,211 |
| Retail | 2,099 |
| Manufacturing | 811 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $13,960 |
| 299% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Work from Home | 31.3% |
The median home value in Lake Bluff is $739,400, 162% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,826 (57% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $615,993.
Home Values
| Census Median | $739,400 |
| 162% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $615,993 |
| Median List Price | $750,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $750,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $412 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,826 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,099 |
| Rent Burden | 36.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $13,960 |
| 299% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In Lake Bluff, 28.2% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 19.6% report depression. 12.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Lake Bluff vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.2% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.8% |
| Heart Disease | 3.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.5% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 3.4% |
| Stroke | 1.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 12.2% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 13.2% |
| Physical Distress | 7.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,610/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,211 |
Crime Rates: Lake Bluff vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 55 |
Safety Score
Lake Bluff has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 693 ft (211 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,430/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2827°N, 87.8523°W |
| County FIPS | 17097 |