Illinois · Metropolitan Area
Waukegan is a mid-size city in Illinois with a population of 88,919. Residents earn $70,578 per year, which is 6% below the national average.
Based on current data, Waukegan receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Waukegan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Waukegan is $70,578, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
The median home value in Waukegan is $177,600, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,163 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,903 per 100,000, 48% above the national average.
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Waukegan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 263 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 29.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 47.1% |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 52.9% |
| 295% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $70,578 |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,667 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,751 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $143,679 |
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 19,967 |
| County GDP | $82,869M |
| Restaurants | 1,607 |
| Healthcare | 2,211 |
| Retail | 2,099 |
| Manufacturing | 811 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $13,960 |
| 299% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.86% |
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
| Census Median | $177,600 |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,782 |
| Median List Price | $274,900 |
| Median List Price | $274,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $188 |
| Homes Sold | 34 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.5% |
| Price Drops | 18.2% |
| Inventory | 88 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,163 |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,589 |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $13,960 |
| 299% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 7.86% |
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 17.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 85.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,610/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,211 |
| Total Violent | 439.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Murder | 6.8/100K |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Rape | 30.4/100K |
| Robbery | 170.2/100K |
| Assault | 232.1/100K |
| Total Property | 2,902.6/100K |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 736.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,069.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.8/100K |
| Arson | 24.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 55 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 263 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.7 inches |
| 1% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 29.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Area | 24.3 sq mi (62.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,665/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3694°N, 87.8709°W |
| County FIPS | 17097 |
Winner: Democrat by 20.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.0% |
| 38% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 76.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 3,665/sq mi |
| Total Area | 24.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 10 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 13 |
| Public Libraries | 25 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,211 |
| Restaurants | 1,607 |
| Retail Stores | 2,099 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 55 |
| Avg Commute | 26.4 min |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |