Median Income
$94,221
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$238,800
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
149/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,262
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Winthrop Harbor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,663
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density1,433/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$94,221
Per Capita$47,771
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$10,428M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$238,800
Rent$1,262
Ownership85.6%
Zillow$298,804
Housing Units2,927
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
F
Violent149/100K
Property684/100K
Murder14.9/100K
Assault45/100K
Burglary74/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking13.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation657 ft (200 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute31 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Winthrop Harbor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Winthrop Harbor receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Winthrop Harbor offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Winthrop Harbor is $94,221, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Winthrop Harbor is $238,800, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,262 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Winthrop Harbor is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 149 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 684 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Winthrop Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Winthrop Harbor has a population of 6,663 with a density of 1,433 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (84.6%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 3.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.6% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Winthrop Harbor vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.6%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Winthrop Harbor vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Winthrop Harbor is $94,221, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,771 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,123, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,341 business establishments, including 399 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Winthrop Harbor vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,221 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,771 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,123 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.2% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,341 |
| County GDP | $10,428M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 399 |
| Healthcare | 437 |
| Retail | 486 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,451 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Winthrop Harbor is $238,800, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,804, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,262 (9% 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. 85.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,927 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,451 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.4% 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 | $238,800 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $298,804 |
| Median List Price | $365,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $365,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $197 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,262 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,927 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,451 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Winthrop Harbor, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,033. The dentist ratio is 1:1,422. 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Winthrop Harbor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,033 |
| Dentists | 1:1,422 |
| Mental Health | 1:566 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,666/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 437 |
Winthrop Harbor has a violent crime rate of 149 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 44.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 89.2. The murder rate is 14.9 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 684 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 595, burglary at 74, vehicle theft at 15 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Winthrop Harbor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Winthrop Harbor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 148.7/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 14.9/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
| Rape | 89.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 44.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 683.9/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 74.3/100K |
| Theft | 594.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 14.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 67 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Winthrop Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 657 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 657 ft (200 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,433/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4806°N, 87.8296°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kenosha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0489 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.0 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.20 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.3 / 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 Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
144 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
79 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 |
118 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
55 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
380 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 100 fatalities, 2,069 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
99 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
94 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1980 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1980 |
EF2 |
70 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 |
117 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 |
8 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Winthrop Harbor has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Winthrop Harbor. 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 | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Winthrop Harbor
What is the population of Winthrop Harbor?
Winthrop Harbor has a population of 6,663 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,433 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Winthrop Harbor expensive to live in?
Winthrop Harbor has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $94,221, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $238,800 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,262 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Winthrop Harbor safe?
Winthrop Harbor is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 149 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 684 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Winthrop Harbor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Winthrop Harbor?
Winthrop Harbor has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Winthrop Harbor?
The job market in Winthrop Harbor faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,123. There are 4,341 business establishments in the area, including 399 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Winthrop Harbor?
The median home value in Winthrop Harbor is $238,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,804. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,262. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,451.
How are the schools in Winthrop Harbor?
Schools in Winthrop Harbor score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.4% of adults in Winthrop Harbor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Winthrop Harbor?
The obesity rate in Winthrop Harbor is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,033.
What is transportation like in Winthrop Harbor?
The average commute in Winthrop Harbor is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Winthrop Harbor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Winthrop Harbor is 84.6% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.