Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Crystal Lake, IL
Considering a move to Crystal Lake, IL? Home to around 40,000 residents, this city features affordable living with a median home price of $297,000 and average rent of $1,320. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (62 per 100K), strong schools, and a 32-minute average commute. With 52% sunny days, access to healthcare, and excellent educational opportunities, Crystal Lake offers a friendly, family-oriented environment for newcomers.
Demographics - Crystal Lake, IL
Demographics - Crystal Lake, IL
Crystal Lake is a mid-sized city of about 40,000 residents with a median age nearing 40, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White, with a growing multicultural presence, and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and near-even gender ratio contribute to a welcoming and diverse environment.
Population:
40,269
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
2.8%
Others:
9.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Crystal Lake, IL?
Crystal Lake offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $297,000 and average rent at $1,320. The overall cost of living index is just slightly above the national average, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and competitive state taxes.
Median House Value:
$297,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.5
Grocery:
99.5
Housing:
104.1
Utilities:
100.5
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
100.9
Crime
Is Crystal Lake, IL a safe place to live?
Crystal Lake is considered a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of 62 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate well below national averages. The chances of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 1,600, offering peace of mind to families and individuals alike. Property crime is also relatively rare, contributing to the city’s secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
62
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,112
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,613
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Crystal Lake, IL year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons in Crystal Lake, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters dropping to 14°F. The city receives about 37 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 52% of the year. This climate offers a balance of outdoor recreation and cozy indoor seasons.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Crystal Lake’s households enjoy a median income of nearly $98,000, with a low poverty rate of 5.9% and high educational attainment—over 95% have at least a high school diploma. The average commute is about 33 minutes, and public transportation is available for a small percentage of residents. The community has a friendly, family-oriented feel with a strong emphasis on education and economic stability.
Median Income:
$45,500
Household Income:
$97,600
Family Income:
$110,700
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$56,200
Income Female:
$44,900
Poverty Rate:
5.9%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.1%
Commute Time:
32.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
40.6%
Education
How are the schools in Crystal Lake, IL?
Crystal Lake boasts strong public and private schools, including Crystal Lake Central High School and St. Thomas the Apostle School, as well as nearby higher education options like McHenry County College. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a quality learning environment. The community's commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation and college attendance rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Crystal Lake Central High School
Street:
45 W Franklin Ave
Phone:
815-459-2505
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Hannah Beardsley Middle School
Street:
515 E Crystal Lake Ave
Phone:
815-788-5600
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas the Apostle School
Street:
265 King St
Phone:
815-459-0496
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
McHenry County College
City:
Crystal Lake
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Elgin Community College
City:
Elgin
State:
IL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Crystal Lake residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Northwestern Medicine Crystal Lake and high insurance coverage rates at 95.8%. There are approximately 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical care. Emergency services and a solid healthcare infrastructure support community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine Crystal Lake
Address:
360 Station Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone:
(815) 459-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center–Harvard
Address:
901 Grant St, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone:
(815) 943-5431
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Crystal Lake, IL?
The housing market in Crystal Lake is stable and largely owner-occupied, with a median home price of $297,000 and a home appreciation rate of nearly 4% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low at under 5%, and new construction continues at a steady pace. The area’s strong demand and low foreclosure rates make it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$297,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Crystal Lake’s DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services office, conveniently located on Randall Road. Residents can access licensing, registration, and state driving resources both in-person and online. The DMV offers helpful support for new arrivals and long-time locals alike.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services
Address:
428 S. Randall Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.