Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marengo, IL
Considering a move to Marengo, IL? With a population of 7,568, Marengo offers affordable living, a median home price of $222,000, and average 2-bedroom rents around $1,130. The city boasts a low violent crime rate (82 per 100K), good local schools, and a reasonable 28-minute average commute. Residents enjoy 58% sunny days a year and easy access to healthcare and nearby colleges, making Marengo a relaxed, family-friendly community.
Demographics - Marengo, IL
Demographics - Marengo, IL
Marengo, Illinois is home to about 7,568 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 36.7, reflecting a mix of families and working adults. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with a modestly diverse population and nearly 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience.
Population:
7,568
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marengo, IL?
Marengo offers a cost of living that is below the national average, with a median home value of $222,000 and average rents around $1,130 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and grocery costs are reasonable, while the overall cost of living index stands at 91.4, making the city an affordable choice for families and professionals. State income taxes are consistent at 4.95%, and housing is especially budget-friendly compared to nearby areas.
Median House Value:
$222,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,455
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.4
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
75.5
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
102.1
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Marengo, IL a safe place to live?
Marengo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 82 incidents per 100,000 people and property crimes occurring at a rate of 630 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 1,220 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a reassuring environment for families. The city’s overall crime index suggests a lower-than-average risk compared to national figures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
630
Crime Index:
712
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 159
Weather
What is the weather like in Marengo, IL year-round?
Residents in Marengo experience all four seasons, with cold winters (lows around 13°F) and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The city enjoys 58% sunny days each year and receives about 36.5 inches of annual rainfall, creating a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, making the area attractive for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The community of Marengo enjoys a median household income of $80,146 and a family income approaching $94,300, with a relatively low poverty rate of 7.8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is just over 28 minutes, reflecting a suburban lifestyle. Public transportation use is minimal, indicating a car-friendly area with a strong sense of local community.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$80,146
Family Income:
$94,300
Per Capita Income:
$32,800
Income Male:
$48,700
Income Female:
$37,200
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
24.8%
Education
How are the schools in Marengo, IL?
Marengo supports its families with strong educational options, including Marengo Community High School and Locust Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available through Zion Lutheran School, while McHenry County College, just 16 miles away, provides higher education opportunities for local students. The city’s schools are well-regarded for their supportive learning environments and community involvement.

Public Schools
Name:
Marengo Community High School
Street:
110 Franks Rd
Phone:
815-568-6511
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Locust Elementary School
Street:
539 Locust St
Phone:
815-568-7632
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Zion Lutheran School
Street:
412 Jackson St
Phone:
815-568-5156
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
McHenry County College
City:
Crystal Lake
State:
IL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
8,200
Healthcare
Marengo residents benefit from proximity to major healthcare facilities like Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services nearby. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of the population covered by health insurance, access to medical care is reliable. The city’s healthcare index of 72.4 suggests good overall access and quality of health services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital
Address:
3701 Doty Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone:
(815) 338-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marengo, IL?
The housing market in Marengo is favorable for buyers, with a median home price of $222,000 and owner-occupied homes making up 73.5% of the market. Rental options remain accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,130 and a low vacancy rate of 6%. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, indicating a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$222,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Marengo handle driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State office located in nearby Woodstock. The local DMV offers convenient access for license renewals, vehicle registration, and other essential services. For more information, residents can visit the official website or contact the Woodstock branch directly.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State
Address:
428 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone:
815-338-5611
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.