Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waukegan, IL
Thinking of moving to Waukegan, IL? This vibrant city of 87,157 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $179,000 and average rents at $1,245. Waukegan features a diverse community, a family-friendly climate with 56% sunny days, and a reasonable average commute of 27 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from accessible healthcare, local colleges, and a growing housing market—making it a practical choice for budget-conscious movers.
Demographics - Waukegan, IL
Demographics - Waukegan, IL
Waukegan is home to about 87,157 residents and boasts a youthful median age of 32.7. The city is highly diverse, with significant White, Black, and Hispanic populations, and over a third of locals speak a language other than English at home. With a moderate population density, Waukegan offers a multicultural environment ideal for families and newcomers.
Population:
87,157
Density:
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
36.4%
Black:
18.3%
Asian:
4.1%
Others:
41.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan offers affordable living with a median home value of $179,000 and average rents at $1,245. The cost of living index stands below the national average, making housing, groceries, and utilities more budget-friendly. Lower state income taxes and reasonable household expenses appeal to cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$179,000
Gross Rent:
$1,245
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.6
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
75.4
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
99.8
Health Care:
95.5
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Waukegan, IL a safe place to live?
Waukegan experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 282. While these figures may be a concern, many residents find peace of mind through local community initiatives and neighborhood engagement. It's important for newcomers to stay informed about safety in their area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
354
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,948
Crime Index:
2,302
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Waukegan, IL year-round?
Residents of Waukegan enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 34.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 56% of the year. This climate supports a wide range of outdoor and family activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Waukegan’s neighborhoods reflect a mix of incomes, with the median household income at $56,400 and a poverty rate near 20%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is around 27 minutes. The city’s diversity and strong sense of community make it welcoming for all backgrounds.
Median Income:
$25,800
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$62,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
36.8%
Rent:
$1,245
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.8%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan offers a range of educational opportunities, featuring large public schools like Waukegan High School and several private and charter options. The city is also close to higher education institutions such as the College of Lake County and Rosalind Franklin University, providing diverse paths for students. Families appreciate both the variety and accessibility of local schools.
Public Schools
Name:
Waukegan High School
Street:
2325 Brookside Ave
Phone:
224-303-3000
Students:
4,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Miguel Juarez Middle School
Street:
201 N Butrick St
Phone:
224-303-2560
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep
Street:
3106 Belvidere Rd
Phone:
224-215-9400
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
College of Lake County
City:
Grayslake
State:
IL
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
City:
North Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Waukegan is accessible, with major hospitals like Vista Medical Center East and Lake Behavioral Hospital serving the area. The city has 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of locals have health insurance coverage. These resources help ensure residents’ medical needs are well supported.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Vista Medical Center East
Address:
1324 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone:
(847) 360-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lake Behavioral Hospital
Address:
2615 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone:
(855) 990-1900
Type:
Psychiatric & Behavioral Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan’s housing market is attractive to first-time buyers, with a median home price of $179,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,245. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and property values have appreciated by 6.4% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate market stability.
Median Home Price:
$179,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,245
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Waukegan residents can access full driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located on Green Bay Road. The office offers a convenient location for licensing, registration, and other DMV needs, with additional resources available online. Friendly staff and streamlined processes make handling vehicle matters straightforward.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
617 S. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085
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.