Illinois / Lake County

Moving to Waukegan, IL

Thinking of making a move to Waukegan, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waukegan, IL

Considering a move to Waukegan, IL? This welcoming community of 87,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $195,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Waukegan's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Waukegan, IL

Waukegan has a population of 87,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 29% White, 19% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 36% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
87,600
Density
5,200 per sq mi
Median Age
34.1
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
36.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
29.0%
Black
18.5%
Asian
4.5%
Others
48.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Waukegan, IL?

The cost of living in Waukegan is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.4. Median home values are around $195,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$195,000
Gross Rent
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$580
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
93.4
Grocery
95.8
Housing
76.2
Utilities
99.1
Transportation
102.4
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
96.3

Crime

Is Waukegan, IL a safe place to live?

Waukegan is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 560 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 43. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
560
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,350
Crime Index
2,910
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 179
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 43

Weather

What is the weather like in Waukegan, IL year-round?

Waukegan experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
34.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,800 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 83% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$67,800
Family Income
$78,900
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$32,500
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
41.0%
Rent
$1,420
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
14.6%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
82.5%
Bachelors or More
17.8%

Education

How are the schools in Waukegan, IL?

Waukegan offers quality education options, with public schools like Waukegan High School and James A. Caruso Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of Lake County and Lake Forest College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Waukegan High School
Street
2325 Brookside Ave
Phone
224-303-3000
Students
4,700
Student Teacher Ratio
16.8
Name
James A. Caruso Middle School
Street
多少1 W York House Rd
Phone
224-303-1900
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Lake County Christian Academy
Street
1670 N McAree Rd
Phone
847-336-7400
Students
190

Colleges

Name
College of Lake County
City
Grayslake
State
IL
Distance
13 miles
Students
15,000
Name
Lake Forest College
City
Lake Forest
State
IL
Distance
11 miles
Students
1,800

Healthcare

Waukegan residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Vista Medical Center East and NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital
Address
1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Glenview, IL 60025
Phone
(847) 657-5800
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Waukegan, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $195,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 51%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Waukegan offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$195,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate
51.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Waukegan handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State, conveniently located in Chicago. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State
Address
200 E. Randolph St., Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Waukegan, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Waukegan, review the core fields on this page: population 87,600, median home value $195,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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