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 87,157 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $179,000 and average rents near $1,245. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% 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 87,157 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 36% White, 18% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 37% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Waukegan is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.6. Median home values are around $179,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,245. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 354 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. 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
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?

Waukegan experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 35 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
15°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
35°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
38°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
34.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,400 and a low poverty rate of 19.8%. Over 77% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Waukegan High School and Miguel Juarez 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 Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. 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
4,400
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

Waukegan residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Vista Medical Center East and Lake Behavioral Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 88.6% 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
Lake Behavioral Hospital
Address
2615 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone
(855) 990-1900
Type
Psychiatric & Behavioral Health
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $179,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 6.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Waukegan offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Waukegan handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Waukegan. 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 Driver Services Facility
Address
617 S. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085
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 87,157, median home value $179,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,245, commute time 27.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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