Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wonder Lake, IL
Wonder Lake, IL is a tight-knit lakeside community with a population of about 4,000, known for its tranquil atmosphere and affordable living. Median home prices sit at $234,000 and average rents are around $1,250, making it a budget-friendly option near the Chicago metro area. With very low violent and property crime rates, a strong owner-occupied housing rate, and above-average school graduation rates, Wonder Lake appeals to families and commuters alike. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, easy access to nature, and a laid-back small-town vibe while still being within reach of major healthcare and educational resources.
Demographics - Wonder Lake, IL
Demographics - Wonder Lake, IL
Wonder Lake, IL is a close-knit community of about 4,000 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of nearly 38. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, offering a quiet, family-friendly environment where over 8% of residents speak a language other than English.
Population:
3,973
Density:
1,380 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wonder Lake, IL?
Wonder Lake features an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $234,000 and average rent around $1,250. Living expenses are below the national average, particularly for housing and utilities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$234,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
78.6
Utilities:
96.5
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Wonder Lake, IL a safe place to live?
Wonder Lake boasts very low crime rates, with just 75 violent crimes and 680 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, as the chances of experiencing violent crime are just 1 in 1,333.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
680
Crime Index:
755
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 147
Weather
What is the weather like in Wonder Lake, IL year-round?
Residents of Wonder Lake experience all four seasons, from snowy winters averaging 14°F to 31°F, to warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. With 52% sunny days and over 36 inches of annual rainfall, the area offers a classic Midwest climate ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The community enjoys a healthy median household income of $91,400 and a low poverty rate near 6%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly a quarter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a stable, well-educated population.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$91,400
Family Income:
$98,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,200
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
26.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wonder Lake, IL?
Wonder Lake is served by reputable public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios around 15–16, and benefits from proximity to McHenry County College just 13 miles away. The community’s strong graduation rates and local educational resources make it appealing to families with children.

Public Schools
Name:
Greenwood Elementary School
Street:
4618 Greenwood Rd
Phone:
815-648-2606
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Harrison Elementary School
Street:
6809 McCullom Lake Rd
Phone:
815-653-2311
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4

Private Schools
Name:
Montini Catholic School
Street:
1405 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
815-385-1022
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
McHenry County College
City:
Crystal Lake
State:
IL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Wonder Lake residents benefit from access to quality healthcare, with over 92% having health insurance coverage and Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital located nearby. The area has a solid physician-to-resident ratio and comprehensive emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
Address:
4201 Medical Center Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
(815) 344-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wonder Lake, IL?
The housing market is characterized by a high owner-occupancy rate of 83%, a median home price of $234,000, and a steady appreciation rate of 4.2% in the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, making it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$234,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services office in nearby Waukegan, offering convenient access to vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV services. Information and appointment scheduling are available via the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
428 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.