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Is Waukegan a Good Place to Live? Waukegan, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waukegan ranks #695 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #307 of 524 smaller cities and #25 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($190,900, #62 of 524) and low rents ($1,205/mo, #124 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #431 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Waukegan by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waukegan's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Waukegan?
Waukegan's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,205/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,657, 17% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Waukegan | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $247,657#240 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,687/mo#486 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $190,900#199 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,205/mo#444 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Waukegan housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Waukegan is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Waukegan safe?
Waukegan recorded 375 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 50% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #687 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #305 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukegan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,555 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waukegan | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 375#687 of 1,085 | 251 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,555#504 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Waukegan?
The median household in Waukegan earns $71,919, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waukegan | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $71,919#781 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.3%#879 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Waukegan?
The median resident of Waukegan is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waukegan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 20.9%#1142 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 50.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Waukegan's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Waukegan; its public schools have 14.9 students per teacher and spend $21,843 per pupil. 40.2% of adults are obese and 14.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Waukegan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,843#126 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.2%#1133 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.4%#1117 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 21.3%#1233 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 14,142 students are enrolled in Waukegan's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waukegan?
The average commute in Waukegan is 26.1 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 2.1% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waukegan scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 26.2°F, with 35.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waukegan | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.3%#859 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.1% | 66% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.1% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.6% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.9 | 16 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 34.1 | 18.4 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 44.3 | 26.9 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 55.5 | 36 | 3.8 |
| May | 66.6 | 45.9 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 76.6 | 56.1 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 61.9 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 80 | 61.1 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 53.6 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 60.9 | 42.7 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 47.5 | 31.4 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 35.9 | 21.8 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago Waukegan Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Waukegan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 35.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago Waukegan Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waukegan?
Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Waukegan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#298 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.01% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0016% | 37% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Waukegan compare with similar-size cities?
Waukegan is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #307 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,076.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #695 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 | 26.1 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #240 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 | 28.3 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Manteca, CAPop. 89,043 | #784 | 53.5 | $97,055 | $2,065/mo | 336 | 37.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #265 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 | 21 min |
| Deerfield Beach, FLPop. 88,093 | #1091 | 48.0 | $59,730 | $1,774/mo | part year | 28.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Waukegan compare with the rest of Illinois?
Waukegan ranks #25 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 55 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 14% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 50% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | … #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #28 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #29 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Waukegan among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Waukegan's score calculated?
Waukegan scores 55 out of 100, #695 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Waukegan. Similar-size median 55.5.
40.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waukegan's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
71.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waukegan. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waukegan's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
74.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waukegan's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waukegan. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waukegan. Similar-size median 42.4.
31.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waukegan. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waukegan's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waukegan's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Waukegan has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Waukegan
Is Waukegan, IL a good place to live?
Waukegan ranks #695 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #307 of 524 smaller cities and #25 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($190,900, #62 of 524) and low rents ($1,205/mo, #124 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #431 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Waukegan?
Waukegan's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,205/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,657, 17% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Waukegan?
Waukegan recorded 375 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 50% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #687 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #305 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukegan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,555 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waukegan?
The median household in Waukegan earns $71,919, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waukegan?
Median rent in Waukegan is $1,205/mo (Census), #444 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,687/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waukegan?
The typical home value in Waukegan is $247,657, up 6.9% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $190,900.
How are the public schools in Waukegan?
There is no city graduation rate for Waukegan; its public schools have 14.9 students per teacher and spend $21,843 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waukegan?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 7.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waukegan?
Waukegan averages 48.3°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 26.2°F in winter, with 35.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waukegan walkable?
Waukegan scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Waukegan at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waukegan?
Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Waukegan?
Waukegan has 89,076 residents. The median resident of Waukegan is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waukegan compare with the rest of Illinois?
Waukegan ranks #25 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 55 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 14% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 50% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Waukegan?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waukegan's population of 89,076 are Fort Smith, AR (#1112 overall), Temple, TX (#851 overall), Clifton, NJ (#240 overall), Newton, MA (#3 overall), and Manteca, CA (#784 overall). Waukegan is #695.