Waukegan

Waukegan, Illinois Overview

Waukegan faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (48.4/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Illinois. Even so, the city scores 75/100 in Safety — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 6/100.

Income & Employment in Waukegan

The median household income in Waukegan is $72,841, 7% below the statewide median of $78,304. The local unemployment rate of 6.2% is higher than the state’s 4.6%. Population grew 0.3% recently.

Safety in Waukegan

Waukegan reports 377.5 violent crimes per 100,000, roughly in line with the statewide rate of 393 per 100,000. The property crime rate is 1139.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Waukegan

Waukegan has a cost of living index of 102.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $177,600. Median monthly rent is $1,163. Renters spend 19.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Waukegan

The adult obesity rate in Waukegan is 40.2%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 14.4%. Residents report an average of 16.9 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Illinois ranks #21 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Waukegan

The student-teacher ratio is 14.9:1. Local districts invest $21,843 per student, well above the national median. The city has 23 public schools serving 14,142 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Waukegan

The annual average temperature in Waukegan is 51°F. Summers average 69.8°F. Winters average 33°F. Annual precipitation is 37.6 inches.

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