Crystal Lake, IL
Population 40,436 · Illinois
About Crystal Lake, IL
Crystal Lake is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 40,436 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,428 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Crystal Lake features a median home value of $287,400, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Crystal Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,431, 23% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,396 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (11,642 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (3,275 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Crystal Lake shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Crystal Lake have an average one-way commute time of 29.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.0% of Crystal Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Crystal Lake Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IL
Compared to national averages, Crystal Lake has a median household income of $105,428 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $287,400, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,431 is 23% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Crystal Lake's income is 40% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 73% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Crystal Lake, IL?
Crystal Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,428, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average.
Crystal Lake has a population of 40,436 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Crystal Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Crystal Lake
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeKalb | 40,464 | $46,564 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 40,531 | $130,479 | $350,500 | Compare |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $100,022 | $245,200 | Compare |
| Carol Stream | 39,427 | $105,395 | $308,700 | Compare |
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 | Compare |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $56,372 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $60,529 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Crystal Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal Lake
What is the population of Crystal Lake, IL?
The population of Crystal Lake, IL is 40,436 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Crystal Lake?
The median household income in Crystal Lake, IL is $105,428 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Crystal Lake?
The median home value in Crystal Lake, IL is $287,400, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Crystal Lake?
The median monthly rent in Crystal Lake, IL is $1,431, which is 23% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Crystal Lake?
The unemployment rate in Crystal Lake, IL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Crystal Lake, IL a good place to live?
Crystal Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,436 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Crystal Lake, IL?
42.0% of residents in Crystal Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Crystal Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Crystal Lake, IL: median home value is $287,400 (17% above national), median rent is $1,431/month, and median household income is $105,428. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Crystal Lake?
The poverty rate in Crystal Lake, IL is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Crystal Lake, IL?
Crystal Lake's population is 8.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.