Gurnee, IL
Population 30,486 · Illinois
About Gurnee, IL
Gurnee is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 30,486 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $121,410 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gurnee features a median home value of $331,100, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gurnee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,594, 37% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,055 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (8,702 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (2,996 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gurnee shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gurnee have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.4% of Gurnee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 9.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 17.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gurnee, IL
Compared to national averages, Gurnee has a median household income of $121,410 (62% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $331,100, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,594 is 37% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Gurnee's income is 62% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 100% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Gurnee, IL?
Gurnee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $121,410, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Gurnee has a population of 30,486 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Gurnee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Gurnee
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niles | 30,262 | $78,563 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Highland Park | 30,229 | $161,875 | $594,400 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Algonquin | 29,904 | $131,753 | $324,000 | Compare |
| Galesburg | 29,653 | $45,213 | $89,800 | Compare |
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $107,608 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Pekin | 31,812 | $58,355 | $118,200 | Compare |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $113,491 | $296,400 | 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 Gurnee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gurnee
What is the population of Gurnee, IL?
The population of Gurnee, IL is 30,486 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 Gurnee?
The median household income in Gurnee, IL is $121,410 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gurnee?
The median home value in Gurnee, IL is $331,100, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gurnee?
The median monthly rent in Gurnee, IL is $1,594, which is 37% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gurnee?
The unemployment rate in Gurnee, IL is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gurnee, IL a good place to live?
Gurnee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 30,486 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gurnee, IL?
54.4% of residents in Gurnee 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 Gurnee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gurnee, IL: median home value is $331,100 (35% above national), median rent is $1,594/month, and median household income is $121,410. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gurnee?
The poverty rate in Gurnee, IL is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gurnee, IL?
Gurnee's population is 9.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 17.6% of residents are foreign-born.