Waukegan, IL
Population 88,919 · Illinois
About Waukegan, IL
Waukegan is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 88,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,578 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waukegan features a median home value of $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waukegan in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,163, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,842 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (15,972 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (15,434 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waukegan shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waukegan have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Waukegan residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 45.6% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 8.4% Asian residents, with 31.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waukegan Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Waukegan, IL
Compared to national averages, Waukegan has a median household income of $70,578 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,163 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Waukegan's income is 6% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 7% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,600, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,578) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Waukegan provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Waukegan has a population of 88,919 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Waukegan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Waukegan
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign | 88,822 | $57,544 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $68,548 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $75,449 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Evanston | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 | Compare |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $50,809 | $97,300 | 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 Waukegan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waukegan
What is the population of Waukegan, IL?
The population of Waukegan, IL is 88,919 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 Waukegan?
The median household income in Waukegan, IL is $70,578 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waukegan?
The median home value in Waukegan, IL is $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waukegan?
The median monthly rent in Waukegan, IL is $1,163, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukegan?
The unemployment rate in Waukegan, IL is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waukegan, IL a good place to live?
Waukegan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 88,919 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waukegan, IL?
21.0% of residents in Waukegan aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waukegan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waukegan, IL: median home value is $177,600 (27% below national), median rent is $1,163/month, and median household income is $70,578. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waukegan?
The poverty rate in Waukegan, IL is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan's population is 45.6% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 8.4% Asian, and 15.7% two or more races. 31.2% of residents are foreign-born.