Waukegan, IL
Population 88,919 · Illinois
About Waukegan, IL
Waukegan is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 88,919 residents. The median household income is $70,578 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Waukegan is 34.6 years.
Housing in Waukegan has a median home value of $177,600 and median monthly rent of $1,163. Of the 32,842 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 15,972 owner-occupied and 15,434 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Waukegan is 5.3% and the poverty rate is 15.3%. 21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 26.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waukegan
What is the population of Waukegan, IL?
The population of Waukegan, IL is 88,919 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Waukegan?
The median household income in Waukegan, IL is $70,578 per year.
What is the median home value in Waukegan?
The median home value in Waukegan, IL is $177,600.
What is the average rent in Waukegan?
The median monthly rent in Waukegan, IL is $1,163.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukegan?
The unemployment rate in Waukegan, IL is 5.3%.