McHenry 76 Excellent
McHenry Livability #163 ranked city in Illinois#3,177 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in McHenry

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

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What's it like Living in McHenry?

McHenry, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 26,889 inhabitants. At 93%, the majority of the McHenry population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% Black. An important consideration when living in McHenry is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in McHenry, Illinois could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in McHenry and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics McHenry has received a livability score of 74 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that McHenry ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), employment (A-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in McHenry. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (D-).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. McHenry shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 65 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their McHenry apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

McHenry real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in McHenry. The median home price for McHenry homes is $194,800, which is 11.4% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in McHenry, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around McHenry

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How Do You Rate The Livability In McHenry?

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Compare McHenry, IL Livability

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      McHenry transportation information

      Statistic McHenry Illinois National
      Average one way commute32min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.9%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home7.7%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The McHenry, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).