Living in Waukegan, IL offers a rich cultural experience with a strong connection to the arts and the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. Known as the 'Art and Soul of Lake County,' Waukegan is home to a vibrant arts community and a historic downtown area. The Genesee Theatre, a beautifully restored venue, hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other live performances, making it a cultural centerpiece of the city.
Waukegan’s dining scene is diverse, offering everything from classic American diners to international cuisine, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. The annual ArtWauk event transforms downtown Waukegan into an open-air gallery, showcasing local artists and musicians. The city’s parks, including Bowen Park and Hinkston Park, offer facilities for sports, picnics, and community events.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Waukegan’s location on the shores of Lake Michigan provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The Waukegan Municipal Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, while the nearby Waukegan Harbor offers boating, fishing, and scenic views of the lake. The Illinois Beach State Park, just a short drive away, is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Waukegan is also known for its strong sense of community and cultural diversity. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Scoop Waukegan Festival and the Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Arts & Music Festival, celebrating the city's literary heritage and creative spirit. The local farmers market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live entertainment, making it a popular spot for residents.
For those considering a move to Illinois, Waukegan offers a unique blend of cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and community warmth. Whether you're drawn by its arts scene, outdoor activities, or lakeside living, living in Waukegan, IL provides a dynamic and enriching lifestyle.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Waukegan, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 90,063 people. In Waukegan, there are 3,713 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of Waukegan identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 44% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Waukegan residents is 33. Waukegan is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 49% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Waukegan your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 27 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Waukegan can be a good experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Waukegan and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
The livability score in Waukegan is 73 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 83rd percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Waukegan has received high marks for cost of living (B+) and housing (A+). Waukegan does not score well for the following: amenities (D-), crime (D-) and education (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 Waukegan 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Waukegan. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Waukegan are affordable. The median home price for Waukegan homes is $251,387, which is 18.5% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waukegan, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 8.6% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Waukegan | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.2% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 18.8% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.6% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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