Waukegan 73 Excellent
Waukegan Livability #244 ranked city in Illinois#4,817 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Waukegan

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Waukegan?

Waukegan is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 87,157 people. With a population density of 3,597 people per square mile, Waukegan is well above the nation's average density level. 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. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Waukegan, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Waukegan is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Waukegan and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, education and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Waukegan has received a livability score of 73 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 85th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Waukegan scores well for cost of living (B+) and housing (A) Waukegan does not do well for the following: amenities (D-) and education (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Waukegan has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Waukegan meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Waukegan. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Waukegan are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Waukegan come in at $140,300, which is 19.7% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waukegan, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waukegan

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Waukegan?

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Compare Waukegan, IL Livability

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      Waukegan transportation information

      Statistic Waukegan Illinois National
      Average one way commute27min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.2%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool18.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.1%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home3.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Waukegan, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).