Is Waukegan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waukegan
Waukegan, a city situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a blend of urban amenities and a community atmosphere. As the county seat of Lake County, Illinois, it serves as a significant hub within the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Its history is rooted in its origins as a trading post, reflected in its name, and has evolved into a diverse city with a notable industrial past and a developing present.
The city’s strategic location between Milwaukee and Chicago provides access to a large population base and a robust economic region. Waukegan’s economy has diversified from its manufacturing-heavy past to include sectors like healthcare, retail, and transportation, making it a regional employment hub. This evolution has shaped the city’s character, offering a unique living experience for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Waukegan?
Waukegan’s crime statistics present a nuanced picture. The city has a violent crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average (according to FBI crime data). However, its property crime rate is 8.3% lower than the national average (according to FBI crime data). Overall, Waukegan’s crime rate is 3% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes data).
When considering safety, it’s important to note specific crime types. Waukegan has a motor vehicle theft rate that is notably high, according to analysis of FBI crime data (according to NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, larceny rates are significantly below the national average (according to FBI crime data).
Climate and Environment
Waukegan experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (according to descriptions of Waukegan’s climate). The typical annual temperature range spans from 17°F to 81°F, with temperatures rarely dropping below -2°F or exceeding 90°F.
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows near 18°F. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with higher amounts typically occurring in the spring and summer months. The city also experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover, with clearer skies generally from late spring to early fall.
Demographics and Population
Waukegan is a diverse city with a population of approximately 89,076 residents, making it the 10th most populous city in Illinois (according to US Census Bureau data). The largest racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (57.9%), followed by White (16.7%) and Black (16.6%) (according to US Census Bureau data).
The median age in Waukegan is 35.5 years, indicating a relatively young population compared to the national average. In 2024, the median household income was $71,919, though 11.1% of families live below the poverty line (according to US Census Bureau data).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Waukegan is considered to be 5% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This is largely driven by housing costs, which are 4.6% higher than the national average. The median rent for an apartment in Waukegan is approximately $1,600 per month (according to Zillow data).
The median sale price of a home in Waukegan was around $260,000 as of last month (according to Redfin data). The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes receiving an average of three offers and selling relatively quickly (according to Redfin data).
Job Market and Economy
Waukegan’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and transportation (according to City of Waukegan economic development and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago data). Major employers in the area include Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Baxter, Discover, W.W. Grainger, Walgreens, and Naval Station Great Lakes (according to City of Waukegan economic development data).
The average annual salary in Waukegan is approximately $54,173 (according to ZipRecruiter data). However, the unemployment rate has recently been reported at 9.30%, which is higher than both the previous month and the long-term average (according to YCharts data).
Education and Schools
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves the city’s public school needs. Waukegan High School, a public school within the district, has an overall Niche grade of C- (according to Niche data). State test scores indicate that 7% of students are proficient in math and 11% in reading (according to Niche data).
The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 also receives an overall Niche grade of C- (according to Niche data). Within the district, elementary schools like Little Fort Elementary and H.R. McCall Elementary have received C+ grades (according to Niche data).