Is Round Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Round Lake

Is it Safe to Live in Round Lake?

Round Lake, Illinois, generally presents a favorable safety profile, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 68% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes, in particular, are notably infrequent, with Round Lake boasting one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States, reporting only 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic places it among the safer cities in the nation for residents seeking a secure environment.

While the overall crime rate is low, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Some areas may experience slightly higher incidents than others, with the chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 47 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 83 in the southwest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Law enforcement presence is considered visible and responsive by residents (as reported by Niche), contributing to the community’s sense of security. The cost of crime per resident in Round Lake is also lower than the national and state averages, further underscoring its relative safety (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics and Community

Round Lake, Illinois, is a diverse community with a population of approximately 18,628 residents (as of the most recent US Census data). The demographic makeup includes a significant portion of White residents, followed by Hispanic and Asian populations. A notable percentage of Round Lake’s residents are foreign-born, approximately 24.3% as of 2024, which is close to the national average.

The median age in Round Lake is around 36.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. The community is characterized by a substantial percentage of citizens, with 89.8% of residents being U.S. citizens, though this figure is slightly lower than the national average. This diverse and evolving population contributes to the vibrant character of Round Lake.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Round Lake, Illinois, presents a competitive landscape. The median listing price for a home is approximately $284,300, though this can fluctuate (as reported by realtor.com®). Recently, the median sale price of a home was reported at $305,000, showing a year-over-year increase of 5.2% (as of March 2026). Homes in Round Lake tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 41 days on the market in March 2026, a significant decrease from the previous year.

Regarding rental costs, the median rent in Round Lake is approximately $1,950 per month, which is about the same as the national average. However, some sources indicate a higher median rent of $2,523 per month as of March 2026. This figure is considerably higher than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as of March 2026). Housing costs in Round Lake are generally higher than the national average, with some reports indicating they are 21% higher (as reported by AreaVibes).

The overall cost of living in Round Lake, IL, is approximately 6% higher than the national average. This is driven by higher housing expenses, which are about 21% above the national average. However, other expenses like utilities and transportation may be more in line with national figures or even lower depending on the specific category. For example, utility prices are 3% lower than the national average.

Job Market and Economy

Round Lake, Illinois, has a dynamic job market with a growing employment sector. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Round Lake grew by 1.61%, with the number of employees increasing from 9,840 to 10,000. The most common industries for residents include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Finance & Insurance. Key job roles in demand often fall within Office & Administrative Support, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations.

The average annual household income in Round Lake was reported as $111,977 in 2024, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year. However, other sources cite a median household income of $94,929 (as of November 2025). The median income for renters in Round Lake was approximately $46,522 in 2022 (according to 2022 Census data). The unemployment rate in Round Lake stands at 6%, which is slightly higher than the typical desirable range of 4% to 5%.

Major employers in the Round Lake area include large retail chains like Walmart and McDonald’s, as well as companies such as UPS, Starbucks, and The Home Depot. The Grieve Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial ovens and furnaces, also has a significant presence, celebrating its 75th anniversary. Baxter Healthcare is another notable employer, though it has experienced incidents such as industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide leaks.

Climate and Weather

Round Lake, Illinois, experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 14°F in January to a high of 83°F in July. The average annual temperature is around 39.2°F for the low and 57.6°F for the high.

The area receives approximately 38.06 inches of precipitation annually, with the wettest months being June and July. Snowfall averages around 43 inches per year, with the snowiest periods typically occurring in the winter months. Round Lake experiences about 163 days per year with comfortable weather, generally from May to September, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F.

Education and Schools

The public school system in Round Lake, IL, serves a large student population, with 95% of K-12 students attending public schools. There are 14 public schools serving approximately 6,802 students. The Round Lake CUSD 116 district encompasses 9 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

However, the academic performance of Round Lake’s public schools is a concern. The average math proficiency score is 10%, and the reading proficiency score is 13%, both significantly lower than the Illinois state averages of 27% and 30%, respectively. Schools in Round Lake have an average ranking in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools. While some elementary schools, such as Village Elementary School, show higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to district and state averages, the middle and high schools demonstrate very low proficiency rates. Minority enrollment is high, at 86% of the student body, predominantly Hispanic, which is also higher than the state average.