Is Lake Barrington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lake Barrington
Lake Barrington, Illinois, presents a picture of serene suburban living, characterized by its natural beauty and a strong sense of community. This village offers a tranquil escape while remaining connected to the broader Chicago metropolitan area, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its appeal lies in the combination of peaceful surroundings, quality amenities, and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of living for its residents.
The community is known for its well-maintained properties and access to outdoor recreational opportunities, fostering an environment that is both relaxing and engaging. For individuals and families considering a move, understanding the various facets of life in Lake Barrington, from its safety and cost of living to its educational institutions and job market, is essential for making an informed decision about this charming Illinois village.
Is it Safe to Live in Lake Barrington?
Lake Barrington is recognized for its safety, boasting a crime rate significantly lower than both national and state averages. The village holds an ‘A’ grade for safety, indicating a crime rate that is substantially below that of the average U.S. city (as reported by DoorProfit). This perception of safety is further supported by its ranking in the 88th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 88% of all cities analyzed (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
While the overall crime rate is low, specific neighborhood safety can vary. The west part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents, with a significantly lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to other areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are notably low, with rates for murder, aggravated assault, and robbery all falling below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates also remain substantially lower than the national average, with burglary, larceny/theft, and vehicle theft all showing lower incidence rates (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Lake Barrington
The cost of living in Lake Barrington is considerably higher than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. The median home value in Lake Barrington is approximately $475,700, which is 1.43 times larger than the national median property value (as reported by Data USA). This is further reflected in the median listing price for homes, which hovers around $471.1K (as reported by realtor.com®).
Rental costs are also elevated, with a median gross rent of $3,501 per month, which is significantly higher than both the Lake County and Illinois state medians (as reported by Lake Barrington Authority). This higher cost of living is offset by a robust median household income, which stands at $141,958 (as reported by Niche). This income level suggests that while expenses are higher, residents generally have the financial capacity to manage them, with a poverty rate of 6.28% (as reported by Data USA).
Housing Market Trends in Lake Barrington
Lake Barrington’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with a high homeownership rate of 89.0% (as reported by Lake Barrington Authority). The median sale price of a home was $447,000 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 3.9% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, the median property value has seen an increase, rising by 5.38% between 2023 and 2024 to $475,700 (as reported by Data USA).
Homes in Lake Barrington tend to stay on the market longer than in previous years, with the median days on market increasing by 44% year-over-year (as reported by realtor.com®). The market is considered a seller’s market as of March 2026, indicating that demand for homes may exceed the available supply (as reported by realtor.com®). New construction constitutes a small portion of the housing stock, making up 2.6% of the total (as reported by Lake Barrington Authority).
Job Market and Major Employers
Lake Barrington’s employment landscape is characterized by a growing workforce and diverse industry sectors. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Lake Barrington saw a growth rate of 0.74%, increasing the number of employed residents (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
Key job roles within the village are concentrated in Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Business & Financial Operations Occupations (as reported by Data USA). While specific major employers within Lake Barrington are not detailed in the search results, the broader Lake County region is home to significant companies such as Abbott, AbbVie, Walgreens, and Wintrust Financial Corporation (as reported by Illinois Economic Development Corporation). The village itself hosts businesses like Allied Universal, Aramark, Aerotek, and VCA Animal Hospitals (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate in Lake Barrington
Lake Barrington experiences a humid continental climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 13°F and 83°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The village receives an average annual precipitation of about 39 inches, with an average of 38 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are warm and can be wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by AccuWeather).
The hottest months are generally July and August, with average high temperatures around 83°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs near 30°F and lows around 14°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Lake Barrington enjoys an average of 2936 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Lake Barrington
The public schools serving Lake Barrington are highly rated and are part of the Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220. This district is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Illinois, recognized for its academic excellence and innovative programs (as reported by Niche and Barrington, IL Education and School Districts). The district educates a large number of students from preschool through 12th grade across a wide geographical area.
Within the district, schools like Barrington High School, Barrington Middle School – Station Campus, and Roslyn Road Elementary School receive high ratings (as reported by Niche). These institutions are noted for their strong academic performance, student-teacher ratios, and overall quality, contributing to Lake Barrington’s appeal as a family-friendly community (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Lake Barrington
Lake Barrington is home to a population of approximately 5,442 residents, with a median age of around 55 years (as reported by Data USA and Niche). The village has a slightly higher proportion of females, with 53.6% of the population being female and 46.4% being male (as reported by Point2Homes). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the older age brackets, with about 33% being 65 or older and 27.1% being between 45 and 64 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for about 86.27% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 7.02% (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). A large majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with 96.3% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The median household income is substantial, reported at $141,958, which is significantly higher than the national average (as reported by Niche and CensusDepth).