Is McHenry Safe, Pros and cons of living in McHenry
McHenry, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a change of pace. The city is situated within McHenry County, providing residents with access to both local amenities and the broader opportunities of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Its location along the Fox River adds natural beauty and recreational possibilities to its landscape.
The community is characterized by a mix of residential areas, local businesses, and green spaces, aiming to provide a well-rounded living experience. Understanding the various facets of life in McHenry, from its safety and economic landscape to its educational offerings and daily living costs, is essential for anyone considering a move to this Illinois city.
Is it Safe to Live in McHenry?
Crime Rates
McHenry maintains an overall crime rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities of all sizes across the United States (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This means your likelihood of being a victim of crime in McHenry is approximately 1 in 141.
When examining specific crime categories, McHenry’s violent crime rate is about average for the nation, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 1,068. The property crime rate, encompassing burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson, is also around the national average at 6 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data).
Neighborhood Safety
McHenry’s crime rate is lower than approximately 49% of other communities in Illinois. Compared to cities of similar population sizes, McHenry’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average, suggesting it is safer than most cities of comparable size across America (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data).
McHenry residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest. Neighborhoods like Martin Woods, Pistakee Highlands, and Holiday Hills are noted for their safety. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas offering a lower risk than others (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in McHenry is approximately $2437 per month, placing it among the top 11% of the most expensive cities globally and ranking it 862nd out of 2202 cities in the United States (according to Livingcost.org). This figure reflects costs for goods, services, and other daily expenses.
However, other sources indicate a different perspective, with McHenry’s cost of living being 6% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are notably 19% lower than the national average, while utility prices are 8% lower. Transportation costs are about the same as the national average, but grocery prices are 2% higher (according to Payscale).
Housing Market
The median sale price of a home in McHenry was $276,000 last month, showing a decrease of 8.2% compared to the previous year. Homes in McHenry typically receive about two offers and sell within 50 days on average (according to Redfin).
The median home value in McHenry is $306,004, having increased by 4.8% over the past year. Homes tend to go under contract quickly, often within 11 days (according to Zillow, as of March 31, 2026). The median listing price in McHenry is $302,500, with a median rental price of $2,300 per month (according to Realtor.com®).
Rental Market
The average rent in McHenry is $1,814 per month. In the past year, rent prices have increased by $229, though they saw a decrease of $116 in the last month. Currently, there are 25 rentals available in McHenry (according to Zillow).
More specifically, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,612, and for a two-bedroom apartment, it is $1,692. The overall rental market in McHenry shows strong year-over-year rent growth, indicating steady demand for rental properties (according to Realtor.com® and Zillow).
Economy and Employment
Average Salary and Wages
The average annual salary in McHenry is approximately $56,000, equating to an hourly rate of about $26.92 (according to Zippia). This figure represents the general earning potential within the city.
For a more specific role, the average annual salary for an Engineer in McHenry is around $100,160, which translates to approximately $48.15 per hour. Salaries for engineers in McHenry can range significantly, typically between $82,700 and $114,700 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
As of January 2026, the unemployment rate in McHenry County was 4.9%, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. This rate is not seasonally adjusted and can fluctuate due to seasonal employment patterns (according to USAFacts and the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
More recent data indicates the unemployment rate in McHenry County was 5.20% in a recent month, which is lower than the long-term average. This figure is a key indicator of the local job market’s health (according to YCharts).
Major Employers
Key employers in the City of McHenry include McHenry Northwestern Hospital, McHenry School District #15, Follett Content, and Medela. Other significant employers contributing to the local economy are McHenry School District #156, the City of McHenry itself, Jewel, and Meijer (according to the City of McHenry EDC).
Additional major employers in McHenry County also include companies like Brake Parts Inc, Pioneer Center for Human Services, and Gary Lang Auto Group. These businesses play a vital role in providing employment opportunities and supporting the economic vitality of the region (according to Zippia).
Climate and Demographics
Climate
The climate in McHenry, Illinois, experiences distinct seasons. January typically sees average temperatures around 33°F for the high and 20°F for the low, with an average of 1.75 inches of precipitation. June usually has a high around 80°F and a low of 61°F, with approximately 4.09 inches of rainfall (based on weather reports from Chicago Midway Airport, 1992–2021).
McHenry County’s average temperature for December through August can fluctuate, with an average of 40.1°F in McHenry County, though specific monthly and daily temperatures will vary (according to NOAA).
Demographics
McHenry has an estimated population of 28,074 people, making it the 73rd most populated city in Illinois. The projected population for 2026 is 28,602, with an assumed annual growth rate of 0.9% (according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).
The racial composition of McHenry is predominantly White, accounting for 79.1% of the population. Hispanic residents make up 15.8%, followed by those of Two or More races at 2.7%. The median age in McHenry is 43.9 years (according to US Census Bureau data and World Population Review).
Education and Quality of Life
School Ratings
McHenry Community High School has an overall Niche grade of B+. It is ranked #174 out of 696 public high schools in Illinois. The school serves 2,231 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (according to Niche).
McHenry Middle School also holds a B- overall grade from Niche. It serves 695 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. According to state test scores, 23% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading at this middle school (according to Niche).
Quality of Life
McHenry is ranked 3556th out of 9294 cities globally and 1313th in the United States for its quality of life. It is considered the 92nd most livable city in Illinois, with an excellent air quality rating (according to Livingcost.org).
The city offers a median after-tax salary of $5665, which is sufficient to cover living expenses for approximately 2.3 months. McHenry provides a balance of suburban living with access to natural surroundings, including the Fox River, contributing to its appeal for residents.