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Waukegan, IL
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Waukegan, IL: A historic city on Lake Michigan with vibrant arts and culture.

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89K Population
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$52K Median Income
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$180K Median Home Price
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24 Square Miles

About Waukegan, IL

Waukegan, Illinois, a city nestled along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in the 19th century. Originally a hub for industry and shipping, Waukegan has transformed over the decades into a diverse city with a robust cultural scene. The city's historic downtown is home to theaters, galleries, and restaurants, reflecting its commitment to arts and culture.

Waukegan's economy has diversified, with manufacturing, healthcare, and education playing major roles. The community's dedication to growth and revitalization is evident in its ongoing urban redevelopment programs, attracting new businesses and residents. A wide array of attractions, including the stunning Waukegan Harbor and North Beach, offer recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. With its blend of history, culture, and industry, Waukegan remains a welcoming city on the rise.

The city is characterized by its vibrant cultural festivals and community events throughout the year, celebrating the diverse heritage of its residents. From the bustling Genesee Theatre to the year-round Farmers Market, Waukegan fosters a dynamic lifestyle that combines modern comforts with deep-rooted traditions. Its strategic location near Chicago makes Waukegan a convenient and attractive place for those seeking both urban amenities and suburban tranquility.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Waukegan special

58
🚶 Walkability
35
🛡️ Safety
75
🍽️ Food Scene
82
🎭 Arts & Culture
70
🌙 Nightlife
68
⚽ Sports Culture
5
🌬️ Air Quality
63
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 31.4 years
Diversity Index 71.0%

A diverse and multicultural city, Waukegan is known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage.

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Economy

Median Income $52,221
Unemployment Rate 6.0%
Job Growth Rate 1.9%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, transportation.

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Housing

Median Home Price $180,000
Cost of Living Index 85
Rent/Own Ratio 56.5%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 20.3%
High School Graduation Rate 86.1%
College Enrollment Rate 58.4%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 52
  • Universities: 1
  • Libraries: 1
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16.1:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

Professional Teams

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NFL
Chicago Bears
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NBA
Chicago Bulls
MLB
Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox
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NHL
Chicago Blackhawks
MLS
Chicago Fire FC
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Major Venues

Genesee Theatre: 2,416

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Waukegan

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-94, US-41

Average Commute: 26 minutes

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Public Transit

Pace Bus, Metra Rail

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Airports

ORD - Chicago O'Hare International Airport, MKE - General Mitchell International Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Waukegan unique

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Landmarks

  • Genesee Theatre
  • Jack Benny Statue
  • Historic Downtown Waukegan
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Attractions

  • Waukegan Harbor
  • North Beach
  • Bowen Park
  • Illinois Beach State Park
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Museums

  • Waukegan History Museum
  • Jack Benny Center for the Arts
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Parks

  • Bowen Park
  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Hinkston Park
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Healthcare

  • Vista Medical Center East
  • Lake Behavioral Hospital

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Waukegan

Manufacturing Healthcare Education Retail Transportation

Living Here

Essential information about life in Waukegan

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 715 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Lake County

Metro Area: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 847, 224

ZIP Codes: 60085, 60087

Location

Find Waukegan on the map

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