Moving to Waukegan, Illinois: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Waukegan, Illinois? This historic lakefront city offers affordable living, Lake Michigan beauty, and diverse character. With approximately 89,000 residents in 2025, Waukegan combines waterfront location with working-class character and Lake County’s largest and most affordable city.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Waukegan:

Waukegan’s 2025 population is approximately 89,000 residents in this Lake County seat along Lake Michigan 40 miles north of Chicago. The median age is around 33 years, with diverse working families, Hispanic residents, and young adults. The population is approximately 49% Hispanic, 34% White, 19% Black or African American, 3% Asian. Waukegan features Lake Michigan lakefront with marina and beaches, historic downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and serves as Lake County’s largest city with working-class character. The city attracts diverse working families, Hispanic residents, and those seeking Lake County location with maximum affordability. Waukegan appeals to working-class residents prioritizing lakefront access with value. The community balances diversity with economic challenges and lakefront beauty.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Waukegan:

Waukegan offers exceptional affordability for lakefront Lake County location. Median home values range from $180,000 to $260,000 in 2025, significantly lower than other Lake County communities while providing Lake Michigan access. The median household income is approximately $58,000. Rental properties average $1,100 to $1,600 monthly. Illinois’ state income tax is flat 4.95%. Property taxes are moderate for Lake County. Overall cost of living is very competitive for lakefront location, making Waukegan highly attractive for working families, first-time buyers, and those seeking Lake County’s most affordable lakefront option. The city provides tremendous value with Lake Michigan access. Housing costs create exceptional accessibility for diverse income levels with lakefront location.

Economy and Job Market:

Waukegan’s economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and the Port of Waukegan. Vista Medical Center provides healthcare employment. Abbott Laboratories (nearby North Chicago) employs many residents. The port handles cargo. Manufacturing remains economically significant though faces challenges. Many residents work throughout Lake County or commute to Chicago. The broader Chicagoland economy offers opportunities. Typical commute times to Chicago range 50-75 minutes via Metra. The working-class population includes many service workers, manufacturing employees, and diverse employment. The economy faces challenges but provides opportunities.

Education:

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 serves city students with Waukegan High School. School quality varies significantly requiring extensive family research with some schools facing challenges. The College of Lake County (nearby) provides community college education. The educational infrastructure serves the large, diverse, working-class population with bilingual programs essential.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Waukegan offers Lake Michigan lakefront with Waukegan Harbor, marina, beaches including Waukegan Municipal Beach, and waterfront trails providing exceptional natural amenity. The Genesee Theatre presents performances in a historic venue. Downtown features diverse businesses and restaurants reflecting the Hispanic community. Residents enjoy lakefront recreation, affordability, and Lake County location. The lifestyle emphasizes working-class values, diversity, lakefront access, and affordability. The four-season climate enables year-round activities with the lake creating summer recreation. The community values diversity, lakefront heritage, working-class roots, and affordability. Living in Waukegan means accepting economic challenges, urban issues in some neighborhoods, working-class character, and school quality concerns while enjoying Lake Michigan lakefront beauty, exceptional Lake County affordability, and diverse community creating accessible waterfront living where Lake Michigan meets maximum affordability and working-class character defines Lake County’s largest and most affordable lakefront city.

Healthcare and Services:

Waukegan residents access healthcare through Vista Medical Center East and Vista Medical Center West, Advocate Condell Medical Center (nearby), and facilities throughout Lake County. The healthcare infrastructure serves the community and region.

Transportation:

Waukegan benefits from Metra Union Pacific North Line providing train service to Chicago with multiple Waukegan stations, Interstate 94, and various arterial roads. Pace operates extensive suburban bus routes. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times to Chicago via Metra are 60-80 minutes, by car 50-90 minutes depending on traffic.

Conclusion:

Moving to Waukegan in 2025 offers affordable lakefront living with Lake Michigan beauty, diverse character, and working-class atmosphere. The city’s combination of exceptionally low housing costs, lakefront access, and Lake County location makes it ideal for working families, diverse residents, and first-time buyers seeking Lake County’s most affordable option where Lake Michigan meets exceptional value and diverse community defines accessible waterfront living.