Waukegan, IL: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Waukegan: The Data Profile (2026)

Waukegan represents a specific value proposition in the post-remote landscape. With a population of 89,097, it functions as a mid-sized urban node rather than a sprawling suburb. The economic baseline reveals a disconnect: while the median income sits at $72,841, this is 2.3% below the national median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing is 92.0, effectively offsetting the income deficit.

The educational attainment rate is a critical variable here. Only 20.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market anchored in skilled trades and service industries rather than the tech or finance sectors typically associated with high-education hubs.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "hybrid commuter." This profile includes workers who require access to the Chicago metro area (approx. 40 miles south) but prioritize housing cost savings over urban density. It is ideal for blue-collar professionals, logistics personnel, and remote workers seeking to maximize disposable income.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic advantage of Waukegan is the aggregate savings across essential categories. While the median income is slightly depressed, the aggregate cost of living index (excluding housing) hovers around 94.5, saving a household roughly $3,300 annually compared to the national average.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner making the median $72,841, the estimated monthly take-home pay is approximately $4,650. After deducting the $1,280 rent and $1,530 in other essential living expenses, the remaining disposable income is roughly $1,840. This is 15% higher than the disposable income available in the average US metro with equivalent wages, driven primarily by the 7% discount on groceries and transportation.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is Waukegan's strongest asset. The Housing Index of 92.0 indicates that housing is 8% more affordable than the national baseline. The gap between renting and buying is widening slightly in favor of buying due to stabilization in mortgage rates, but the rental market remains highly competitive for budget-conscious families.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
With a median home price of $245,000 versus a 1-bedroom rent of $1,050, the price-to-rent ratio is approximately 19.4. Generally, a ratio below 21 favors buying. Given the -39.5% discount on home prices compared to the national average, purchasing a home is the mathematically superior long-term wealth generation strategy in Waukegan, provided the resident stays for at least 5 years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates have solidified the importance of commute logistics. Waukegan sits 40 miles north of downtown Chicago.

• Commute Impact: The average commute time is 45–60 minutes via I-94. However, the Metra Union Pacific North line offers a 65-minute transit option to Ogilvie Transportation Center. For hybrid workers (2–3 days in office), this is viable. Full-time commuting is statistically cost-prohibitive regarding time.
• Local Industry: The local economy is anchored by the Abbott Laboratories manufacturing plant and the Waukegan National Airport industrial park. This provides stability.
• Unemployment: The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is 0.4% higher than the national average of 4.0%. This suggests a slightly tighter labor market where specialized skills may be less in demand compared to major metros.

Quality of Life Audit

Waukegan presents a complex health and safety profile. While air quality is excellent and crime is average, significant public health risks exist regarding chronic disease.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:

• Violent Crime: 426 per 100k (US Avg: 380). This is 12% higher than the national average, placing it in the "Average" risk tier.
• Property Crime: 1,790 per 100k (US Avg: 2,000). This is 10.5% lower than the national average, suggesting theft is less prevalent than violent incidents.

Air Quality & Weather:
The air quality is a major asset, with an AQI of 45 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 6.5 µg/m³. This is significantly cleaner than the national average. However, the weather remains a friction point. With current temperatures at 36.0°F and conditions of "Rain and Snow Likely," the region requires seasonal resilience.

Schools:
Public school performance is below average. The "College Educated" metric of 20.6% correlates with lower standardized test scores compared to neighboring affluent suburbs like Lake Forest.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $245,000 is $160,000 below the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 45 and low PM2.5 levels (6.5 µg/m³) outperform most US cities.
• Cost of Living: Groceries and utilities are 7% and 3% cheaper respectively.

Cons:

• Public Health: Obesity (40.2%) and Diabetes (14.4%) rates are critically high, indicating systemic lifestyle risks.
• Income Ceiling: Median income ($72,841) trails the US average, potentially capping career earnings.
• Commute: A 45+ minute drive to Chicago is non-negotiable for office workers.

Final Recommendation:
Waukegan is a Strong Buy for Blue-Collar Families and Remote Workers. If you work remotely or in the local industrial sector, the housing value is unbeatable in the Chicagoland area. If you are a high-earner seeking urban amenities or have specific health concerns regarding lifestyle diseases, look elsewhere.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Waukegan?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable buffer. For a family of four, the target income rises to $115,000 to account for the higher housing index for 3-bedroom units ($1,850/mo) and increased grocery costs.

2. How does the value compare to Chicago proper?
Waukegan is 39.5% cheaper for housing than the US average, whereas Chicago is roughly 15% more expensive. You trade walkability and amenities for significant housing equity.

3. Are the safety stats concerning?
Violent crime is 12% above the national average (426/100k), but property crime is 10.5% lower (1,790/100k). Standard urban precautions are required, but it is not a statistical outlier for its size.

4. Is the weather a major deterrent?
Yes. With current conditions of 36.0°F and snow, and a historical average of 40 inches of snow annually, you must budget for winter tires and heating costs (electricity is 15.87¢/kWh, slightly below average).