City Profile
Waukegan, Illinois
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Waukegan is a historic industrial and lakefront community located in Lake County, Illinois, serving as the county seat. Positioned about 36 miles north of Chicago along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city blends a rich industrial heritage with extensive redevelopments along its harbor and shorelines. Originally inhabited by Native Americans and later incorporated in the mid-19th century, Waukegan has evolved into a culturally vibrant satellite city within the broader Chicagoland metropolitan area. People are drawn to the area for its rich blend of historic architecture, extensive parks, and more accessible housing options compared to downtown Chicago.
Illinois, known as the "Prairie State," offers a diverse character ranging from the bustling metropolis of Chicago to expansive farmlands. Its economy is among the largest and most diversified in the U.S., with major industries including advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, life sciences, technology, and transportation and logistics. While the cost of living statewide is generally considered moderate, housing costs in Chicago can be higher than the national average. Illinois experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, and is susceptible to severe storms and tornadoes, particularly in spring. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances world-class cultural amenities and career opportunities with challenges such as high taxes and urban congestion.
How this 62/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 60 / 100 | 60.0 | 30% | 18.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 | 53.8 | 25% | 13.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $71,919 Income needed to live here: $50,000 Unemployment rate: 4% | 77.4 | 20% | 15.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.8% | 56.0 | 15% | 8.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 62.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=82), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Waukegan remains notably more affordable than both the national average and the surrounding Chicagoland region. Housing costs, including average rents and median home values, sit significantly below state benchmarks, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families and first-time home buyers. While utility and grocery expenses align closely with standard Midwestern metropolitan trends, savings on property and residential costs help offset general inflationary pressures.
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Waukegan functions as a vital regional employment hub within northeast Illinois, driven by a powerful mix of manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and public administration sectors. Major employers span specialized industrial manufacturing, distribution services, and county government operations anchored right in the downtown core. Proximity to major interstate routes and dual transportation networks fosters steady entrepreneurial activity and strong logistics pathways connecting Chicago and Milwaukee.
The average salary in Waukegan is $54,394 per year. You would need approximately $50,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Waukegan is facilitated by a robust network of highways, PACE local bus routes, and Metra commuter rail service connecting directly to downtown Chicago and Kenosha. The city's grid layout supports moderate walkability in core downtown districts, while drivers benefit from convenient access to Interstate 94 and major regional state routes. Proximity to the Waukegan National Airport further enhances regional and corporate transit connectivity.
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