Crystal Lake, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,579
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,418/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,256
-0.9% year-over-year change

Crystal Lake population

How many people live in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is home to 40,579 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Crystal Lake locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
40,579
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
20,053
Female
50.6%
20,526
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,053 49.4% 2.3%
Female 20,526 50.6% -1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Crystal Lake is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,534 18.6% -0.5%
15 to 24 5,800 14.3% 0.7%
25 to 44 10,390 25.6% 1.6%
45 to 64 10,802 26.6% -0.7%
Over 65 6,053 14.9% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Crystal Lake, 89% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,094 89% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,428 6% 15.8%
Non-citizens 2,057 5.1% 8.7%
Racial breakdown
White
81%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 32,878 81%
Black or African American 261 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 122 0.3%
Asian 1,586 3.9%
Two or more races 3,287 8.1%
Other 2,445 6%

Households in Crystal Lake

A peek inside Crystal Lake households

Crystal Lake has 14,806 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.1% are families, while the remaining 27.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,806
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,128
Family households
10,678
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,128 27.9% 0.3%
Family households 10,678 72.1% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Crystal Lake

The housing landscape of Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake's housing consists of 15,256 units, with 66.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,256
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,140 66.5%
1 unit, attached 1,561 10.2%
2 units 246 1.6%
3 or 4 units 442 2.9%
5 to 9 units 1,664 10.9%
10 to 19 units 404 2.6%
20 to 49 units 233 1.5%
50 or more units 260 1.7%
Mobile home 293 1.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
368
73.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Crystal Lake

In Crystal Lake, the median construction year is 1986. About 5.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 832 5.4% -17.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 347 2.3% 9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,323 8.7% 6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,331 8.7% -4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,492 16.3% 2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,063 13.5% 2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,998 26.2% -3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,025 13.3% -6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 477 3.1% 1.7%
Built in 2020 or later 368 2.4% 73.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Crystal Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 14,806 occupied housing units in Crystal Lake, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,806
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,315
Owner occupied
11,491
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,315 22.4% 1.2%
Owner occupied 11,491 77.6% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Crystal Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Crystal Lake come to a median of $1,706 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,468.

Median housing costs per month
$1,706/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Crystal Lake
$1,468/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake education at a glance

About 29.9% of the population in Crystal Lake went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 26.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 736 2.4% 7.6%
High school diploma 9,289 29.9% 8.2%
College diploma 6,418 20.6% -5.5%
Associate degree 2,629 8.5% -6.4%
Bachelor's degree 8,241 26.5% -1.7%
Graduate degree 3,773 12.1% 3.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Crystal Lake

How much people earn in Crystal Lake

The average annual household income in Crystal Lake was $124,939 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,418, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Crystal Lake
$124,939/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Crystal Lake
$108,418/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Crystal Lake income by age

In Crystal Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,611. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $131,880 overall. Overall, 93.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $107,611 1.4%
45 - 64 $131,880 1.5%
Over 65 $74,111 5.7%
Above poverty level
37,361
Below poverty level
2,710
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,361 93.2% -0.5%
Below poverty level 2,710 6.8% 10.8%

Average renter income in Crystal Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Crystal Lake, their median household income was $59,841 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,841
Rent-to-income ratio
29.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Crystal Lake

Workforce and job types in Crystal Lake

The job market in Crystal Lake is powered by 22,246 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
22,246
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
17,660
Blue collar
4,586
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,660 79.4% 1.1%
Blue collar 4,586 20.6% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,855 8.3% -3.2%
Private companies 15,538 69.8% 1.1%
Governmental workers 2,834 12.7% 3.6%
Not for profit companies 2,019 9.1% 17.6%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Crystal Lake stands at 4.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Crystal Lake

How people get around in Crystal Lake

Commuting methods vary: 81.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,863 81.6% 1.6%
Taxicab 15 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 23 0.1% -28.1%
Subway or elevated 38 0.2% N/A
Railroad 203 0.9% -41.3%
Motorcycle 36 0.2% -41.0%
Bicycle 33 0.2% -26.7%
Walk 307 1.4% 16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Crystal Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60012 12,368 4,220 $159,375 $194,504
60014 48,590 17,644 $109,016 $133,602

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FAQs about Crystal Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake has a total population of 40,579 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Crystal Lake?

The gender ratio in Crystal Lake is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (20,053 residents)
  • 50.6% females (20,526 residents)

What is the median age in Crystal Lake?

The median age in Crystal Lake is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Crystal Lake?

The age distribution in Crystal Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (7,534 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (5,800 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (10,390 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (10,802 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (6,053 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal Lake is as follows:
  • White: 81% (32,878 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (261 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (122 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (1,586 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (3,287 residents)
  • Other: 6% (2,445 residents)

What percentage of the population in Crystal Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89% of the population in Crystal Lake.

How many housing units are there in Crystal Lake?

There are 15,256 housing units in Crystal Lake, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Crystal Lake and what is the average household size?

Crystal Lake has a total of 14,806 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake has a median household income of $108,418, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Crystal Lake?

The employment rate is 95.8% in Crystal Lake, with a workforce of 22,246 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (17,660 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (4,586 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (1,855 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (15,538 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (2,834 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (2,019 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025