Waukegan, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
89,076
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,919/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,229
1.2% year-over-year change

Waukegan population

How many people live in Waukegan

Waukegan is home to 89,076 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Waukegan locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
89,076
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
45,365
Female
49.1%
43,711
Value Percent YoY change
Male 45,365 50.9% 0.2%
Female 43,711 49.1% 0.2%
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 Waukegan is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 15.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
15.3%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,446 18.5% -5.8%
15 to 24 13,604 15.3% 0.1%
25 to 44 26,302 29.5% 1.7%
45 to 64 21,954 24.6% 2.2%
Over 65 10,770 12.1% 2.4%
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 Waukegan, 66.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28% of locals are Caucasian, 17.3% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. Another 2.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 21.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
66.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.4%
Non-citizens
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 58,952 66.2% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,842 14.4% 0.5%
Non-citizens 17,282 19.4% 0.7%
Racial breakdown
White
28%
Black or African American
17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.1%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
25.3%
Other
21.7%
Value Percent
White 24,909 28%
Black or African American 15,413 17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,883 2.1%
Asian 4,937 5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 60 0.1%
Two or more races 22,542 25.3%
Other 19,332 21.7%

Households in Waukegan

A peek inside Waukegan households

Waukegan has 32,042 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.6% are families, while the remaining 33.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,042
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
10,704
Family households
21,338
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,704 33.4% 1.3%
Family households 21,338 66.6% 2.4%
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 Waukegan

The housing landscape of Waukegan

Waukegan's housing consists of 33,229 units, with 51.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,229
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,259 51.9%
1 unit, attached 2,220 6.7%
2 units 2,702 8.1%
3 or 4 units 1,555 4.7%
5 to 9 units 2,347 7.1%
10 to 19 units 3,097 9.3%
20 to 49 units 1,716 5.2%
50 or more units 2,274 6.8%
Mobile home 59 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waukegan

In Waukegan, the median construction year is 1967. About 18.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,092 18.3% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,797 5.4% 8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,360 16.1% -5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,639 14% 12.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,800 14.4% -0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,431 10.3% 8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,440 13.4% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,132 6.4% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 538 1.6% 59.6%
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.

Waukegan occupancy rates

Out of the 32,042 occupied housing units in Waukegan, 50.2% are owner-occupied, while 49.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,042
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,952
Owner occupied
16,090
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,952 49.8% 3.4%
Owner occupied 16,090 50.2% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
3.6%
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.

Waukegan housing costs

Housing costs in Waukegan come to a median of $1,203 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,205.

Median housing costs per month
$1,203/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 Waukegan
$1,205/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 Waukegan

Waukegan education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Waukegan went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,807 12.8% 8.1%
High school diploma 28,797 41.9% -0.4%
College diploma 13,336 19.4% -2.8%
Associate degree 4,619 6.7% 19.9%
Bachelor's degree 8,917 13% 0.1%
Graduate degree 4,269 6.2% 8.0%
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 Waukegan

How much people earn in Waukegan

The average annual household income in Waukegan was $92,476 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,919, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waukegan
$92,476/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waukegan
$71,919/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Waukegan income by age

In Waukegan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,815. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,186 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,956, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,950 in earnings. Overall, 84.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,956 -0.3%
25 - 44 $66,815 -0.3%
45 - 64 $84,186 2.7%
Over 65 $60,950 8.3%
Above poverty level
73,637
Below poverty level
13,157
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 73,637 84.8% 0.2%
Below poverty level 13,157 15.2% -1.4%

Average renter income in Waukegan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waukegan, their median household income was $46,649 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,649
Rent-to-income ratio
31%
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 Waukegan

Workforce and job types in Waukegan

The job market in Waukegan is powered by 45,192 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 74.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
45,192
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
30,291
Blue collar
14,901
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 30,291 67% 1.7%
Blue collar 14,901 33% -0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
74.9%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,846 6.3% -1.9%
Private companies 33,852 74.9% 1.8%
Governmental workers 5,690 12.6% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 2,804 6.2% 0.7%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
21.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waukegan stands at 6.4%, 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 Waukegan

How people get around in Waukegan

In Waukegan, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 38,012 86.2% -0.1%
Taxicab 397 0.9% 22.5%
Bus or trolleybus 562 1.3% -21.3%
Subway or elevated 116 0.3% N/A
Railroad 269 0.6% 12.1%
Motorcycle 23 0% N/A
Bicycle 90 0.2% 3.5%
Walk 390 0.9% 15.4%
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 Waukegan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60085 72,341 25,566 $66,793 $83,039
60087 27,293 10,192 $76,738 $92,981

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FAQs about Waukegan demographics 

What is the total population of Waukegan?

Waukegan has a total population of 89,076 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waukegan?

The gender ratio in Waukegan is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (45,365 residents)
  • 49.1% females (43,711 residents)

What is the median age in Waukegan?

The median age in Waukegan is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waukegan?

The age distribution in Waukegan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (16,446 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.3% (13,604 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (26,302 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (21,954 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.1% (10,770 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waukegan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waukegan is as follows:
  • White: 28% (24,909 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.3% (15,413 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.1% (1,883 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (4,937 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (60 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.3% (22,542 residents)
  • Other: 21.7% (19,332 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 66.2% of the population in Waukegan.

How many housing units are there in Waukegan?

There are 33,229 housing units in Waukegan, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waukegan has a total of 32,042 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waukegan?

Waukegan has a median household income of $71,919, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Waukegan?

The employment rate is 93.6% in Waukegan, with a workforce of 45,192 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67% (30,291 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33% (14,901 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (2,846 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.9% (33,852 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (5,690 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (2,804 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