City · Illinois
Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan, city, in Lake County, Illinois. Waukegan had 87,940 residents on July 1, 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, down 1.5% since 2020; the 2020 Census counted 89,321 and the ACS 2020-2024 5-year estimates put it at 89,076 (±423). GEOID 1779293.
Residents, July 2025 estimate
87,940
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 89,321 · ACS 2020-2024: 89,076 ±423
Median household income
$71,919
±$3,861 (90% margin)
Illinois: $83,390
Median home value
$190,900
±$5,356 (90% margin)
Illinois: $263,300
Median gross rent
$1,205
±$38 (90% margin)
Illinois: $1,274
Where is Waukegan and what county is it in?
Waukegan is a city in Lake County, Illinois. It covers 24.3 square miles of land, 3,682 residents per square mile in 2020.
Waukegan is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan statistical area, which takes in 13 counties (Census Bureau delineation, July 2023).
Waukegan lies mostly within Waukegan Township and reaches into Warren Township (Lake County), Benton Township (Lake County) and Libertyville Township, towns or townships with their own local government (2020 census blocks).
Source: 2024 Gazetteer and 2020 place-by-county files, U.S. Census Bureau · Census reference files
How many people live in Waukegan, and is it growing?
The Census Bureau estimates that 87,940 people lived in Waukegan on July 1, 2025, down 1.5% since 2020, a steeper fall than Illinois's (−0.8%). The 2020 Census counted 89,321 residents. The 2020-2024 American Community Survey, a five-year sample, puts the population at 89,076 (±423).
| Measure | Waukegan | Lake County | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 89,076 ±423 | 714,223 | +1,779 |
| Households | 32,042 ±851 | 258,455 | +2,601 |
| Average household size | 2.72 ±0.07 | 2.69 | −0.17 |
| Housing units | 33,229 ±800 | 270,618 | +1,387 |
Waukegan's population since 2000
From 87,901 in 2000 to 87,940 in 2025: up 0.0%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts, each for Waukegan as it was drawn that year: a place that annexed land, or a community that has since incorporated, covered a different area then. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); Census PEP Vintage 2025 (SUB-EST2025, CO-EST2025); 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Waukegan?
The median resident of Waukegan is 35.5 years old; 22.8% are under 18 and 12.1% are 65 or older. The largest group is Hispanic or Latino residents (of any race) at 57.9%, then non-Hispanic white residents at 16.7%. 31.0% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Waukegan | Lake County | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 35.5 ±1.2 | 39.1 | +3.2 |
| Under 18 years | 22.8% ±1.3 pts | 23.3% | – |
| 65 years and over | 12.1% ±0.8 pts | 15.8% | – |
| Male | 50.9% ±1.3 pts | 50.3% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 57.9% ±1.7 pts | 24.9% | +2.3 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 16.7% ±1.4 pts | 56.2% | −2.5 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 16.6% ±1.6 pts | 6.3% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 5.4% ±1.0 pts | 8.6% | no clear change |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.1% ±0.1 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0% ±0.1 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 2.7% ±0.6 pts | 3.3% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.6% ±0.3 pts | 0.6% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 31.0% ±2.0 pts | 19.8% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 54.1% ±2.5 pts | 31.4% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 3.9% ±0.8 pts | 4.7% | – |
| With a disability | 10.3% ±0.9 pts | 9.8% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 16.0% ±1.4 pts | 6.9% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 75.3% ±1.7 pts | 90.6% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 20.9% ±1.9 pts | 47.7% | +3.5 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 7.2% ±0.9 pts | 20.1% | – |
| Lived in the same house a year earlier | 87.4% ±2.1 pts | 88.4% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 1.7% ±0.7 pts | 2.9% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Waukegan earn?
Half of Waukegan's 32,042 households earn less than $71,919 a year (±$3,861), against $110,416 in Lake County and $83,390 in Illinois. In 2015-2019 the median was $61,292 in 2024 dollars, so it rose by $10,627 after inflation. 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Waukegan | Lake County | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $71,919 ±$3,861 | $110,416 | +$10,627 |
| Mean household income | $92,476 ±$3,722 | $155,726 | – |
| Per capita income | $33,249 ±$1,375 | $57,153 | +$5,230 |
| People below the poverty line | 15.3% ±1.8 pts | 8.3% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 24.5% ±4.4 pts | 11.5% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 19.8% ±2.1 pts | 9.4% | – |
| Households with a computer | 96.2% ±1.0 pts | 97.2% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 90.0% ±1.5 pts | 94.3% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Waukegan?
Owners occupy 50.2% of Waukegan's occupied homes and renters 49.8%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $190,900 by its owner (±$5,356). The median renter pays $1,205 a month including utilities, and 38.6% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Waukegan | Lake County | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $190,900 ±$5,356 | $345,700 | +$28,202 |
| Median gross rent | $1,205 ±$38 | $1,477 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 38.6% ±4.4 pts | 40.1% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,682 ±$69 | $2,503 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 50.2% ±2.4 pts | 74.8% | +3.7 pts |
| Renter-occupied homes | 49.8% ±2.4 pts | 25.2% | – |
| Housing units | 33,229 ±800 | 270,618 | +1,387 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.6% ±0.5 pts | 0.9% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 1.9% ±1.0 pts | 3.7% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 51.9% ±2.4 pts | 66.6% | – |
| Mobile homes | 0.2% ±0.2 pts | 1.6% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 0.0% ±0.1 pts | 0.6% | – |
| Built 2010 to 2019 | 1.6% ±0.5 pts | 4.9% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 18.3% ±1.6 pts | 8.4% | – |
| Households with no vehicle | 8.4% ±1.5 pts | 4.6% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Waukegan building?
Builders took permits for 13 new housing units in Waukegan in 2025 (13 in single-family houses), 0.1 per 1,000 residents against 1.5 across Illinois.
Counts of units in permits a local office issued; not every permitted unit is built. A year marked with months was reported for part of the year.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual place files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Waukegan work and get to work?
70.1% of Waukegan's workers drive alone and 7.6% work from home. The average trip to work takes 26.1 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 6.4%.
| Measure | Waukegan | Lake County | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 68.6% ±1.5 pts | 68.2% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 6.4% ±1.1 pts | 5.2% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 70.1% ±2.0 pts | 65.7% | – |
| Carpooled | 16.1% ±1.5 pts | 8.5% | – |
| Public transportation | 2.1% ±0.7 pts | 2.7% | – |
| Walked | 0.9% ±0.4 pts | 2.1% | – |
| Worked from home | 7.6% ±1.5 pts | 19.5% | +5.1 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 26.1 min ±1.0 | 28.5 min | −1.6 min |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What census tracts are in Waukegan?
16 census tracts lie mostly in Waukegan, and 15 more reach into it (2020 census blocks). Their median household incomes run from $38,542 (Tract 8626.05) to $92,702 (Tract 8617.02).
| Tract | Residents, 2020-2024 | Median household income |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 8626.03Lake County | 7,374 | $73,021 |
| Tract 8620Lake County | 6,507 | $73,165 |
| Tract 8618.03Lake County | 6,679 | $77,894 |
| Tract 8621Lake County | 5,106 | $69,713 |
| Tract 8627Lake County | 4,485 | $56,955 |
| Tract 8622Lake County | 4,279 | $62,125 |
| Tract 8625.01Lake County | 3,957 | $66,447 |
| Tract 8618.04Lake County | 3,890 | $70,722 |
| Tract 8617.02Lake County | 3,802 | $92,702 |
| Tract 8615.04Lake County | 9,338 | $83,134 |
| Tract 8624.01Lake County | 3,478 | $62,174 |
| Tract 8624.02Lake County | 3,234 | $65,417 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 block assignment files (tract share = share of the tract's census blocks in Waukegan) · Census block assignment files
How does Waukegan compare with other places in Illinois?
By the Census Bureau's July 2025 estimates, Waukegan is the 411th-most populous of the 19,476 U.S. incorporated places that have one and the 10th-most populous of 1,294 in Illinois.
Waukegan ranks 807th of 1,380 places in Illinois with 1,000 or more residents and a reliable estimate, by median household income.
| Measure | Rank | Of |
|---|---|---|
| Population, July 2025 estimate | 10th | 1,294 |
| Growth 2020-2025 (PEP) | 576th | 1,347 |
| Residents per square mile | 111th | 1,383 |
| Median household income | 807th | 1,380 |
| Per capita income | 988th | 1,383 |
| Median home value | 616th | 1,379 |
| Median gross rent | 373rd | 1,280 |
| Poverty rate | 264th | 1,119 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 840th | 1,369 |
| Median age | 1,232nd | 1,383 |
| Owner-occupied share | 1,356th | 1,382 |
| Work from home | 784th | 1,015 |
| Travel time to work | 643rd | 1,382 |
Waukegan's figures with every place in Illinois (CSV)
Every place in Illinois, sortable · Compare Waukegan with other places
Source: PlainCities ranks computed from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How reliable are the figures for Waukegan?
5 of the 57 figures for Waukegan on this page carry a coefficient of variation over 40% and are marked with a ring: they come from a small sample, so read them as rough.
The American Community Survey samples about one household in eight over five years, so every figure is an estimate with a 90% margin of error (shown under each value). A ring marks an estimate whose coefficient of variation is over 40%. A change is called only when the gap between the two periods is larger than their combined 90% margin (the square root of the sum of the two squared margins), the Census Bureau's test. How to read a margin of error.
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026): margins of error as published · ACS technical documentation
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Waukegan are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' public schools in Waukegan.