Waukegan, IL

Very Low · 73

Illinois · Population 88,919 · Updated March 2026

$1,163
Median Rent / Month
$70,578
Median Income
$177,600
Median Home Value
$1,167
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waukegan

19.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Illinois

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.95%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
2.07%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,956
Annual Rent
$3,494
State Income Tax
$3,676
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waukegan is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 73 (where 100 equals the national median), Waukegan residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,163/month while earning a median household income of $70,578/year.

The median home value in Waukegan, IL is $177,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,167 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Illinois has a moderate income tax rate of 4.95%. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 2.07% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Waukegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waukegan

What is the cost of living in Waukegan, IL?
The cost of living index in Waukegan, IL is 73 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,163, median household income is $70,578/year, and the median home value is $177,600.
Is Waukegan, IL affordable?
Yes, Waukegan is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 73. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waukegan, IL?
The median gross rent in Waukegan, IL is $1,163 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,956.
What is the median household income in Waukegan?
The median household income in Waukegan, IL is $70,578 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Illinois?
Illinois has a top income tax rate of 4.95%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.07%.