Waukegan, IL Census Data
The 9th largest city in Illinois by population · 29 cities ranked
Waukegan is the 9th largest city in Illinois by population and ranks 22nd of 29 for median household income. With 88,919 residents, its poverty rate of 15.3% ranks among the higher rates in Illinois. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
88,919
50.9% male · 49.1% female
Median Age
34.6
4.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$70,578
$7,960 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
21.0%
14.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 76.5%
Poverty Rate
15.3%
2.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 15.5%
Broadband Access
94.6%
4.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$177,600
Median rent: $1,163 · 51% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Labor force participation: 63.9%
Per Capita Income
$37,427
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.3%
Disability rate: 11.2%
How Waukegan Compares to Other Illinois Cities
Rankings among all 29 Illinois cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 29 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 22nd of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 22nd of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 28th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 25th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Waukegan, IL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waukegan, IL?
The population of Waukegan, IL is 88,919 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.6 years.
What is the median household income in Waukegan?
The median household income in Waukegan, IL is $70,578, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,427.
What is the poverty rate in Waukegan?
The poverty rate in Waukegan, IL is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 15.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Waukegan residents have a college degree?
21.0% of adults (25+) in Waukegan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 76.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Waukegan?
The median home value in Waukegan, IL is $177,600. Median rent is $1,163 per month, with 51% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Waukegan?
Waukegan's population is 33.0% White, 16.1% Black, 57.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Waukegan rank among Illinois cities?
Waukegan is the 9th largest city in Illinois by population, the 22nd highest for median household income, the 22nd lowest for poverty rate, the 28th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 29 ranked Illinois cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukegan?
The unemployment rate in Waukegan, IL is 5.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 63.9%. Per capita income is $37,427.
Cities Similar to Waukegan
Other Illinois cities with comparable population and income levels.