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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Waukegan offers a pragmatic, mid-sized gateway for those seeking a foothold in the Greater Chicago area without the prohibitive costs of the city center. It provides a functional lifestyle characterized by reliable healthcare and decent public transit links, making it a sensible base for professionals who prioritize accessibility to regional economic hubs.
While the city offers a more manageable pace of life, expats should weigh the moderate safety profile against the convenience of its location. It is a choice for the realist: you gain proximity to major metropolitan amenities and lower living expenses, though you trade away the polished, high-end infrastructure found in more affluent suburban enclaves.
Population
88,475
Area
20 km²
Density
4,326 per km²
Founded
-
Language
English
Distance to Coast
1300 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Waukegan
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Climate & Weather in Waukegan
Waukegan has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) with warm to hot, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Annual precipitation is moderate and occurs year-round, with wetter conditions in late spring and summer and about 931 mm of rainfall annually. This climate fits the U.S. climate reference range, especially for summer heat, winter cold, and mid-to-high humidity.
Summer Average
23°C
Winter Average
-4°C
Climate Type
Humid Continental
Rainy Days
112
Sunny Days
200
Humidity
79%
Spring
March - May
7-18°C
Spring is cool to mild and becomes steadily warmer through May. Rain is common, and conditions can shift quickly between cool, cloudy, and mild days.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
20-29°C
Summer is warm to hot and often humid, with July and August typically the warmest period. Thunderstorms are common, and rainfall tends to be highest in the summer months.
High rainfall
Autumn
September - November
8-18°C
Autumn is cool and gradually turns colder through November. The season is usually comfortable at first, with increasing wind and the first frosts later in the period.
Moderate rainfall
Winter
December - February
-8-2°C
Winter is cold and snowy, with frequent freezes and occasional lake-effect influence from Lake Michigan. January is typically the coldest month.
Moderate rainfall
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Air Quality
Waukegan
Advantages
Waukegan
Abundant parks and green spaces
Affordable housing and living costs
Lake Michigan waterfront access
Diverse community and cultures
Strong public school system
Close to Chicago amenities
Disadvantages
Waukegan
Limited job opportunities locally
Aging infrastructure needs investment
No coworking spaces available
Commute to Chicago required
Limited entertainment venues
Safety & Security in Waukegan
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
57
/100
United States Avg
59
North America Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
57
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Waukegan to United States averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Waukegan
United States Average
No city-specific data available — showing United States country averages instead.