Waukegan, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waukegan, Illinois is 88,919 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $70,578, the median home value is $177,600, and the median age is 34.6.
The population has declined 0.7% since 2010 (89,167 → 88,570).
88,919
Population
3665
People / sq mi
$70,578
Median Income
$177,600
Median Home Value
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Waukegan covers 24.3 sq mi of land at 3665 people per square mile.
About Waukegan, IL
Housing cost is the defining feature of Waukegan: the median home is valued at $177,600. Waukegan is a city in Illinois with a population of 88,919. It is the #9-largest of all cities in Illinois nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,578 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 10.9%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $177,600, with typical rent around $1,163.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 21.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Waukegan city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waukegan city had a population of 89,167 in 2010 and 88,570 in 2024, a -0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 89,167 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.04%.
88,570
Population (2024)
89,167
Population (2010)
89,167
Peak (2010)
-0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 89,167 |
| 2011 | 88,998 |
| 2012 | 88,799 |
| 2013 | 88,897 |
| 2014 | 88,791 |
| 2015 | 88,369 |
| 2016 | 88,157 |
| 2017 | 87,615 |
| 2018 | 86,680 |
| 2019 | 86,075 |
| 2020 | 89,122 |
| 2021 | 88,746 |
| 2022 | 88,346 |
| 2023 | 88,321 |
| 2024 | 88,570 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 33.0% |
| Black or African American | 16.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$70,578
Median Household Income
$31,667
Per Capita Income
10.9%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$177,600
Median Home Value
$1,163
Median Rent
50.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
76.5%
High School+
21.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.5%
Drive Alone
69.9%
Public Transit
6.7%
Work From Home
26.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.8%
Foreign Born
44.9%
Non-English at Home
4.3%
Veterans
11.2%
With Disability
84.5%
Health Insurance
94.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.0% |
| Manufacturing | 18.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.9% |
| Retail Trade | 6.3% |
| Construction | 5.5% |
| Information | 5.5% |
| Public Administration | 4.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Waukegan, Illinois has a population of 88,919 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Waukegan, Illinois is $70,578, with 10.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waukegan, Illinois is $177,600, with median monthly rent at $1,163 and a homeownership rate of 50.9%.
The median age in Waukegan, Illinois is 34.6 years. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The population has declined 0.7% since 2010 (89,167 → 88,570).
Where to stay in Waukegan
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.