CountyScore

Lake County

Illinois · IL

#102 in Illinois
48.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lake County, Illinois

Lake County trails national livability median

Lake County's composite score of 43.6 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. This score reflects significant variation in what makes a county livable, with some dimensions performing better than others.

Below average by Illinois standards

With a score of 43.6, Lake County ranks below Illinois's state average of 62.1, indicating it lags most Illinois counties on the overall livability index. This gap suggests local conditions present tradeoffs relative to other parts of the state.

Strong incomes lead the profile

Lake County's standout strength is income, with a median household income of $108,917—significantly above state and national norms. The cost score of 53.3 reflects a median home value of $326,600 and gross rent of $1,434/month, which is higher than most Illinois counties but still represents a functioning housing market.

Tax burden is a major drag

Lake County's weakest dimension is its tax score of 27.0, reflecting an effective tax rate of 2.677%—among the highest in the state. Critical data gaps remain on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors, limiting a full livability picture.

For high earners willing to pay more

Lake County suits affluent professionals and executives who prioritize premium incomes and don't mind elevated taxes and housing costs. The county's livability case depends heavily on quality of life factors not yet measured—notably schools, safety, and community character.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax27Cost53.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.5Risk4WaterComing Soon
🏛27
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lake County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Middlesex County
New Jersey
48.4
Median income: $109,028
Salem County
New Jersey
48.6
Median income: $78,412
Suffolk County
New York
48.3
Median income: $128,329
Gloucester County
New Jersey
48.2
Median income: $102,807
Cumberland County
New Jersey
48.9
Median income: $64,499

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes rank high nationally

Lake County's effective tax rate of 2.677% exceeds the national median of 2.690%, placing it near the top tier for property tax burden. The median tax bill here is $8,743, more than triple the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher local tax rates and significantly higher home values.

Among Illinois's highest taxing counties

Lake County ranks among the most expensive counties in Illinois for property taxes, with an effective rate of 2.677% versus the state average of 1.831%. Its median tax of $8,743 far exceeds the state average of $2,782.

Lake County outpaces nearby counties

Lake County's 2.677% rate significantly exceeds neighboring counties like LaSalle (2.154%) and Lee (1.921%). Homeowners here pay roughly 24% more in effective tax rate than the regional average.

Expect $8,743 annually on median home

On Lake County's median home value of $326,600, expect to pay approximately $8,743 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $9,173 due to escrow requirements.

Your assessment may be too high

Many Lake County homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's market value. Consider requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal if your property's assessed value exceeds recent sale comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County rents rank high nationally

Lake County residents spend 15.8% of household income on rent, slightly above the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $108,917—45% higher than the national median of $74,755—Lake County earners have substantially more resources to cover housing costs than typical American households.

Above-average housing costs statewide

Lake County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. At $1,434 monthly median rent, Lake County tenants pay 71% more than the state average of $837.

Premium pricing in the Chicago suburbs

Lake County's $1,434 monthly rent far outpaces neighboring LaSalle County ($906) and Lee County ($853), reflecting its proximity to Chicago's job market and higher cost of living. Homebuyers face similar premiums: Lake County's median home value of $326,600 dwarfs most Illinois counties, including LaSalle at $154,900.

Housing absorbs meaningful income share

Lake County renters dedicate $1,434 monthly to rent from a median income of $108,917, while homeowners pay $1,891 monthly on mortgages. Together, these figures show housing costs ranging from 16-21% of median income—higher than the affordable housing benchmark of 30%, but manageable for this higher-income county.

Consider Lake County for earnings potential

If you earn near Lake County's median income, housing remains accessible despite premium rents; if you're relocating from a lower-wage area, confirm your salary will keep pace with the 71% rent premium over state averages. Explore suburban alternatives like LaSalle or Lee counties to compare quality-of-life trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County's income leads the nation

Lake County's median household income of $108,917 towers 46% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the wealthiest counties in America. The county's per capita income of $55,756 nearly doubles the national average, reflecting a highly prosperous workforce.

Illinois' wealthiest county by far

Lake County ranks at the top of Illinois counties with a median household income 59% higher than the state average of $68,580. Its per capita income of $55,756 outpaces the state average by 55%, establishing it as the economic engine of Illinois.

Vastly outpaces surrounding regions

Lake County's $108,917 median income dwarfs neighboring LaSalle County ($72,281) and Lee County ($68,459), reflecting fundamentally different economic bases. The $40,000+ income gap between Lake and its nearest competitor underscores the county's unique position as a high-wage regional hub.

Healthy housing affordability cushion

Lake County residents spend just 15.8% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold and leaving substantial room for other expenses. With a median home value of $326,600 and strong incomes, homeownership remains achievable for middle-class families despite higher absolute housing costs.

Leverage Lake County's income advantage

With incomes 46% above the national average, Lake County households have exceptional capacity to invest in retirement accounts, education, and wealth-building opportunities. Now is the time to maximize 401(k) contributions, open a Roth IRA, or consult a financial advisor about investment strategies that match your long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County lives longer than most

At 80.4 years, Lake County's life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly four years. Just 16.9% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%. This county is among Illinois's healthiest, reflecting strong healthcare access and economic opportunity.

Top performer in Illinois

Lake County's 80.4-year life expectancy ranks it among the healthiest counties in Illinois, comfortably above the state average of 76.0 years. Its 16.9% poor/fair health rate beats the state trend, signaling consistently good health outcomes across the community.

Healthier than surrounding areas

Lake County residents live 2.6 years longer than those in neighboring Cook County and outpace all surrounding counties. With 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 376 mental health providers, Lake County has robust healthcare infrastructure compared to smaller nearby counties.

Healthcare access is strong here

Just 7.4% of Lake County residents lack health insurance, above the state average of 6.3%, though the county compensates with plentiful providers. With one primary care provider for every 943 residents and mental health services readily available, daily healthcare needs are usually met without long waits.

Check your coverage today

Even in a well-insured county, gaps exist—7.4% of residents remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your employer's benefits office to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer coverage that fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 96.0, Lake County ranks in the relatively high category—well above the national average. This reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding, that demand serious preparedness.

One of Illinois' riskiest counties

Lake County's score of 96.0 places it among the highest-risk counties in Illinois, where the state average composite risk is 54.5. This county experiences disaster threats substantially greater than most of its peers statewide.

Higher risk than similar counties

Lake County's risk profile stands out compared to adjacent counties like Cook and DuPage. Its tornado risk of 98.9 and flood risk of 97.2 exceed the risk levels found in neighboring areas, making it a notable hotspot in the region.

Tornadoes and floods top your threats

Lake County residents face a tornado risk score of 98.9 and a flood risk of 97.2—among the highest in the state. These two hazards pose the most immediate and frequent danger to homes and communities across the county.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage now

Given Lake County's extreme tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should verify that flood insurance is current and that wind damage coverage is adequate. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage; a separate NFIP or private flood policy is essential protection here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.