countyscore
47.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.2Soil Quality 87.2Health 76.8

County Report Card

About Lake County, Illinois

A High-Resource Suburban Hub

Lake County earns a composite score of 47.2, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While its infrastructure and wealth are high, the heavy cost of living keeps it from the top national percentiles.

Trailing the Illinois Average

With a score of 47.2, Lake County sits below the Illinois state average of 52.8. High property taxes and environmental risks weigh down the overall ranking despite exceptional local services.

Elite Incomes and Excellent Schools

The county boasts an incredible income score of 97.2, driven by a median household income of $108,917. Education and health also excel, with scores of 75.9 and 76.8 respectively.

The Burden of High Taxes

Taxation is a significant hurdle, as the 2.677% effective tax rate results in a near-zero tax score of 0.3. High housing costs and a low risk score of 4.0 further complicate the financial profile.

Ideal for High-Earning Families

This county is perfect for high-income professionals who value top-tier schools and healthcare above all else. It suits those willing to trade high tax bills for a robust suburban infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax0.3Cost5.8Safety72.6Health76.8Schools75.9Income97.2Risk4Water65.3Weather54.2
🏛0.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨87.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

McHenry County
Illinois
52.3
Kenosha County
Wisconsin
39.9
Cook County
Illinois
30.3
Kane County
Illinois
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DuPage County
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Racine County
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Walworth County
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Boone County
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Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Lake County remains safer than the national average

Lake County's total crime rate of 653.0 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance gives the county a strong safety score of 99.0.

Lake County ranks well in Illinois

With a safety score of 99.0, Lake County sits above the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 653.0 is also lower than the state's average rate of 835.0.

Strong safety across 39 local agencies

Despite its high population, Lake County keeps its violent crime rate at 75.4, which is far below the national average of 369.8. This is a testament to the coordination of its many reporting agencies.

Property crime is the primary focus

Property crime accounts for 577.6 of the total 653.0 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime makes up a small fraction of the total, occurring at a rate of 75.4 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritize property protection in Lake County

Since property crime is the main concern, high-quality locks and security cameras are effective deterrents. Residents are encouraged to participate in community watch programs to maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Suburban Excellence

Lake County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 208 public schools serving 118,820 students. This sprawling network is managed by 49 distinct school districts and includes 115 elementary, 45 middle, and 30 high schools.

High Performance with Competitive Investment

The county boasts a 90.6% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 88.8% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $12,962 aligns with the national average, it sits far above the state average of $9,250, resulting in a strong composite school score of 66.7.

Home to Massive Districts and Selective Options

Waukegan CUSD 60 leads the county with 13,679 students across 22 schools, while Round Lake CUSD 116 serves over 6,300 students. Charter schools represent a small fraction of the landscape, with only 4 campuses making up less than 2% of the total school count.

Large Suburban Campuses Define the Experience

With 200 schools classified as suburban, the county offers a quintessential large-school experience where the average enrollment is 639 students. Adlai E Stevenson High School stands as the largest institution with 4,489 students, creating a collegiate atmosphere for local teens.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Families prioritize Lake County for its exceptional graduation rates and well-funded districts. Explore available homes in these high-performing communities to give your children access to some of the best educational opportunities in Illinois.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A cool, lake-influenced climate

Lake County’s 48.4°F annual average is significantly cooler than the national median. Proximity to Lake Michigan creates a unique local climate with increased snowfall and moderated summer heat.

Cooler and snowier than average

The county's 48.4°F average temperature is over four degrees cooler than the Illinois average. It stands out state-wide for its 43.3 inches of snow, far exceeding typical Illinois levels.

The snow leader of the region

Lake County receives 43.3 inches of snow, much more than Kane’s 32.8 inches or Kankakee’s 23.9 inches. It is also slightly cooler than Kane County by about one degree annually.

Mild summers and snowy winters

Summers are very comfortable with only 10 days over 90°F. Winters are the main event, bringing 43.3 inches of snow and an average temperature of 25.3°F.

Invest in heavy snow gear

Residents must prioritize snow removal equipment to handle the massive 43.3 inches of annual accumulation. Summer cooling needs are lower here than in most of Illinois, with only 10 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performing Soils in Lake County

Lake County boasts a superior soil score of 87.2, far outpacing the Illinois state average of 73.6. The average pH of 6.37 is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but aligns closely with the state average.

Heavy Silt Foundations

The soil is dominated by 58.1% silt and 21.9% clay, creating a dense texture that holds onto nutrients. With only 15.6% sand, the ground offers excellent structural stability but may feel heavy when wet.

Extraordinary Organic Wealth

Organic matter is a remarkable 6.30%, more than double the state average of 2.94% and the national average of 2.0%. This richness, paired with an available water capacity of 0.217 in/in, creates a highly fertile environment for plant growth.

Superior Moisture Retention

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high available water capacity indicates soil that stores moisture effectively for crops. Gardeners should watch for slow drainage during heavy rains due to the high silt and clay content.

Prime Growing in Zone 6a

Lake County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, making it perfect for cold-hardy perennials and high-yield vegetable crops. The exceptionally high organic matter provides a natural engine for a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Performing Environment for Lake County Lawns

Lake County earns a 73.9 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain than the Illinois state average of 69.8. This USDA Zone 6a region offers a much friendlier environment for grass than the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Precipitation and Lower Heat Stress

With only 10 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces significantly less thermal stress than the state average of 27. The 37 inches of annual precipitation falls perfectly within the ideal range to support growth across 2,790 growing degree days.

Nutrient-Rich Soil with Moderate Clay

The soil is slightly acidic with a 6.37 pH, which sits right in the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for nutrient uptake. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 21.9% clay content suggests homeowners should watch for compaction during wet periods.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year and currently sees 96.5% of its area in abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage root depth during these periods of scarcity.

Timing Your Lake County Seeding

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 6a and should be seeded after the last frost on April 29. Early fall remains the best time for sodding before the first fall frost hits around October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Illinois has a composite county score of 47.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lake County rank among counties in Illinois?
Lake County ranks #76 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lake County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $8,743, with an effective tax rate of 2.68%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 0.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Illinois is $108,917 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Illinois a good place to live?
Lake County scores 47.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Lake County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lake County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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