Waukegan, Illinois occupies twenty-three square miles along the spectacular shores of western Lake Michigan.  A vibrant port city, Waukegan lies eight miles south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border within forty miles of Chicago.  Located midway between the powerhouse cities of Chicago and Milwaukee, Waukegan residents boast unparalleled cultural and educational opportunities. 

At the time of Census 2000, Waukegan was home to 87,901 residents; however, estimates in 2003 indicate the population rose by 3.8% to 91,452.  In 2006, 713,076 called Lake County their home.  Notable residents include actor Jerry Orbach, author Ray Bradbury and comedian Jack Benny.  Both Benny and Bradbury have local parks named in their honor.

As the seat of Lake County, IL, Waukegan serves as the center of commerce for the region.  Waukegan’s pro-business atmosphere, skilled workforce and strategic location resulted in more than $500,000,000 in new development over the past eight years.  In addition, the historic downtown area, the lakefront, and many of the commercial and industrial areas continue to upgrade and revitalize, laying the groundwork for future growth potential.  Residents earn an annual median household income of $42,335 (higher than the national average of $41,994).

Education plays an important role for Waukegan, where numerous public and private schools serve at the primary and secondary levels.  Those seeking a post-secondary education have access to nearly thirty colleges within a 30-mile radius.  Some of these fine higher learning institutions include the College of Lake County, Lake Forest College, Shimer College and the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, all of which are in Lake County.  Options outside the county include the University of Wisconsin in Kenosha County and William Rainey Harper College in Cook County.  Nearly 16% of residents over the age of 25 years hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

The Waukegan Park District operates numerous athletic and recreational facilities and nearly forty parks encompassing 720 acres.  Included in these impressive options are the Belvidere Recreation Center, the Bowen Heritage Center, the Field House at Hinkston Park and the Jack Benny Center for the Arts.  Waukegan also offers an aquatic center, BMX track, three distinct golf courses and a skate park. The pristine Illinois State Beach Park draws its share of visitors with its lovely setting along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Additionally, Waukegan River and Lake Michigan provide the ideal location for freshwater salmon, as well as many other varieties of fish.

Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor is a popular destination for visitors to the Lake County region.  This exciting 300-acre theme park lies to the west of Waukegan in Gurnee, also home to Gurnee Mills, a two million square foot shopping center.  In addition, Naval Station Great Lakes, founded in 1911, lies just south of Waukegan.  This Naval Station remains the only Recruit Training Command in the US Navy and ranks as the largest Training Center for the Navy.

Waukegan, Illinois, one of the oldest communities in the state, features luxurious Victorian homes and stunning lakeside villas with numerous housing options to meet varied tastes and budgets.