RANK #43 / 996 · POP 713,159 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.5%
Lake County, Illinois, distinguishes itself with its extensive natural beauty, boasting 170 lakes and rivers, 23 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and over 31,000 acres of forest preserves. Located in northeastern Illinois, it sits halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, offering residents access to both major cities. Commute options include three Metra commuter rail lines connecting to Chicago, as well as the Pace bus system and major highways like I-94. Towns like Libertyville and Barrington offer distinct community atmospheres, while Grayslake provides a small-town feel with commuter convenience.
Life in Lake County appeals to families and professionals, with highly rated public schools and numerous parks and outdoor activities. The county's economy is driven by sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and residential projects, as well as expansions within existing businesses. Lake County's strategic location and focus on talent development contribute to its economic landscape.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
T5 @ Chicago IV Data Center Campus
T5 Data Centers
|
$8,500M | Under Construction |
|
Zion Energy Center - BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Undisclosed
|
$635M | Planned |
|
AbbVie API Manufacturing Plant
AbbVie
|
$192M | Under Construction |
|
Morris Station Development (Mundelein)
Undisclosed
|
$68M | Completed |
|
The Quarry Apartment Complex (Fox Lake)
Charles Hall Construction, Sterling Hall, WCP Fox Lake
|
$41M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lake County has a Boom Town Index score of 96/100, ranking #43 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $104,553, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lake County is $313,700 with median rent at $1,382/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3333, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +5.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.85% of Lake County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.