2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Decatur, IL vs Waukegan, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Waukegan older or younger than people in Decatur?
- The Median Age in Waukegan is 5.7 years younger than in Decatur.

Are housing costs cheaper in Waukegan or Decatur?
- Waukegan housing costs are 118.0% more expensive than Decatur housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Waukegan or Decatur?
- The average commute for residents of Waukegan is 9.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Decatur.

Things to do in Decatur?
Decatur, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as Scovill Zoo and Nelson Park, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Decatur. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as Macon County History Museum and Richland Community College Performance Center. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Decatur has something for everyone!

Things to do in Waukegan?
Waukegan, Illinois sits on Lake Michigan’s banks boasting 30 miles worth of sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing or playing beach volleyball along with other activities such as biking trails around Bowen Park or fly fishing in Mill Creek.

 Decatur, ILWaukegan, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,751329,725,481
 Median Income$45,111  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$83,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.47  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Decatur    14 Reviews

I was sent here by the company I worked for in the '90's and was not initially impressed with midwest living. However, over the years I got used to living in the "Pride  More

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I grew up in Decatur and I still have family there, but it depresses me to see what it has become. It has a high unemployment rate, many business have closed or are run  More

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Over 14 years ago

If you enjoy drinking & driving, Decatur's fifteen drive-thru liquor windows, three times the # of drive-thru's than the ten largest cities in Illinois, COMBINED, will  More

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Reviews for Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

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Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

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Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  More

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