2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waukegan, IL vs Des Plaines, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Des Plaines older or younger than people in Waukegan?
- The Median Age in Des Plaines is 8.1 years older than in Waukegan.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Plaines or Waukegan?
- Des Plaines housing costs are 47.2% more expensive than Waukegan housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Plaines or Waukegan?
- The average commute for residents of Des Plaines is 2.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Waukegan.

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.

Things to do in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving city located just outside of Chicago. This bustling town offers a unique mix of small town charm and big city energy with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. There are also several concert venues, theatres, and museums to explore while in Des Plaines. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of activities from antiquing to golfing if they're looking for something more active. Whatever you choose to do there's no doubt that Des Plaines will make your stay enjoyable!

 Waukegan, ILDes Plaines, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,413329,725,481
 Median Income$58,844  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$181,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.17  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

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Over 16 years ago

The historic center of des plaines is also downtown. Fairly easy commute to Chicago. The metra is right there. Also there is the Des Plaines public library with a great  More

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Over 18 years ago

Changing of the seasons is good. But it's too cold for too  More

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