Let the numbers do the talking.
Decatur, IL vs Waukegan, IL
Decatur, IL vs Waukegan, IL: What the data shows
Decatur, IL is in Decatur, IL while Waukegan, IL is in Waukegan, IL — both in the same state. On home prices, Decatur, IL is the more affordable option at $119,000 median — $81,000 less than Waukegan, IL's $200,000. WYLT rates Decatur, IL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Waukegan, IL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Decatur, IL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Decatur, IL has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Waukegan, IL has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Decatur, IL has Low flood risk and Waukegan, IL has Low flood risk.
Waukegan, IL is the more walkable neighborhood. Decatur, IL scores 8/100 (car-dependent) versus Waukegan, IL's 9/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Decatur, IL rates 6/10 and Waukegan, IL rates 6/10.
| Category | Decatur, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $119K ✓ Lower price | $200K |
| Median Rent | $850 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $63K ✓ Higher income | $59K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 8/100 | 9/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 22/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 210 min | 56 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Best for | Local workersFamiliesStudents | Budget-conscious familiesFirst-time home buyersSuburban commuters |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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