What to know when moving to Algonquin, IL
TL;DR: Algonquin at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 42.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 12% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $128,070, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.9% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,826/month in rent, which is typical for the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Algonquin features a well-educated population, with 42.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income stands at $128,070, indicating a relatively affluent community. The area has a low poverty rate of 4.3% and a small renter percentage of 12.0%, suggesting that most residents are homeowners.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit, as only 0.9% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,826, while the median home value is $320,600.
- 42.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's character.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.3%, indicating a generally stable economic environment.
- Only 12% of residents are renters, showing a strong owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the property crime rate is 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1,547. However, the state experienced a 16.1% decrease in property crime since 2022. The violent crime rate stands at 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national average of 325.3. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down to 4.5 per 100,000, a reduction of 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Algonquin offers access to several educational institutions in the surrounding area, with a total of 8 schools nearby, all within McHenry and adjoining counties.
- Postsecondary institutions: 8
- Notable schools include McHenry County College and various colleges in Crystal Lake and Elgin.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
McHenry County sees an annual precipitation of approximately 33.9 inches, with about 110 rainy days throughout the year. This includes a seasonal distribution of 8.9 inches in spring and 13.5 inches in summer. Snowfall averages around 3.3 inches annually, with 17 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park - 4.6 stars (1,728 reviews)
- Lords Park - 4.7 stars (1,292 reviews)
- The Water Works Indoor Water Park - 4.4 stars (1,216 reviews)
- Veteran Acres Park - 4.7 stars (928 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In McHenry County, the unemployment rate is 4.1% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 179,191. There are about 171,845 employed individuals in the area, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.1% (December 2025)
- Employed: 171,845
- Labor force: 179,191
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).