By Pamela Smith
Updated: Sep 7, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
227 movers in Grayslake
What to know when moving to Grayslake, IL
Grayslake at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 49.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 17.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $104,920, providing a solid economic backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 1.9% of residents using public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,526 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Grayslake features a blend of higher education and homeownership, with nearly half of its 35,579 residents holding bachelor's degrees and a median household income of $104,920. The community is predominantly owner-occupied, with only 17.3% of residents renting their homes. Public transit usage is low, making a personal vehicle essential for getting around. The area's outdoor options, including multiple forest preserves, are ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a vibrant public transit system or a higher renter percentage.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,526, while the median home value is $276,800, indicating a strong homeownership market.
- 49.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated demographic.
- Poverty rate stands at 5.3%, reflecting a generally stable economic environment.
- Only 1.9% of residents commute via public transit, highlighting the need for a car.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, crime rates reflect state-level data, showing trends over recent years.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k, with a 16.1% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped significantly by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Grayslake has access to several educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for residents.
- Postsecondary institutions: 8
- With College Scorecard data: 8
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Grayslake offers several outdoor spots that locals enjoy visiting.
- Volo Museum - 4.7 stars (5,610 reviews)
- Independence Grove Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars (3,637 reviews)
- Century Park Arboretum - 4.7 stars (1,005 reviews)
- Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars (979 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Lake County, where Grayslake is located, the job market shows a stable labor force.
- Unemployment rate: 5.8% as of December 2025
- Employed: 340,180
- Labor force: 360,967
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
