What to know when moving to Round Lake, IL
Round Lake at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A growing community where 21.8% of residents rent and the median household income is $95,457.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to outdoor activities at places like Independence Grove Forest Preserve, rated 4.8 stars by 3,637 users.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 10.1%, budget carefully for median rent of $1,461.
- Commute:
- Only 2.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for a community where education is valued; 26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Round Lake features a population of about 62,000, with a solid median income of $95,457. The community is predominantly homeowners, but 21.8% of the residents are renters, which may appeal to those looking for more flexible living arrangements. The education level is relatively high, with 26.7% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a focus on education. The area is also characterized by a low public transit usage rate of just 2.1%, which suggests that owning a car is the norm for residents.
Probably not your spot if: you rely heavily on public transportation, as only 2.1% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,461, which reflects the area's moderate housing costs.
- Median home value stands at $215,200, making home ownership relatively accessible.
- The poverty rate is 10.1%, indicating some economic challenges within the community.
- Renter percentage is 21.8%, suggesting a mix of ownership and rental options.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the overall crime trends show a decrease in both violent and property crime rates over the past few years. The state violent crime rate is 245.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national average. Property crime rates are also notable at 1,549 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9, but with a significant decline of 16.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: State annual rate of 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: State annual rate of 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 28.7% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Round Lake has access to several educational institutions in the nearby area, providing opportunities for higher education. Notable schools include:
- College of Lake County in Grayslake
- Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in Lake Forest
- University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein
- Empire Beauty School in Vernon Hills
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Though climate data is unavailable, Round Lake offers several parks and outdoor areas for residents to enjoy nature. These include:
- Independence Grove Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars from 3,637 reviews
- Moraine Hills State Park - 4.7 stars from 2,046 reviews
- Century Park Arboretum - 4.7 stars from 1,005 reviews
- Hastings Lake Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars from 772 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Lake County, the employment landscape is robust, with a total of 340,180 employed individuals and an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of 360,967 people, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 5.8% as of December 2025
- Employed: 340,180 individuals
- Labor force: 360,967 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.